The PlayStation 2 first released exactly 19 years ago today in Japan back in March 4, 2000, as the successor to the original PlayStation console, and it still stands as the all-time best-selling console.
When the PS2 released in 2000, it came with a built-in DVD player, which was a key selling point in its earlier years, as its debut pricing was actually about the same or less than a standalone DVD player, which was quite costly at the time. This made the console a low cost entry into the home theater market, which helped
Another one of the many reasons the PS2 found success was thanks to its longevity and continued support from Sony, which went far beyond its 10-year expected life cycle after reaching the 12-year marker when the console’s production finally ended back in December 2012.
Sony also continued providing repair service for the PS2 up until last August in Japan. That’s over 18 years after the original release, and since then the console has sold an estimate of over 155 million units (150 million confirmed by Sony in 2011) to make it the best-selling home video game console of all time.
The best-selling PS2 game of all time is Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas with 17.33 million units sold worldwide. The best-selling PS2 title in Japan is Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King with 3.7 million units sold.
Lastly, here’s a happy PS2 birthday tweet from Sony:
【PlayStation®2は19歳になりました】
本日3月4日は、PlayStation®2の19歳の誕生日。19年前のあなたは、どんなゲームをプレイしていたか思い出せますか？#PS2生誕祭 pic.twitter.com/YypLKNzC1B
— プレイステーション公式 (@PlayStation_jp) March 4, 2019
The PlayStation 2 turned 19.
Today, March 4, is the 19th birthday of the PlayStation 2.
What kind of games do you remember playing 19 years ago?
The PlayStation 2 launched in Japan in March 4, 2000. It released in North America in October 2000 and Europe in November 2000. What were some of your favorite PS2 games?
