Even if there were double buys, not many people would have owned more than one PS2. Let's say 100 million people had PS2's.
100 is still more than 70.

I know that was further along in the console generation, but I find that irrelevant. Are there people who think "I'm only going to buy a console in year 4 of any given generation"?

Surely if you had a PS2 for 3 years, and liked it (who didn't like a ps2 they owned) then you would want a PS3. Or at least a 360. Something.

Not everyone can afford to upgrade, not everyone sees a reason to upgrade, not everyone want a console etc.

You can't say that gamers are people who always wants the newest and the best there is. Lots of gamers still PS2's and don't see the need to upgrade. Could be because they don't see the point in HD gaming without a HDTV for example. Or maybe they don't want what is on offer at the moment, and jumps on once there is a broader selection of games on cheaper consoles etc.

Waiting for the PS3 to drop to $299

(yes I went there)

They where killed by Wii Fit I think.

Actual comparison:

Current generation is 2 years and 10 months into the lifecycle of hardware (November 2005)

To get a similar number for previous-gen hardware, you'd have to back up the time machine to late December 2002.

VGC gives us the following data for the year ending 2002:

Playstation 2: 42,595,000
Xbox: 7,237,000
GameCube: 7,080,000

Total LTD Base: 56,912,000 Hardware Units.

Now compare to a similar time in 2008:

Wii: 32,550,000
X360: 20,940,000
Playstation 3: 15,580,000

Total LTD Base: 69,070,000 Hardware Units.

I agree with all except the last statement.  This generation is good, but, I think the next generation will be more defining then this one.  This one is about broadening the gaming audience.

I see this generation as a transition generation to define consoles roles in the home and entertainment industry.  Next, generation should help them mature with the good ideas of each console being implemented in all consoles...  (Faster worldwide accessible networks + PS3's power and Home ideas + 360's Live and Marketplace + Wii's motion controls + more entertainment peripherals like driving wheels, instruments, etc. + true high definition for everything at 40-60 fps = New definition of gaming and every console will be capable of all of them) 

Games are going down in my view.

I'm actually more pleased with my PS2 than my PS3. My GBA than my DS.

Also a lot of Wii owners and PS3 owners aren't really gamers if you know what I mean.

As for PS2 sales, look at the games bud. They should speak for themselves.

You forgot about the Dreamcast.

 Remember, the PS3 is not even 2 years old yet.

If you don't like your DS, I don't know what to tell you because it's library is better than the GBA's imo.

Are you saying Wii owners buy Wii's because they use it for Blu-ray and PS3 owners buy PS3's for the casual games?(Sarcasm for any mods that want to warn me)