The PlayStation 2 is the best-selling video game console of all-time, with a library of over 3,800 games. Landmark franchises such as Final Fantasy, Metal Gear Solid, Grand Theft Auto and many more achieved a huge evolution on this console, and it’s safe to say gaming wouldn’t be where it is today without the great strides made during the PS2 era.
Originally released in 2000, the PlayStation 2 competed with the Nintendo GameCube and Microsoft Xbox consoles. While the PS2 lacked a thorough online system, the large amount of games that were accessible to PS2 gamers made it immensely popular; this was further bolstered by the PlayStation 2’s
In fact, the PlayStation 2 continued to perform well in sales even when the PlayStation 3 was released in late 2006. It wasn’t uncommon for a PS3 title to also be released on the PS2. Even had the PS2 died in 2006, it would’ve been a strong 6-year run. However, this particular console still had many years left.
It wasn’t until January 4th, 2013 that Sony stopped manufacturing new PlayStation 2 consoles; over 12 years of production. Even still, new game were still developed for the PS2 all the way through to the end of 2013, such as Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin and FIFA 14.
The final PlayStation 2 game ever released was Pro Evolution Soccer 2014; it was released on November 8th, 2013, exactly one week before the PlayStation 4 hit North American store shelves.
PlayStation 2 had the longest lifespan of any video game console ever. Even today, fanatics of the classic PS2 online games have found a way to play their favorite PlayStation 2 games online again.
