[cheebacheeba]

Urg...these are just things I've heard...not really followed up on.

PS2 can be externally modified with some kind of hard-drive type device...I'd have to fine out more info to get more...although, it looks like one of the more expensive modifications on offer, however...it won't damage your machine.

Gamecube is reputedly the easiest to get to play burned games (assuming you have a source you can get them from), all you need to do is find something that fits the "star key" lock on the side of the machine, and remove the top half. there are some alternative covers custom built to be refitted over the console available through various users on ebay, theyre basically the same thing, with room enough to play full cds/dvds.
No modification of the hardware though, apparrently nintendo assumed that removing the top would seem an impossible task.
To me, this would be the best idea for you.
Here, I can get a gamecube brand new at Electronics Boutique for $100AUD, which I'll assume is less in canadian bucks, and since you won't damage your machine with any kinda modding, it'll last longer.
Cheaper machine, no internal mods required, fairly decent range of games (including some GOOD horror and fps titles), graphically excellent, and yeah, the pokemon stuff only comes out through nintendo as far as I know.

But hey, if you manage to make either of the abovementioned actually WORK, I'd be interested in knowing how it went.

- B.