The cows had stopped this month ago, but are reverting back, so to keep the record clean, this is why the PS3 is NOT the PS2
Competiton
When The PS2 launched, the only competiton was the Dreamcast, and while a good system, didn't have a big enough fanbase when the PS2 launched. Sega Was ailing, and simply didn't have the cash to have agressive pricing, or massive Ad campaigns. PS2 was the sole next gen starting 2000, and the dreamcast died 2001. The Xbox and GC didn't come out for 1-2 years later.
When The PS3 launched, The competiton was from Microsoft, who is loaded, and doesn't seem to mind they don't turn a profit on the Xbox360. they have around 8 million Xbox360s out, with tons of games in the pipelines, and a huge live Fanbase, around 50% of owners subscribe to live. The 360 also had the benefitt of a one year headstart so they began with 2nd and 3rd generation games vs. 1st gen. Also, the Wii, which was 1/3 of the price, launched at the same time, and for lack of a better term.PWN'ed the PS3, selling 2million in the holiday season.
Pricing and economics
When The PS2 launched, the Economy was strong, energy cost were lower, retail goods in general were doing fine. The Bush Administration hadn't begun, and there was no war yet. the price 250 was lucrative, and people had money to spend.
When The PS3 launched, the economy was not so good, People were more worried about gas and heat than Blu-ray, airlines are failing, american cars aren't selling, and the housing market is falling. Taxes are higher on the middle class, and the price is huge, $600. Sure, Joe could get a PS2 when he had been making 50,000 in 2000, but the problem is inflation is operating, making things more expensive, roughly 17%, so everything around Joe costs more, but he isn't making any more than 50,000 a year, so he just can't afford a 600 machine for technology that has 50/50 chance of floping.
Specifications
The PS2 was the weakest system of the bunch, a wii , in terms of hardware, when compared to an Xbox or gamecube. IT integrated new DVD technology, which had no competitors, and was a clear evolution from VHS and Betamax as a new format. DVD was un-matched in terms of clarity, that was clearly Visble on a standard TV
The PS3 was the "supposed" strongest interms of hardware, with tons of buzz words, like the Cell and RSX. The Blu-ray is not clearly a winner like DVD, with HD-DVD competing at half the price, and you need an HD-TV of some form to notice an advantage over DVD. Also, the blu-ray is terribly slow interms of games.
Games
PS2 had huge series and hits, like GTA3, VC, SA; Gituar hero, and super mokey ball to name a few.
PS3 has resistance and MGS$, but many formerly exclusive games are coming out simoltanously for the 360, or 360 exclusive.
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