In order to replace the cup holder does the entire console have to come out.
i found this for the console :
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...light=arm+rest

but was wondering if the internal armrest come out by itself to replace the cup holder.

I am pretty sure it does as I am sure I removed the whole armrest, bin, cupholder at a junkyard without lifting the entire console. IIRC, you do need to "pop" out the triangle trim piece between the gear selector and the front of the bin to gain access to the front nuts of the bin. Then, like the link you provided says, you remove the back cover, inside the bin, to gain access to the back nuts.

I just installed a new cupholder on my parents 97 SSEi for them. Ordered it from the GM dealer for around $25 and it just snapped right in. 10 second install.

yup same thing here haro

ok ,, the part number is 25639346 from gm parts direct.
it is a cup holder only.

on closer examination the cup holder will just snap on .
the original cup holder has closed ends .. that attach to the hinge.
the replacement has J shaped ends ..

I removed the remaining plastic that was left over from the original.
just pinched it with some pliers and pulled it off.

then snapped the new cupholder in place.. i didnt have to remove any part of the console.