Sony has recently confirmed that its beloved PlayStation 2 console has achieved a remarkable milestone of over 160 million units sold. Initially unveiled by Jim Ryan, the former CEO, this console maintains its position as the highest-selling gaming console in history, though it faces stiff competition from the Nintendo Switch, which boasts 146 million units sold. The Nintendo Switch is drawing closer to the top spot, potentially threatening the PS2’s long-standing record.
The PlayStation 2, which hit the market in 2000, followed in the footsteps of the original PlayStation and took the gaming world by storm. It was a standout success right from its inception, introducing games that showcased a significant leap forward from its predecessor. A noteworthy feature was its ability to play most PlayStation 1 games, using the same controllers and memory cards, making it a versatile and cherished console. At the core of its powerful performance was the Emotion Engine CPU, a result of collaboration between Sony and Toshiba. Additionally, it was introduced with a price tag of $299, making it an affordable DVD player when DVDs were still a new technology. Fast forward four years, and the PS2 was reimagined as the PS2 Slim, a slimmer, more compact version of the original.
Fast forward to two decades after the PS2’s release, and Sony has proudly shared updated sales figures that cement its status in gaming history. According to their PlayStation history blog, the PS2’s sales have now surpassed 160 million worldwide, a figure confirmed by Jim Ryan himself around the time of his retirement in March 2024. The PS2 remained in production until 2013, the same year the PS4 launched, releasing over 4,000 titles during its lifespan, including iconic series like God of War and Ratchet and Clank that continue to captivate players today.
Even though the PlayStation 2 has long been discontinued, its legacy lives on vibrantly within the gaming community. Thanks to modern remakes of classic PS2 games, such as Silent Hill 2 for the PS5 and PS5 Pro, the console’s impact remains undeniable. The PS2 will forever hold a special place in the hearts of gamers, celebrated for its diverse game library and far-reaching influence in the world of video gaming.
As robust as the PS2’s legacy is, it’s worth noting the Nintendo Switch is hot on its heels, with impressive sales figures of over 146 million units since its launch in March 2017. This includes sales for the Switch Lite and OLED models, and speculation about a new successor suggests that Nintendo’s innovative hybrid console might just pull ahead in the race someday soon. Regardless of how the numbers may shift, the PS2’s impact and the road it paved for future consoles will not be forgotten.
