Some games can be played online, but even if you have an online capable game, being able to select specific people to play against is at the whim of the game developer.
I hate online gaming, so I haven't done a lot of looking into it, but I've never come across anything that does what you want. I don't even think the PS3/Xbox360/Wii have the ability to do this. Only thing you can really do is get a bigger screen TV so your half of the screen is bigger.
I just got a new playstation 2 slim a couple of days ago 2 keep me busy...i enjoy having friends come over to play it with me, although I hate split screen...Is there any way of connecting Playstation 2s together in their own LAN Network just like computer does so you could have several seperate TVs and Several Playstation 2 Consoles connected and play multiplayer together but on your own TV in one household? A.K.A Lan Party Room? I want to use my office in my house as a LAN Party Room for Playstation 2 Units with their own individual TV and Consoles...Just like a Home LAN Game on a computer....Is it possible? And what do I need to do if it is? SEARGENT_DEATHKEEP

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic