PlayStation 2 has solidified its position as the best-selling console of all time, surpassing 160 million units sold since its launch in March 2000. The recent update from Sony confirms this milestone, with an additional 10 million units sold since 2011. Despite the competition from Nintendo’s Switch, PlayStation 2 remains on top.
Former PlayStation boss, Jim Ryan, initially mentioned the 160 million sales figure in a farewell podcast earlier this year. Sony has now officially updated its PlayStation history page to reflect this number. While sales have slowed over the years, the fact that 5 million units were sold in the last decade is noteworthy, especially considering that production of the PS2 ceased in 2013.
In comparison, the PlayStation 5 has reached 65 million lifetime sales, the PS4 has sold 117 million units, the PS3 stands at 87 million, and the PS1 was purchased by 102 million fans. Nintendo’s DS handheld came close to matching the PS2’s sales figures with 154 million units sold. However, the Switch, currently at 146 million sales, could potentially take the lead in the future.
Despite the competition, achieving 160 million sales for the PS2 is a remarkable feat. As Sony prepares to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the PlayStation brand, it’s evident that the legacy of the PS2 continues to be a significant part of gaming history. From a fallout with Nintendo to becoming a global phenomenon, the PlayStation brand has come a long way in three decades.
