The Dreamcast is a tough machine to beat. Dreamcast's graphics are very good, it's half the price of the PS2, and that s to say nothing of the Dreamcast's built-in modem and its ability to let people play one another online. PS2 owners will be able to buy an optional modem and Sony has hinted at offering broadband network play, but they have a lot of catching up to do. You've no doubt heard that Sony has cut its initial shipment of PS2s to North America from 1 million to 500,000, due to a parts shortage, and many electronics stores have already pre-sold more units than they now expect to get. Apparently these retailers did not pre-sell their PS2s, which means first come, first served.
Some stores are opening at midnight tonight, so call ahead.
Sony says it should have about 1.3 million PS2s here a few weeks before Christmas. This is the second time that's come up, and now I'm getting curious. I think someone really should find out if they're making odds on this in Vegas. The problem is that even lowly VCR owners like me are waking up to the benefits of DVD, and the PS2 looks like every upgrader's dream. The Dreamcast has a lot more to offer than the Saturn did.