The Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2), released in 2000, is the best-selling video game console of all time, with over 160 million units sold worldwide. It was a cultural phenomenon that extended far beyond gaming, largely due to its built-in DVD player, which offered an affordable home entertainment solution at a time when dedicated DVD players were still expensive. The PS2’s market dominance helped Sony cement its lead in the gaming industry in the sixth generation of consoles, competing against Sega’s Dreamcast, Nintendo’s GameCube, and Microsoft’s Xbox.
Key innovations and features
- Integrated DVD player: This feature was a significant selling point. For many consumers, the console served as both a gaming machine and a home media player, making it a highly attractive, two-in-one purchase.
- “Emotion Engine” CPU: The PS2 was powered by a 128-bit processor named the Emotion Engine, designed to deliver impressive graphics and gameplay for its time. Co-developed with Toshiba, this processor was often touted as being more powerful than many personal computers of the era.
- Backward compatibility: The PS2 could play most games and use controllers and memory cards from the original PlayStation, offering a massive launch library from day one and giving gamers a clear reason to upgrade.
- Online gaming: The PS2 introduced online gaming to the PlayStation ecosystem. While not built-in on early “fat” models, it was supported via a Network Adaptor add-on. Later “slimline” models featured a built-in Ethernet port.
- DualShock 2 controller: The updated controller refined the original DualShock design, adding pressure-sensitive face buttons for a new level of control and interactivity in compatible games.
- The Slimline model: In 2004, Sony released a redesigned, smaller, and quieter version of the console. While it removed the internal expansion bay, it included built-in networking capabilities.
Iconic games and legacy
The PlayStation 2’s immense popularity was fueled by a vast library of nearly 4,000 games that catered to every audience. It was home to some of gaming’s most celebrated and influential titles.
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: The best-selling PS2 game, it captured a broad audience with its open-world design and cemented the PS2’s appeal as a console for more mature players.
- God of War: This series launched on the PS2 and became one of Sony’s most important franchises.
- Final Fantasy X and Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty: These cinematic and narratively deep games helped define the PS2 era.
- Shadow of the Colossus and Okami: These critically acclaimed titles showcased the artistic potential of video games.
- Kingdom Hearts, Ratchet & Clank, and Jak and Daxter: These series first arrived on the PS2, helping to establish new franchises.
The PS2’s incredible lifespan lasted almost 13 years, with manufacturing officially ending in 2013. It remains a beloved console for its massive game library, versatile functionality, and lasting impact on the video game industry.