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This is rather late but I'd like to vouch for the the original XBOX, which is my most played system even today simply because of the sheer flexibility it offers. Not only can it play the best versions of multiplats from that period but if you're into modification, it can play every 8-bit, 16-bit, and most 32-bit games from the past, not to mention hundreds of older arcade titles. The controller is great for racing games and first person shooters but isn't ideal for anything that requires the D-pad. You can always get a PS2 adapter that will open up a host of options though. The PS2 and GC had larger and more varied libraries but the XBOX is one of the cheapest systems you can get from that era so it's not much of a risk IMHO. Just make sure you get one with a good optical drive (ideally Samsung).

What's wrong with Xbox S controller? I found it to be one of the best controllers, perhaps best controller of analog stick era. D-pad is good too, I was surprised. Dunno about the duke.

I have one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Cordless-Precision-Sports-Wireless-Controller/dp/B005E2ZN2O

for my Xbox. It is awesome. (I do need to get a stick for my Xbox fighting games at some point, however.)

Korpi wrote:What's wrong with Xbox S controller? I found it to be one of the best controllers, perhaps best controller of analog stick era. D-pad is good too, I was surprised. Dunno about the duke.

The d-pad is one of the worst d-pads of any first-party controller from the NES-era (the DC and Gamecube ones are also not so good). The buttons on the S-controllers are hard as rocks and hurt my fingers if I play for too long. The actual shape of the controller, analog sticks and triggers are great.

Xbox was an awesome system I enjoyed playing over the years. It generally had the best version of multi-platform games graphically which was a major plus. The hardware was nice especially with the hard drive which became the standard for future game system.

Some of my favorite games not including multi-platform games mainly exclusives:

Shenmue II
Halo: Combat Evolved
Halo 2
Jade Empire
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic
Panzer Dragoon Orta
Dead or Alive 3
Jet Set Radio Future
Sudeki

I plan on getting an original Xbox just for Shenmue 2 alone. A PAL import over here is actually worth more than the system and game put together. Somewhat amusing.

ice445 wrote:I plan on getting an original Xbox just for Shenmue 2 alone. A PAL import over here is actually worth more than the system and game put together. Somewhat amusing.

If you only want it for Shenmue II, why not just get it on the DC that you should already own?

The X-Box is for Panzar Dragoon Orta and Outrun.

Breetai wrote:

ice445 wrote:I plan on getting an original Xbox just for Shenmue 2 alone. A PAL import over here is actually worth more than the system and game put together. Somewhat amusing.

If you only want it for Shenmue II, why not just get it on the DC that you should already own?

The X-Box is for Panzar Dragoon Orta and Outrun.

Because it goes for like $80 on ebay. I don't know of a place to get it for less.

brunoafh wrote:And yeah it looks atrocious, the (original) controller sucks, and it's comically huge.

I don't have large hands at all, but that controller is one of the most comfortable controllers I've ever gamed with. True story.
And besides, if I ever need a ready made weapon to use in a moments notice here in crime laden South Africa, chances are I'll opt for the "Duke"

Amazingly a xbox with a decent sized hd and xbmc is still one of the better values you can get in a htpc. They have a tough time with newer file formats, hd stuff, and streaming is out of the picture afaik, but the format support is still impressive and the emulators... so many emulators. Personally my xbmc box still gets heavy use despite having a 360 and ps3 because I find it more convenient to put movies and music on and I much prefer the interface. Even though they sorta tried neither of those systems is a very good for htpc type use in my experience.