PlayStation 2, £169.99
The PS2 is the best-selling console around, with 3 million sales in the UK alone. There are hundreds of games available across all genres and it will even play the majority of your old PlayStation games. Must-have titles include Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Pro Evolution Soccer 2 and Ico. The PS2 runs DVDs without modification, unlike the Xbox, which needs a separate controller, and the Gamecube, which can't play them. However, playback is strictly average and certainly not as sharp as the Xbox. You'll also need to spend an extra £20 on a multi-tap peripheral if you want to compete with more than two players. If you fancy playing against the rest of the world, and you have a broadband account, then PS2 online gaming will start in Spring 2003. The PlayStation 2 is the oldest of the three contenders but offers by far the greatest choice of games, with titles that cover the entire age range. Exclusives such as GTA: Vice City and The Getaway are perfect for mature gamers, while children and teenagers are equally well catered for. The PS2 is a classy performer with all-round appeal, and is the safest choice this Christmas. Games Huge selection, with something for everyone.
DVD? Yes.
Online? Yes, broadband-only service starts in Spring 2003. Add-on needs to be purchased.
Verdict: 9/10
Xbox, £159.99
It's bulky and ugly but Microsoft's Xbox is the most powerful games console available. Its graphics and sound (Dolby 5.1) are noticeably better than its competitors, while a hard drive and broadband adaptor are built in. The selection of games is small at present, but Halo and Splinter Cell are excellent, and 2003 looks promising with some big titles, like Fable, in the offing. Then there is online gaming. Xbox Live, a broadband-only service, is launching in Britain on March 14 next year, offering gamers the chance to compete against opponents across the globe. After launching at a price of £299, the Xbox is now available for around £160. However, you will need to pay £20 for the controller needed to play DVDs. Playback of these is certainly better than PS2, although neither can match a similarly priced standalone player. The Xbox is a good bet for the older gamer, with titles like Splinter Cell pitched towards this demographic. But a lack of variety means younger players would be better off with Gamecube or PS2. Now firmly established in second place to PS2, the Xbox is a good Christmas buy for the more experienced gamer, especially if you have broadband. Games Mainly aimed at older gamers (Halo and Splinter Cell) but more variety promised next year.
DVD? Yes, but need to purchase remote control.
Online?Yes, broadband only - Xbox Live service launches March 14 2003.
Verdict: 9/10
GameCube, £129.99
It's dinky, cute and the cheapest of the three, but the GameCube still packs a powerful punch. Only released in May, the console is already home to must-have titles, Luigi's Mansion, Pikmin and Super Mario Sunshine. Technologically, the Cube is not as powerful as the Xbox, but capable of more graphical trickery than the PS2. It doesn't play DVDs and if you are looking to double up your games console as a DVD player then you'll need to look elsewhere. Although there's no doubt that Nintendo creates marvellous games, there is little new out this Christmas. Nintendo has always been popular with younger age groups and the GameCube continues that appeal. However, releases like Eternal Darkness have helped extend the age range, while games like Mario are good enough to be appreciated by all ages. Next year looks better for releases, with eagerly awaited titles such as Metroid Prime and Zelda coming out exclusively on the console. Despite being the least expensive of the three, a small, albeit potent, pool of games, and a disappointing current release schedule, combined with the lack of DVD playback, makes GameCube the outsider this Christmas. Games Smallest selection but some of the best games around, including Super Mario Sunshine and Eternal Darkness.
DVD? No.
Online? Nothing confirmed for UK, not likely either.
Verdict: 8/10
PlayStation 1, £49.99
The PS1 is still an option, especially for parents looking for a cheap games machine for the under-10s. The games may be graphically dated but a huge selection makes PSOne a good choice for the cash-conscious gamer. Verdict: 7/10
GameBoy Advance, £69.99
The Game Boy Advance is the latest version of the venerable handheld machine. There are plenty of titles available, with retro gaming particularly well catered for. A link cable enables multiplayer action, while connecting a GBA to a GameCube will add new features to future releases. The screen is still ridiculously dim but for portable gaming there is nothing better. Verdict: 8/10
Reviewers' 2002 top five games
Greg Howson
1. Ico (PS2)
2. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PS2)
3. Luigi's Mansion (GameCube)
4. Splinter Cell (Xbox)
5. Morrowind (PC)
Steve Boxer
1. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (PS2)
2. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (PS2/Xbox/GameCube)
3. Splinter Cell (Xbox)
4. Colin McRae Rally 3 (Xbox/PS2)
5. TimeSplitters 2 (PS2/Xbox/Gamecube)
Nick Gillett
1. Halo (Xbox)
2. Super Mario Sunshine (Gamecube)
3. Advance Wars (GBA)
4. Metal Gear Solid 2 (PS2)
5. Ico (PS2)
Mike Anderiesz
1. Halo (Xbox)
2. Medal of Honor: Allied Assault (PC)
3. Dungeon Siege (PC)
4. Splinter Cell (Xbox)
5. The Gladiators (PC)
Rhianna Pratchett
1. Neverwinter Nights (PC)
2. Age of Mythology (PC)
3. Medal of Honor: Allied Assault (PC)
4. Morrowind (Xbox/PC)
5. Freedom Force (PC)
