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"DVD in games platforms-why bother?"

There has been a lot of discussion about putting DVD drives into games consoles recently, but I am against the idea. DVD turns a console into something its not-a video player. Games consoles are designed for gaming, not watching "Saving Private Ryan" on. My view is similar on other additions to Next Gen consoles, with the exception of the Internet. I firmly believe that this is a good idea, and Chu Chu Rocket has proved that multiplayer through the net using a console is a viable option (even with a 28k modem).
But DVD is different-it isn't there to enhance the gaming experience, just to encourage buyers to splash out more money on a console with DVD than without.

Yep, I agree with you that the PSY (not psx2) looks pretty dire at present, especially with the dreamcast looking great at present. However. DVD compatibility means much longer games with more varied textures, music and cutscenes, and so on. just a little point to make there. long live dreamcast, hurry up and die psy.

In order to compete these days, Sega, Sony and Nintendo have to capture the mass markets. This includes offering the public things that previously needed a PC - e-mail, the internet, MP3s, DVDs, Hard Drives, voice recognition, etc. But these additions also seem to have got in the way of what owning a console is about - playing games. It may entice gamers to choose one console over another, but few people who would normally not by games systems will make that (costly) jump. Certanly in the case of the PlayStation2, we have been told of it's DVD drive, it's hard-drive, it's broadband internet... who cares? I want to play decent games! And from what I've played and seen so far, there is currently no reason to buy one (definatly not for the first year, anyway). To make a quick buck publishers are only buying up games with tried and tested formulas (your FIFAs, Tomb Raiders, Tekkens, Ridge Racers, Wipeouts, etc.), those that are garrentied to sell to the 'casual' gamer. Admittedly, online gaming is the future (although not as fun as playing against your mates at home), but until the price of the internet comes down in price for consoles, it can never really go mainstream. Blame BT for that. At least the Dreamcast (which I own) has at least 7-8 games worth owning. The PSX2 in comparisson seems ill-thought out. It'll sell millions, mind.
As a games console, I would not buy a PSX2.
As a home entertainment system, I would not buy a PSX2.
Go figure.

There has been a lot of discussion about putting DVD drives into games consoles recently, but I am against the idea. DVD turns a console into something its not-a video player. Games consoles are designed for gaming, not watching "Saving Private Ryan" on. My view is similar on other additions to Next Gen consoles, with the exception of the Internet. I firmly believe that this is a good idea, and Chu Chu Rocket has proved that multiplayer through the net using a console is a viable option (even with a 28k modem).
But DVD is different-it isn't there to enhance the gaming experience, just to encourage buyers to splash out more money on a console with DVD than without.