What gaming console should I get?

[linuxlover]

All right, I've got anywhere from $350 to $125 to spend on a gaming console. I like nintendo's games so i'm in for a nintendo not a PSX or XBOX. I like adventure games like mario, racing games like need for speed and a few other types. I may twist for the PSP if you can convince me its good. possibly a PS2 also. No way a PS3. Or the xbox 360. So that leaves me with the following:
-Gamecube
-Gameboy advance
-Nintendo DS
-Wii
-PS2
-PSP
NOTE: graphics are secondary to the games. (in my book).

The second question is:
Should I upgrade my pentium III to the following:
Pentium III 800
512MB RAM
80GB hard drive
Geforce 6200LE
CD burner
DVD-rom
for roughly $160

or

Build a new one with:
AMD athlon 64 3200+ (socket 939)
512MB DDR400 dual channel
Geforce 6600GT
for about $350.
Thanx for any help available.

[Calum]

The console is really a personal decision, I'm not a big fan of consoles so I'm not going to advise you there lol.
As for the upgrade question, I'd say probably the second.
But bear in mind you may need more than $350, I don't think you could build it that cheaply.
If you can, please tell me where you get your parts from!
What's the PC mainly going to be used for?

[linuxlover]

The PC will be used for building games, multimedia, internet, office, and playing games. It'll  run 98 cause i'm not paying $200 for windows XP. I must incorporate a 6 series for this reason. 7\8 are not supported. As for the Xbox linux, I had considered it but they no longer sell xboxs. I think I'll get the Wii. However, I can fix up a Pentium III PC and get a Wii, or build a new one and settle for a:
Playstation 2
Gamecube
Nintendo DS
Gameboy advance SP
Xbox 1 (if I can find one...)
decisions...
I'm getting my parts from Newegg, by the way. If you know of a better store, please let me know.

[Calum]

Can I advise Win2k rather than 98?
Unless you have a specific reason to stay with 98, 2k is much more stable and you'll have more software available.
If I were you, I'd fix up the P3 and get a Wii, you can always upgrade the PC again later if you want.
What's the specs of your PC at the minute?
And what games do you intend to be playing?

[Track]

Upgrade ur PC - spend as much as possible on a PCI-E graphics card.

Use emulator after that for any console u want, other than current ones.

[linuxlover]

My specs are stated at bottom. I dont have alot of games and performance with a riva 128 is great for me so I cant see that ill need more than a 6 series. I'm sticking with 98 because I'm not spending any money on an OS, and dont want a bootleg version. I've never had any problems with it other than drivers. A little sensative to RAM issues, but, if I do have issues somethings wrong so not really a problem. I'm getting an AGP card because I'm using my old mobo. The only problem may be the lack of bandwidth; its an agp 4x slot. I've verified that all the software I use will be compatible with windows 98SE, my OS. I do use it for games alot though. Will the pentium III be too much of a bottle neck? All I want is 30FPS any more than that is a bonus. I'll need a capture card or a TV because I dont have either. Which one should I get. I'm not getting a fancy one either. It'll be cheap. from $25 to $100.

[Track]

Just buy a new PC. 7 years is enough, seriously its been enough.. just.. just let it go, let it go.

[linuxlover]

actually, I've only had it for a year. I bought it used. You seriously think I should ditch it? I really want a Wii, and if I buy a PC, I can't buy a Wii. I just realized that I can use my spare computer monitor for the Wii. And another thing if I buy a new PC, will Windows 98SE be able to handle a 64-bit CPU? I'm not getting a core 2 unless you can get me one thats cheap. I'll be limited to 6 series graphics. So there really isn't much point in buying a new PC if I'll be so limited. I suppose I must part with my PC. I'm not buying XP so dont even bother asking. Unless 2K can handle it... How fast of a PC do I need to run a gamecube emulator? If I get a Wii I'll just get my games for it. My PC will then be used for multimedia. All right, let's say I do get a new PC, what graphics card do you think I should get. Just nothing too fancy, ok?( I am on a tight budget)

So the options are now:
A new PC
or a Wii.
I believe I will fall for the Wii. And just spend $70 on some RAM and a Geforce 6200LE 128MB.

[Track]

Buy an Xbox 360.

[Calum]

actually, I've only had it for a year. I bought it used. You seriously think I should ditch it? I really want a Wii, and if I buy a PC, I can't buy a Wii. I just realized that I can use my spare computer monitor for the Wii. And another thing if I buy a new PC, will Windows 98SE be able to handle a 64-bit CPU? I'm not getting a core 2 unless you can get me one thats cheap. I'll be limited to 6 series graphics. So there really isn't much point in buying a new PC if I'll be so limited. I suppose I must part with my PC. I'm not buying XP so dont even bother asking. Unless 2K can handle it... How fast of a PC do I need to run a gamecube emulator? If I get a Wii I'll just get my games for it. My PC will then be used for multimedia. All right, let's say I do get a new PC, what graphics card do you think I should get. Just nothing too fancy, ok?( I am on a tight budget)

So the options are now:
A new PC
or a Wii.
I believe I will fall for the Wii. And just spend $70 on some RAM and a Geforce 6200LE 128MB.

I'd say go for the Wii and the RAM and Geforce for your PC.
You definitely need more RAM.

[linuxlover]

Buy an Xbox 360.

No. Too pricy, and I dont even like xbox. I'll get a Wii, 512MB RAM, and a geforce 6200LE.

Thanks Calum, Track, and proph for the help

Just one more quick question:
What multimedia capabilities does the Wii have? Can it play DVDs? CDs? MP3s?

[Calum]

No problem for the help.
Hope the PC and Wii work out for you, should be pretty good.
The 6200LE is a pretty low-end card by today's standards, but it should be a lot better than your 32Mb TNT2.
As for the Wii, it can definitely play CDs and I'm pretty sure DVDs too.
It should also be able to play MP3s on a CD, but I'm not sure.
I'll have a look for you, if I find anything I'll post back.

[linuxlover]

ok thanx.

[Calum]

Strangely, the formats the Wii supports aren't listed anywhere I can find.
They're not on the Wii site, and they're not on Wikipedia.
Wikipedia seems to think that Nintendo is trying to keep the details under wraps - apparently nothing has been confirmed or denied by anyone involved in the manufature of the Wii, not Nintendo, not ATi, not IBM.  Strange.
I'll keep looking.

[linuxlover]

I know it supports photos but thats all i could find.