PlayStation 2 turns nine

Sony says once-dominant workhorse "shows no signs of slowing down" as it celebrates milestone, touts hardware's catalog of 10,000 games and 140 million installed base.

Nine years ago this week, Sony launched the PlayStation 2 in the US, sporting a $299 price tag and a launch-day library of more than two dozen games, including hits like Madden NFL 2001 and Tekken Tag Tournament.

The PS2 Slim only hit the $99 price point earlier this year.

The gaming giant marked the anniversary today with a stat dump celebrating the long-term success of the PS2. According to Sony Computer Entertainment America, the console has a worldwide installed base of nearly 140 million, with a library approaching 10,000 games having sold more than 500 million copies combined.

Although Nintendo's GameCube and Microsoft's original Xbox ceased production years ago, Sony today declared that the PS2 "shows no signs of slowing down" at the tail end of its 10-year life span. However, with the introduction of the current generation of consoles, its sales have slowed in recent years. According to the NPD Group, the PS2 sold 146,000 last month, down from 173,500 in September 2008 and 215,000 in September of 2007.

Um, you put the disc in upside down.

The slimline PS2, introduced in 2004, remains available on store shelves for a retail price of $99. The system finally reached the double-digit price point April 1, more than eight years into its life span and nearly five years after the move was first rumored. The low price has helped convince publishers to continue developing for the platform, with DJ Hero and MotorStorm Arctic Edge among recent PS2 releases.

497 Comments

  • GBPackersrule

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 8:20 pm PT

    Happy birthday old friend... the memories I have with you defined my youth... you're in a better place now... (croaked from old age... painful day)

    My PS2
    March 20th, 2001- June 26th, 2009
    Goodbye old friend. You lasted longer than my 360 did.

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 3:21 am PT

    I completely agree that the PS2 will go down in history as being one of the greatest gaming platforms ever made!

  • khanm

    Posted Nov 2, 2009 2:43 am PT

    I have a ps2 and I love it

  • andalore

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 1:42 pm PT

    Ahh the PS2 was one of my classic consoles Ive had mine since launch and its still one of my best consoles, its still got tonnes of games to play too

  • bm1212

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 6:23 am PT

    Has it really been that long? I remember when the ps2 came out, i was so excited to play it when one of my mates got it. Unluckily I didn't get it at launch but I got the ps3 at launch to make up for the disappointment.

  • mutual-assassin

    Posted Nov 1, 2009 5:59 am PT

    When Sony finally decides to stop producing the PS2 they should send a console into space. Easily the best console to come about, it's incredible that it's still selling 9 years on with competition from the next gen.

  • leeko_link

    Posted Oct 31, 2009 3:00 pm PT

    Nine years passed and the PS2 is still my favorite system right behind the Super NES and Sega Genesis.

  • awaltzforvenus

    Posted Oct 31, 2009 11:14 am PT

    Nine years and counting, and I still play my PS2 almost every day. I'll never forget launch day for it. What a gem of a system.

  • OwnageGuy

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 7:14 pm PT

    i doubt any console could even match up to what the ps2 have done these years. completely revolutionary.

  • JOKER677

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 2:26 pm PT

    yeah the dreamcast just had it ten year anniversary last month and its amazing how the ps2 has done in comparison

  • blackwingzero

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 2:18 pm PT

    The PS2 is a strong console because of all the great games availailable for it. Way to go Sony!

  • JebranRush

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 1:22 pm PT

    The PS2's a dominant and unstoppable beast. Well done, PS2.

  • djsaskdja

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 12:05 pm PT

    Yo ps3 I'm really happy for you and I'm gonna let you finish but ps2 is one the greatest gaming consoles of all time! Of all time!!!

  • JyhSong9

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 11:23 am PT

    Even so , PS2 is an ideal console for gaming. Considering the prices of PS3's console, its accessories and games are rather high for the "intermediate funded" family/person. PS2 provides a very good gaming experience with affordable prices. Then again, PS3 does has its own pros. Some people just need time in financial-wise or personal favourites reason.

