I don't think anyone cares. What does it even matter?

its not a big deal

I think that, in some cases, they are comparable, with restrictions.  For example: If the Wii, a console, outsells the DS, that is a big thing.  Same thing with PS3/P.

Couldn't agree anymore then I already do.

But sometimes people have more than 1 of the same console. Surely you know someone with 2 PS2s in their house. The PS and PS2 were able to do decent against the GBC and GBA.

Yes, sometimes families buy more than 1 DS. You know why? It is just that good. If people just realized how good it was, some families would have 4 or 5 DSs. It is the best system ever. And I don't just play it when I am away from home. I often listen to podcasts or have Family Guy/ South Park on while I DS at home.

Hasn't this discussion been brought up many times? I believe The Source thinks it's ok since he said DS just passed PS2 on time basis. I also think it's ok as well, because they could potentially compete with the other markets. Theoreotically if a kid wants something to play games, parents find the DS to be cheaper than any console (and more fun imo) so they buy him a DS. BAM consoles just lost a sale.

PDF you are right Consoles and Portables are on a separate market. They should be treated separately.

My friends (who are twins) got a DS each for their birthday last year (and seems like their about to get a PSP each this year too!). But you know what, they would never get a ps3/wii/360 each lol. So like I always said, the DS surpassing PS2 numbers are nothing surprising. Now if the DS gets over 180Mil LTD sales, then I'll be impressed!

I don't see why they shouldn't be compared. Yes the DS is selling like hotcakes but take a look at PS2 numbers in its heyday.

The PS2 looks likely to pass the gameboy in sales this year to be the number one system of all time. The number 3 is the PS1 far , far far ahead of the GBA and DS worldwide.

Yes ds passed the PS2 in Japan but that is showing they are competing, at least in that market where the portables are taking away from home console sales.

DS still has a long way to go to catch the PS2 about 50 million units so it is more relevent to talk about the fact that the PSP and DS are much further into their generations than the 3 new consoles.

I don't see the point of comparing their sales at all. I have two kids. That's two GBAs, two DS and two PSPs. 1 PS2 and 1 PS3.

Friends with more kids its the same - 1 console and x times kids handhelds.

I also see a lot more multiple handheld purchases (particularly when your kid drops them!). So while we have 2 GBA's we've bought a fair number more.

Seems to me the handheld market is still a fair way off potential maturity as assuming a majority of gamers get handhelds then if a console can sell 100 M you'd expect a handheld to be able to get to 160 M at least assuming a reasonable percentage of gaming households would either have kids or people sharing a single console.