IMO buying get the PS2 the X-box just cant compete to PS2's library right now
if you by now the only option i would consider would be the PS2
i would wait 6 months / 1 yr to see how the PS2 stacks up against the X - box
i have a PS2 and GT3, Devil May Cry are awesome
SSX TRICKY and MGS 2 are on the way and maybe some Grand Theft Auto 3, Final Fantasy X, XI, Virtua Fighter 4, Tekken 4, Suikoden III, and possibly Medal on Honor III, Soul Calibur II
the only thing that excites about other consoles is Soul Calibur II (on PS2 also), Metroid Prime and POSSIBLY ZELDA, and Dead or Alive 3
from what I read about Halo from people that have played some loved it some feel it was only mediocre ; i doubt anyone would say that about the original metal gear solid when it came out; halo may be a good game but it does not live up to all the hype
my take is if you want to be playing a lot of games in the near future
you can beat the PS2's library otherwise wait 6 months to a year and pick the sure winner; i'm betting it will be PS2