I don't think people purchase a console because of the graphics. I think they purchase the console because they want it (for whatever reason) and then use the graphics to justify that purchase to others. That's not everyone of course, but I think it's a lot.

Most visual "nutters" had no problem owning the weakest system last gen with the ps2, or really any generation before that. In fact it seems most of them don't even realize they had the weakest system last gen.

Gameplay > Graphics.

However, some assume (or mistake) that something weaker graphically can have better gameplay, or that systems with better graphics will have worse gameplay. It's not necessarily so, as they aren't mutually exclusive things.

Diablo 2 is awesome!   

Well, about that Vista & Diablo 2. All my graphical programs I have made and compiled on XP doesn't work on vista. There can be BSOD, slowdowns or anything. I have partially solved the problem by compiling those on Vista. Same happens on Windows 7 beta. So I don't think that it will be so different to Vista after all. ;)

Oh, and game comes before graphics. Thats why I play games that look like this,

http://awesomeradicalgaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/dwarf_fortress.jpg

Thanks for the info :)

Gameplay=graphics

I agree with Communist , you can't have one without that other.

The only difference is that graphics play a more significant role in the HD experience , that's not to say the gameplay is worse however , on the contrary , graphics can help improve gameplay .

I agree that if you are a real graphics nut you should be looking to PC. I think however that the 360, and to a lesser extent the PS3, have switched many potential PC gamers in US and UK particularly, to consoles, and the poor confused souls are arguing about graphics on the consoles as though they were upgradeable bases which can be infinitely stretched, when they're fixed and only coding improvements will help.

Any game on a console could be delivered in higher spec on a PC if properly coded. It's interesting to note how many games, being designed console centric first, are looking shaky on PC though. GTA IV should have been incredible on PC, but was very flaky. However I guess most titles, like Fallout 3, still show PC as way ahead graphically. The other, enduring advantage of PC that I'm disappointed is still lagging way behind on consoles, is Mods and other user generated content - still, props to LBP in that regard I guess.

I think for consoles, both the 360 and PS3 have some fantastic looking games, and the Wii also shows some lovely titles considering its spec, and am amazed people actually argue about their graphics, etc. as if they were PCs instead of being glad just how nice each console is in its own right at delivering attractive games.

Graphics have its place in the market. I hate when people think they are mutually exclusive in the gaming market. Honestly, I dont know how much I would like MGS4 and FF 13 without the awesome graphics. Other games - like Madworld look awesome for the graphics they provide.

All in all, Final Fantasy IX did everything perfectly. Damn, it is a perfect game.

im more into the gameplay than the graphx but in these times with machines like the ps3 and 360 i expect games to have good graphix as well