People may not buy machines for online play NOW, but they probably will in the future. I don't think anyone at MS or Sony expects it to be a key factor in their success this gen. The point is that it's just beginning. Besides just getting things like the Xbox Live brand out there they now have the perception of being systems with online play. Nintendo now has a perception of being against online. Everyone should know just how important perception is("Nintendo is kiddy!", "Nintendo is doomed!"). MS and Sony have got a huge head start on Nintendo when it comes to online gaming and it's only going to become more and more of a factor. It's already MUCH bigger than their stupid "connectivity". 
  
  
BTW, 32X has DOOM, MK II, VF, Star Wars Arcade and WM Arcade so I'd put it ahead of the DD. They're not very good versions of those games...but whatever.