Next generation graphics - Do the majority of people really care?

[shams]

The graphics in the PS2 reached what I consider to be "acceptable", and everything beyond that is a bonus.

If I cared about gfx, I would have *never* migrated from PC gaming to console gaming. Console gaming is all about a more social, comfortable experience - basically in exchange for hi-def graphics (PC).

And if I - a gamer/coder of 20years don't care - why would the average person? 

The answer is not only no, its a resounding NO.

...

Any gamer who is primarily concerned about graphics should be playing PC games only. Anything else is a cop out. PC gaming had "1080p" equiv. graphics more than 5 years ago, and resolutions exceeding 1600 lines (vertically) are common these days.

Of course the irony is this - HD resolution has nothing to do with realistic graphics. Even a crummy B&W TV show from the 1950's still looks more realistic than the most powerful PC/console out these days.