On November 26, Sony proudly announced that their second gaming console, the PlayStation 2, has soared past the milestone of 160 million units sold worldwide since its debut in 2000. Even though the PS2 has been off retail shelves for over a decade now, it still holds the crown as the highest-selling video game console ever. That said, the Nintendo Switch is steadily closing in.
Launched at the turn of the millennium, the PS2 followed in the footsteps of the original PlayStation and instantly captivated audiences. Not only did it showcase an impressive leap in game quality from the PS1 era, but it also offered backward compatibility with most PS1 games, controllers, and memory cards. This was powered by the unique Emotion Engine CPU, a joint creation by Sony and Toshiba. Moreover, at an initial price of $299, it was an enticing option for those seeking an affordable DVD player at a time when DVDs were gaining popularity. About four years after its release, Sony introduced the PS2 Slim, a more compact version of the console.
Fast forward over twenty years, and Sony’s PlayStation history blog unveiled the updated sales figures for the PS2, which now stand at over 160 million units sold globally. This surpasses the prior number reported at 158.3 million. These figures include all variations of the PS2, such as the PS2 Slim. Former Sony President and CEO Jim Ryan, who officially retired in March 2024, had already highlighted these staggering sales numbers. He often credited the PS2’s success to its massive library of over 4,000 titles, including legendary series like God of War and Ratchet & Clank, which still captivate players today. Even after Sony stopped producing the PS2 in 2013, the same year the PS4 made its debut, its legacy left an indelible mark on gaming.
Currently, the PS2 remains the number one bestselling console, but the Nintendo Switch isn’t far behind. Having sold over 146 million units since its launch in March 2017, the Switch trails by only about 14 million units and is still selling robustly with the help of its Lite and OLED models. As Nintendo crafts the next generation of the Switch, it seems poised to give the PS2 a run for its money.
Even though production of the PS2 has ceased, its influence is still palpable. Popular titles like Silent Hill 2 continue to capture imaginations, now remade for modern consoles like the PS5 and PS5 Pro. The PS2’s legacy is undeniably cherished by gamers around the globe, a testament to its enduring impact and innovation in gaming history.
The PlayStation 2, Sony’s follow-up to the original PlayStation, remains one of the most celebrated consoles of all time. Its extensive collection of fantastic games positioned it strongly against rivals like the GameCube and Xbox in the intense sixth-generation console war. Released on October 26, 2000, and initially priced at $299, it stands as a milestone in gaming history.
