Gaming x 2= Next

Why is it that every time there is a release of a new generation of consoles the BIT number doubles?
Is there a logical reason for this, technical reasons?
Do all of the companies have an agreement that the consoles they release have to have around the same amount of power?

I know that they all say "Game Box Has 234.09 Blah Blah, and X-cube only has 234.06"  but why are they all so close to each other?

I think if I were really in competition with a company I would anticipate the doubled number console and say "Hey guys let\'s release our console with twice the power that they are going to have."

Are they able to do this?

Why the double?

$$$

It\'s all about the Benjamin\'s bro.  Hardware is cheaper than what it used to be, given the state of the economy, but imagine how much more it would have cost to make a PS2 back 5 years ago.

We\'ve seen Intel Pentium 4 processors at 1.4 Ghz go from $489 to $300.  Everything is relative to the current technology.

Sure you can build a 200Ghz 16G RDRAM machine with a 50" Plasma flatscreen today, but much will it cost you?