Has the PS2 reached the end of its lifespan?

Saulbadguy

Diamond Member
Jan 27, 2003
5,573
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I was playing NCAA March Madness 2004 last night, and thought about this. This game is a prime example of the faults of the PS2. This game has around 320 college teams, which must take a fair amount of space. Loading times are terrible, rosters are incomplete, and there is significant lag time between menus. To simulate a weeks worth of games, might as well get up and do something else, because it takes awhile. Actually, the game is lacking in tons of features just to make room for all these teams...or EA sports just doesn't care about this game, as it doesn't measure up to the rest of its products. NCAA Football 2004 was the same way, menu lagging, and not the polished feel that Madden 2004 has. The PS2 also needs a hard drive..memory cards should be a thing of the past now, and should only be used for transportation of files. I really can't wait until the PS3, because the pitfalls of the PS2 are becoming annoying.
 

Hammer

Lifer
Oct 19, 2001
13,217
1
81
yeah, i feel like it has. i got rid of mine and got an xbox instead. they all get most of the same games anyways, except they look better on the xbox.
 

Saulbadguy

Diamond Member
Jan 27, 2003
5,573
12
81
Originally posted by: Hammer
yeah, i feel like it has. i got rid of mine and got an xbox instead. they all get most of the same games anyways, except they look better on the xbox.

I would do that, but the games I play (EA sports) don't do online on the Xbox, and i'm not used to the controller. I also thought I would wait until the next gen of systems came out..possibly this year?
 

Kelvrick

Lifer
Feb 14, 2001
18,422
5
81
Originally posted by: Saulbadguy
Originally posted by: Hammer
yeah, i feel like it has. i got rid of mine and got an xbox instead. they all get most of the same games anyways, except they look better on the xbox.

I would do that, but the games I play (EA sports) don't do online on the Xbox, and i'm not used to the controller. I also thought I would wait until the next gen of systems came out..possibly this year?

Yea... They'll come out this year.... 2005 at the earliest.
 

BigSmooth

Lifer
Aug 18, 2000
10,484
12
81
It's still a good console. However, it is true that when you play the same game on the PS2 after playing it on the GC and Xbox, you really notice the load times and blockier graphics a lot more. Play SSX3, for instance, on all three consoles and you'll see what I mean.
 

amnesiac

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
15,781
1
71
Next gen systems are coming out 2005.

IMO, while Xbox has the edge on loading times and graphics, I always seem to be playing my PS2 more and buying games for the PS2 over the Xbox.

Part of it is the controller -- no gamepad on earth can compare to the Dual Shock, not even the Xbox "S-type." This is especially true for fighting games, IMO.

Also, while there are many dual-platform games out, the PS2 exclusive games always seem to be more fun. I don't know why that is.
 

fumbduck

Diamond Member
Aug 21, 2001
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Originally posted by: BigSmooth
It's still a good console. However, it is true that when you play the same game on the PS2 after playing it on the GC and Xbox, you really notice the load times and blockier graphics a lot more. Play SSX3, for instance, on all three consoles and you'll see what I mean.

What are you talking about? PS2 looks a LOT better than gamecube on the screen. Gamecube might have better graphic capabilities, but they have yet to learn how to use them as well as the PS2's can.

PLUS, the ps2 controller is godly.
 

gistech1978

Diamond Member
Aug 30, 2002
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Originally posted by: fumbduck
Originally posted by: BigSmooth
It's still a good console. However, it is true that when you play the same game on the PS2 after playing it on the GC and Xbox, you really notice the load times and blockier graphics a lot more. Play SSX3, for instance, on all three consoles and you'll see what I mean.

What are you talking about? PS2 looks a LOT better than gamecube on the screen. Gamecube might have better graphic capabilities, but they have yet to learn how to use them as well as the PS2's can.

PLUS, the ps2 controller is godly.

see windwaker.
that game looks amazing to me.
and i really appreciate the fast load save times on the GC more than anything.
 

Freejack2

Diamond Member
Dec 31, 2000
7,751
8
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The PS2 was released in late 2000. If they stick to a 5 year schedule they will release the PS3 in late 2005. I would guess if Nintendo releases a new gaming system before then, Sony may roll out the PS3 early.
 

sparkyclarky

Platinum Member
May 3, 2002
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Originally posted by: fumbduck
Originally posted by: BigSmooth
It's still a good console. However, it is true that when you play the same game on the PS2 after playing it on the GC and Xbox, you really notice the load times and blockier graphics a lot more. Play SSX3, for instance, on all three consoles and you'll see what I mean.

What are you talking about? PS2 looks a LOT better than gamecube on the screen. Gamecube might have better graphic capabilities, but they have yet to learn how to use them as well as the PS2's can.

PLUS, the ps2 controller is godly.


Living up to your name, hey? You obviously haven't played equivalent games on both the PS2 and Gamecube. Take Soul Calibur II for example - looks better on the Gamecube and all reviews of the game coroborate on this. As far as programming goes, the Gamecube is much, much easier to program for than the PS2. Developers are able to tap most of the systems power, while PS2 requires incredibly skilled programmers to tap even a fraction of its theoretical power. Sony went massively parallel and it hasn't payed off compared to more conventional graphics chips.
 
Nov 5, 2001
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PS2 is a bit clunkier, but at least it's not MS, and at least the controllers aren't retarded. And like you, most of the games I play are PS2 only...although I currently have 3 games under 2 months old that I have hardly played. D@mn busy life!
 

Kev

Lifer
Dec 17, 2001
16,367
4
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I hear you on the MM '04. Have you even tried the recruiting process yet? I started last week and it's almost done loading my 2nd week of recruiting.
 
Nov 5, 2001
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Originally posted by: Freejack2
The PS2 was released in late 2000. If they stick to a 5 year schedule they will release the PS3 in late 2005. I would guess if Nintendo releases a new gaming system before then, Sony may roll out the PS3 early.

I thought the GC was Nintendo's last hurrah?
 

Yossarian

Lifer
Dec 26, 2000
18,010
1
81
I haven't touched my PS2 in well over a year, except to brush the dust off it. I'm gonna sell it once I get around to beating Metal Gear Solid. I like the xbox a lot better.
 

BigSmooth

Lifer
Aug 18, 2000
10,484
12
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Originally posted by: fumbduck
Originally posted by: BigSmooth
It's still a good console. However, it is true that when you play the same game on the PS2 after playing it on the GC and Xbox, you really notice the load times and blockier graphics a lot more. Play SSX3, for instance, on all three consoles and you'll see what I mean.

What are you talking about? PS2 looks a LOT better than gamecube on the screen. Gamecube might have better graphic capabilities, but they have yet to learn how to use them as well as the PS2's can.

PLUS, the ps2 controller is godly.
Seriously, play Soul Calibur II and SSX3 on the PS2 and the GC on the same TV back-to-back. Even my friend who owns a PS2 agrees. The GC is almost as good as the Xbox while the PS2 is noticeably worse.
 

Wingznut

Elite Member
Dec 28, 1999
16,968
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EASports should be on Xbox live this fall. :)

Even still, the Xbox online sports titles are just as good (or better, in many cases) once you give them a chance. I can see how you might prefer Madden or even Live... But the NHL, MLB, golf, tennis, etc. games are much better on Xbox.

 

DanJ

Diamond Member
Oct 15, 1999
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Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
Originally posted by: Freejack2
The PS2 was released in late 2000. If they stick to a 5 year schedule they will release the PS3 in late 2005. I would guess if Nintendo releases a new gaming system before then, Sony may roll out the PS3 early.
I thought the GC was Nintendo's last hurrah?
According to who? All reports are that the big N is working on its next-gen system and plans on getting it to market around the time of the PS3 (smaller time gap then PS2 -> GC)

Nintendo's got a ton of cash. They're fine.
 

Wingznut

Elite Member
Dec 28, 1999
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Originally posted by: BigSmooth
Originally posted by: fumbduck
Originally posted by: BigSmooth
It's still a good console. However, it is true that when you play the same game on the PS2 after playing it on the GC and Xbox, you really notice the load times and blockier graphics a lot more. Play SSX3, for instance, on all three consoles and you'll see what I mean.

What are you talking about? PS2 looks a LOT better than gamecube on the screen. Gamecube might have better graphic capabilities, but they have yet to learn how to use them as well as the PS2's can.

PLUS, the ps2 controller is godly.
Seriously, play Soul Calibur II and SSX3 on the PS2 and the GC on the same TV back-to-back. Even my friend who owns a PS2 agrees. The GC is almost as good as the Xbox while the PS2 is noticeably worse.
As an owner of both a PS2 and an Xbox, and recently selling our GC... I can vouch for Big Smooth.

The PS2 is still an excellent console. But it can't keep up with the others with load times or graphically.

 

Cougar

Golden Member
Feb 26, 2000
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Originally posted by: DanJ
Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
Originally posted by: Freejack2
The PS2 was released in late 2000. If they stick to a 5 year schedule they will release the PS3 in late 2005. I would guess if Nintendo releases a new gaming system before then, Sony may roll out the PS3 early.
I thought the GC was Nintendo's last hurrah?
According to who? All reports are that the big N is working on its next-gen system and plans on getting it to market around the time of the PS3 (smaller time gap then PS2 -> GC)

Nintendo's got a ton of cash. They're fine.

This might not be any indicator of nintendo's future (at least I hope not) but I thought I read somewhere that they won't be showing off a new console at E3 (except for the DS of course). Now, if it's true that they won't be showing off a new console that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't making one it could be that they just don't have anything newsworthy to show yet or they don't want to tip their hand. Hopefully they don't drop the console business 'cause I love my cube and It would be great to see what nintendo comes up with next.
 

SoyBoy004

Golden Member
Oct 23, 2000
1,768
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0
yep, i've thought this also. i've been pondering signing up for the blockbuster monthly pass, but since they don't have many games on the shelf (seems to be taken over by xbox games) I have refused to sign up.