Discussion: PS2 Hardware Showing its Age

[Perfect Stu]

Everyone knows that the PS2 is about 20 months older than its two competitors (XBox, Gamecube). Those who work in the field of electronics have shown that technology doubles every year. For example: A form of technology costs $200. A year later, the same technology would sell for $100, and new technology which would be approximately twice as fast or advanced would sell for $200. It's called something like Moore's Law. If anyone knows for sure, be sure to share.

Having said that, one would conclude that the PS2 would obviously be far inferior technologically than the Xbox and Gamecube. It is inferior, there's no question about it. Far inferior? Arguable.

Now the real topic of discussion begins. Has the PS2 hardware shown its age yet, or is it still competitive with the other 2 systems? If so, explain why and describe whether or not it affects games, consumers and sales. If not, when do you think PS2 will show its age (if ever) and when WILL it start affecting games, consumers and sales.

I'll start out with something vague. Since the launch of XBox and Gamecube, PS2 hasn't been able to keep up with the two (mainly XBox) graphics-wise. For a while I began to think that the PS2 would never start pumping out graphics that could compete either of its two competitors...until Konami showed us Silent Hill 3 and Zone of the Enders 2 (screenshots to be added later). SH3 boasts incredibly detailed character models and surprisingly sharp textures. ZOE2 offers incredible visuals, with unmatched particle effects, unique artwork and graphics style and incredibly chaotic on-screen action. With MGS3 all-but confirmed, and GT4 in the works, I know that we'll be seeing more eye-popping graphics for the oldest of the 3 next gen systems.