[cheebacheeba]

It depends what you're after.
You're actually in the same situation as me, nova...I have a ps1 and dreamcast at home, as you said, dated.
I myself have not experienced much of the ps2 or xbox gaming library that's out there, only things at friends places...etc, so I'm not about to rush to buy the latest xbox360 or ps3 when they come out - it's not only an expense thing, but an acknowledgement that I've yet to play a LOT of things on either xbox and/or ps2, both have excellent gaming libraries, and willbe garaunteed to keep you going on "new" games for quite some time.
I'll actually be getting both consoles fairly soon, however, if it came down to it, here's the BASIC good and bad of both consoles:

~PS2~
Good
*Backwards compatability, so your ps1 games won't go to waste (I myself would never want to stop playing Crash Team Racing, Bishi Bashi & Metal Slug)
*The newer model "slimline" units look great.
*I think overall the ps2 gaming library is a little better, I.M.P.O
*Familiar controller & control schemes for the former ps1 user

Bad
*Slightly older technology
*Longer loading times
*Memory cards are REQUIRED.


~XBOX~
Good
*Faster loading times due to onboard memory
*It IS more powerful, and has slightly better graphics (some people of course will say it has HEAPS better graphics, but considering you've been playing ps1, the transition to ANYTHING will look awesome)
*Easier to have a modification chip installed, er, should you ever want to dabble in copied games.
*You can play music cds whilst playing certain games.

BAD
*It's a big, heavy motherfucker...takes up more space
*I personally find the ps2 controller much more comfortable
*Bill Gates gets more money he doesn't need

Essentially, they're both good systems...especially when trading up from a ps1, the differences will seem more subtle.
You could always check out a few websites to see the subtle differences in gaming libraries too.

Also thought I'd suggest, you could always have a look at a gamecube also...it doesn't get that much credit compared to the two "big boys", but I have used one over a few months, and it was actually a very good system, had a graphics crad designed by ATI, and looked as good, or dare I say BETTER than xbox...not to mention, there is more titles on this system you won't get on either of the others, and some of them are really solid games.
Then there's the price thing...I don't know about over there, but here, Electronics Boutique is selling them brand new for $100AUD.
Just something to ponder.



RE: Gun.
Looks great...hoping my pc can handle it, should do. Red dead revolver, never played that, although I had a crack at dead mans hand, that was pretty cool.

- B.