I am an impartial gamer as I own all three systems. I have a PS2, I have an Xbox and I have a gamecube.
Gamecube definetly brings up the rear. The only game I even play on it is the Zelda disc they put out last year.
I think PS2 and Xbox are a tie.....each have their strengths.
For first person shooters.....Xbox has the edge. The control is set up in such a way that it lends to easier game play.
For sports games and fighting games......the edge goes to PS2 for the very same reason. The control lends to better gameplay with fewer mistakes due to the D-pad being located where the joystick is on the Xbox control.
When it comes to graphics........Xbox wins hands down. As all of us gamers know, it's not all about graphics. A good game is determined by the gameplay. Playstation 2 is better to play any non-first person shooter game.............whereas Xbox is leaps and bounds better in that genre.
Having the hard drive also gives Xbox an advantage......I like playing my own music during games. It doesn't really affect game play any but it does lead to a more enjoyable game play experience.