[quote name='heybtbm']The PS2 version has a few more extra's which are nice, but if you're only going to get one version...make it the Gamecube. I can't believe this is debate is still going on a year after the PS2 release.[/QUOTE]
Exactly. My friends always bring this up still. I have a PS2 and GCN and picked up the GCN version. I've seen the PS2 version running, and it doesn't look as good -- I'm a graphics-whore, so I want the prettiest version. The extra content sounds good, but what did it for me was the loading -- there are brief hesitations on the PS2 versions that annoyed me.
But seriously, they're the same darn game. If you haven't played it, just pick it up. Regardless of what system, every gamer should play this game -- it deserves your dollar more than any other 19.99 game out there.
And just for kicks, here's an excerpt from our friends at Gamespot re: the diff. They're pretty much spot-on *no pun intended* ;-)
"A few additional weapons and unlockable costumes are also new to this version, but it's not necessarily worth getting a second copy of Resident Evil 4 just for this extra content, especially since none of it is available up front. Besides, while Resident Evil 4 looks incredible on the PS2, it doesn't look quite as good as on the GameCube, where it has richer colors, sharper-looking environments, and nicer lighting effects. Larger foes also look better on the GameCube (while smaller foes melt away faster when killed), and the earlier version's loading times are also shorter. Pauses during the interactive cutscenes are also longer by an instant on the PS2, making the interactivity feel a bit less seamless. So, since the underlying gameplay is exactly the same, the slightly but noticeably better-looking GameCube original ultimately still has the edge. That about covers the differences between the PS2 and GameCube versions of Resident Evil 4, but if you're unfamiliar with what makes the game itself so good, keep going.
Just remember that for as amazing as this game looks, the experience is somehow even more awe-inspiring on the GameCube--but not to the extent that you should feel like you're missing out by opting for the PS2 version instead (especially since the extra content is well worthwhile). The bottom line is, if you've been entertained by any other mature-rated action game recently, then chances are you'll be blown away by this one. It's that good."