Sony has just announced that their iconic PlayStation 2 (PS2) has crossed a staggering 160 million units in sales since it first hit the shelves back in 2000. This news reaffirms its position as the highest-selling console ever, although the innovative Nintendo Switch is swiftly closing the gap with its own impressive sales figures rising to 146 million units.
The PS2, which launched as the successor to the original PlayStation, quickly made waves with its groundbreaking features. Not only did it introduce new gaming experiences that marked a hefty leap from the PS1, but it also embraced backward compatibility. Gamers could use their beloved PS1 games, controllers, and memory cards seamlessly with the PS2. Driven by the powerful Emotion Engine CPU, which was a joint creation of Sony and Toshiba, the console was priced reasonably at $299. In a time when DVDs were still finding their feet, the PS2 doubled as an affordable DVD player. In 2004, Sony even released the PS2 Slim, offering a more compact design.
More than 20 years since its launch, Sony recently updated the public on the PS2’s monumental sales numbers. This update was supported by none other than Jim Ryan, the former President and CEO of Sony, who had confirmed similar figures before stepping down in March 2024. Over its lifetime, Sony sold PS2 consoles until they finally ceased production in 2013, coinciding with the introduction of the PlayStation 4. Throughout its prodigious run, the PS2 hosted over 4,000 titles and birthed legendary series like God of War and Ratchet & Clank, which continue to captivate gamers today.
Staying ahead in the console wars, the PS2’s legacy as the top-seller remains intact for now, although the Nintendo Switch isn’t too far behind. Having launched in March 2017, the Switch has sold over 146 million units, including the Lite and OLED variations. With a newer version of the Switch rumored to be in the works, Nintendo’s hybrid gaming console might soon give the PS2 a real run for its money.
Even though production has long since stopped, the PS2’s influence endures, with classics like Silent Hill 2 getting shiny new remakes for the PS5 and PS5 Pro. The PS2’s legacy doesn’t just linger; it thrives, keeping a cherished spot in the hearts of gaming enthusiasts around the globe.
