You are totally right Karl
for me its the whole experience, the rubbish picture on the screen, putting the 10p in, the pedals, the BIG joysticks, the big heavy GUN (in the case of the operation wolf), the steering wheels, big trackballs, big buttons, heavy duty rock solid stuff that isn't just going to break if you step on it!
Also, the machines themselves, the artwork, the shapes, just lovely.
We have a wii and about 90 games. Can't remember the last time it was played..