  • mtnjak

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 10:57 am PT

    Sonicplys, have you even played a PS3? It's another leap forward for Playstation in general. The PS2 was only the beginning. After 9 years it's time to leave the house, dude.

  • Sonicplys

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 10:36 am PT

    The PS2 is one of the greatest video game systems ever made. PS2 is true gaming not the crap that the PS3 and 360 are spitting out.

  • mtnjak

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 10:22 am PT

    PS2 was the first console that really defined the next generation of gaming. Even when I first encountered the original Playstation when a cousin brought over his new console back in the mid 90s and proceeded to show me how it compared to the older Nintendo and Sega consoles of the 80s and early 90s I still wasn't sold on it. Yes, it was a start to more 3 dimensional gaming but I wasn't that impressed overall and I never ended up getting a PS One. It wasn't until the PS2 came out with the idea of killing two birds with one stone approach to a DVD player as well as a gaming console that I became interested. Then, the first time I saw Dave Mirra 2 and Gran Turismo 3 is when I realized, 'Wow, this thing's amazing!'. Eight years later I'm still amazed at PS3 and all of its functionality (especially my original 60GB version).

  • necronaux

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 10:15 am PT

    HHmmmm.. maybe it's time to finally pick up a PS2, and give my N64 (yes I still play from time to time) a rest.

  • cjasko94

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 7:40 am PT

    Awesome console, i hope as well that he ps3 lasts just as long! i'm sure enjoying mine!

  • cjasko94

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 7:39 am PT

    Metal Gear Solid 2 baby. that's why I have it set as my icon! the game kicks ass!

  • Exactlamento

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 7:20 am PT

    wow the fact that its still selling period is amazing! And to think i've been through all of the system's run. i just hope that this current gen of consoles will have simular staying power, or at least be able to push the system further. Compare a 2001 ps2 title to a 2007 title. it is almost like a whole new system!!! I have a hunch that 360 and ps3 (wii is excluded entirely) will come to the pinnacle of their graphical capacities within a year or so... hope not tho, i'm not looking forward to another generation of consoles when this one just started!!!

  • kamizuka

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 6:37 am PT

    you know why this console was the best? Becauser it didnt Focus on FPS only got COD and thats it, unlike now lots and lots of stupid FPS and trying to be like Halo

  • Petercairns

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 6:12 am PT

    Live long the Ps2!

  • bwwj55

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 5:19 am PT

    ps2: the dynasty

  • FF_fan2004

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 5:00 am PT

    I think that once PS2 hits its 10th anniversary, Sony should send it off with a bang to celebrate it. Not in a bad way, I mean.

  • kamuixtv

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 4:37 am PT

    This is what I like with Sony...keepin the 10 year run. I owned a PS2 since Dec 2000 and a slim in '05. To all who lined up at the launch. Thank You! You showed to the world that we GAMERS (aside from anime otakus) exists lol. Final Fantasy X-X2, Fatal Frame (the whole series), GTA3 and a lot more. This console is revolutionary and memorable. I had the NES, Genesis and SNES(also made strides) but they are all short lived. Turns 10 on March 2010 in Japan...I hope there will be surprises from Sony.

  • Unabomber256

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 1:42 am PT

    So what would the industry be like today if PS3 had opened at $300 instead of just now getting there?

  • Bufta

    Posted Oct 30, 2009 1:06 am PT

    The PS2 without doubt the best console ever, i still have my phat ps2 hooked up and it still works 8 years on. Got mine in october 2001 in the uk i still remember that day like it was yesterday. Got it bundled with Gran Turismo 3 which blew mine and my familys socks off. It sounds sad but that console got me through some tough times, anyway happy birthday Mr PS2..!!!!!

  • jeremiah06

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 10:21 pm PT

    Forget the 10 year stuff they shouldn't stop supporting the PS2 until the sales lower to 1-2 thousand a month I mean come on 100,000 plus thats insane keep pushing out the games sony.

