I've only read the OP but I was around during the PS2 launch. It was pretty hard to find one. I had my money on launch day and couldn't actually get my hands on one until like March of the following year. The thing was constantly sold out and I remember Headline News saying something like "Sony says to be patient. They WILL make more PLaystation 2's).
And even then, the PS2 had "No games". Aside from my copy of Zone of Enders and The Bouncer, I suffered a gaming drought like you wouldn't believe. Only NBA Street and Red Faction (games in genres I didn't enjoy) held me over until the holiday flood of gaming goodness.
Hell, if I remember correctly, even memory cards were hard to find. What I'm saying is that, like the 3DS, a strong start doesn't reallly insure victory. There are a lot of variables and I suspect the PS2 will reclaim the lead very soon.
