Its why its so pointless to compare it to PS2 vs. Xbox/GC, as the PS2 first launched March 4, 2000 in Japan and Xbox launched November 15, 2001 in NA. Which is quite the time span.
I still wouldn't say it's pointless though considering the fact that the majority of PS2 sales (especially in NA) came after the GameCube launched -- not before. A $100 cheaper console with more power was readily on shelves for basically anyone to buy for the majority of the gen but people didn't care. They were attracted to the PS2's features and games for $100 more.