No-one can get their hands on one, yet everybody seems to know about, and want, Playstation 2.

Sparking the kind of expectation that makes the whole Star Wars Episode 1 build-up seem a little under-whelming, the new super-computer from the Sony stable has been making hard-core gamers salivate at the very thought of what power lies under the sleek black exterior of mark 2.

But after the anticipation has died down and we can look free from the influence of the hype machine, one question remains unanswered.

Is the son of Playstation actually any good?

Well, if you are the kind of person who thought the move from cassette tape to CD was a little unnecessary then the answer would have to be a resounding NO!

Of course, if the thought of being the proud owner of a stylish bit of kit with more power than your average PC makes you more than a little bit excited then you are in for a treat.

Only two months ago the original Playstation seemed to be as far as home gaming could possibly go.

While it is safe to say the original console is not dead in the water yet, it does seem a little dated when compared to the new model.

But then with CD quality sound, digital quality pictures, internet compatibility, future PC peripherals and even a built-in DVD player, all for £299, would you really settle for hamburger when you could have steak?

But nothing is perfect in this world and the Playstation 2 is no different. The slow-loading times that were prevalent on Sony's first console are still present.

Another problem is the unforgivable lack of any decent launch titles.

While we have been promised a gaming experience unlike any other with the future release of games such as Metal Gear Solid 2 and Gran Turismo 3, we currently have to make do with a host of frustrating filler titles that wouldn't challenge a Spectrum let alone "the most powerful console the world has ever seen".

However, the pros far outweigh the cons.

Yes, it is only another games machine and yes, it is hardly a life-changing experience but such is the power and so great is the promise that even the hardiest of technophobes would be hard pressed to ignore the hype.