I had this same dilemma 2 weeks ago. Both my gfriend and I worked our asses off this summer, extra shifts, overtime and we had a little disposable $$. We're both big gamers and we both loved the PS2. We're back logged RPGs probably into the next century. So when I read that the new 80 gig wouldn't have the emotion engine I was basically sold. I went online to newegg, found the 60gig (got it without tax because it was online) and had it shipped. 2 days later I was there, game system without games.
I sat there playing around with it, it is a pretty remarkable machine. I'm in medical research so I definitely appreciated folding@home. The interface was simple and well organized. The best part was that even though I didnt have any games yet I could go onto the playstation store and download a dozen demos. I fell in love with Ninja Gaiden Sigma and Nucleus. The former is the best ninja/martial arts action game I have ever played and the latter is a new top down shooter where you take on bacteria and virii.
Nucleus is intense, and being a competitive gamer the leaderboard gives you that extra ego boost you knew you were needing.
I'm looking forward to L.A.I.R. , Warhawk, Gran Turismo, FFXIII, and Burnout.
(Oh and if you get Nucleus, check out EtherShade :) )
