The PS2 had a year+ jump start. The PS2 was riding the success of the PS1, which had a global installation base of over 100,000,000 systems. "Playstation" replaced "Nintendo" as the brand name of video games.


The Xbox launched at $299 (1 week before the GameCube, $199). At the time, the PS2 was $199.

Nobody wanted to pay $300 for a console and games they never heard of.

Also, the Microsoft image was trashed. They were in the peak of their anti-trust lawsuits.


The Halo became a smash.
The online service rocketed into popularity.
Halo 2 made consoles scarce.



But, Halo and Halo 2 couldn't combat multiple Final Fantasy's and Gran Turismos.