  • LordelX

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 9:46 pm PT

    What? Gamecube was obviously the better console...lol Just kidding, congratulations Sony. I hope the Playstation 3 lasts just as long.

  • sizzlingdviper

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 9:45 pm PT

    Pity you can't seem to buy a new one anywhere in the UK,seeing they're still making games for it? Cos i'd really like to replace my old phat PS2 for a shiny new slim one.

  • aznballer91

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 9:13 pm PT

    This console pretty much sums up my childhood. FTW!

  • Spiritwolf99

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 9:13 pm PT

    My PS2 is great, and it replaced a PS1 older than my brother very well. Could still play all my PS1 games, and it's still alive and kicking today after some 7-8 years so I like it.

    Good memories with that bad boy right there.

  • F0ZZY

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 9:11 pm PT

    happy birthday PS2 lol.

  • Kenji_Masamune

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 8:41 pm PT

    best console so far. Tons of games and so many great memories of said games.

  • kamizuka

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 8:38 pm PT

    this gen is graphics and realistic game. the Ps2 was all about FUN!!

  • FinalDuo1886

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 7:41 pm PT

    Does Sony even need to even work on the PS4 right now?

  • aChaChaCha

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 7:40 pm PT

    Ahh the end of an era. I'd make a heartfelt montage if i could be bothered.

  • andrew_ribbons

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 7:16 pm PT

    Sign of the times when Sony's having to remember the good ones for comfort.

  • Mushroomhead2

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 7:01 pm PT

    10,000 games!?!?! that's f'n crazy

  • anotherone10

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 7:01 pm PT

    I remember playing GTA 3 for the first time on my uncles PS2, it was such an epic and revolutionary game for that time, oh the memories. The PS2 really was one of the best consoles of all time

  • _Sharpshooter_

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 6:15 pm PT

    i have it since the week it came out here. still works perfectly. HAS NOT RROD!!!

  • Linkman0714

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 6:14 pm PT

    ah the memories. i remember launch night my cousin bought one and bought it straight to my house. we popped in tekken tag tournament and didnt stop playing till about 8am after we had every single character unlocked. those were the times man.

  • joeisnub

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 6:14 pm PT

    It'll probably be the oldest living console ever.... I'm gonna go play GOW now.

  • GuitarHero171

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 6:08 pm PT

    Let's list the all time best PS2 games released: Star Wars Battlefront,
    Guitar Hero 1 & 2, Kingdom Hearts, Eye Toy, GTA, God of War.
    Feel free to continue the list

  • WKK

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 5:40 pm PT

    I remember the day I bought the PS2 for the first time when it was being sold for 299.99 in retail stores, man, some memories i've had there on playing the Getaway, Killzone, Kill.Switch, GTA and Red Faction II, here is to my favourite game company, to Sony.. Congrats.

  • x-2tha-z

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 5:27 pm PT

    Shadow of the Colossus.

  • mikeyg756 posted Oct 29, 2009 5:11 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    mikeyg756

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 5:11 pm PT (hide)

    @fps_d0minat0r

    uh ok,fanboy alert!. This generation the wii has sold the most, xbox is second, ps3 third. I have each console, the wii is my least favourite, the xbox is my favourite. The PS3 is only good when a exclusive or two comes out, if not, then xbox all the way. The 360 is the new PS2, if you don't believe that, then i think your just in denial, its pretty obvious.

  • fps_d0minat0r

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 4:51 pm PT

    @ minishmidna

    what do u mean?

    ps3 is the most sucessful console released till date and beats PC's in the same price range.

    no other console has better features..........prove it if you can.

    dont bother, its impossible.......go read another article.

  • Espadalewis

    Posted Oct 29, 2009 4:33 pm PT

    I still use mine xD
    Final Fantasy X and Kingdom Hearts 2 two games i wont stop playing :]

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