When Was PS2 Discontinued? – A Look Back
The PlayStation 2 (PS2) is widely considered one of the most iconic video game consoles of all time. Released in 2000, it has an impressive sales record of 159 million units, cementing its position as one of the best-selling consoles in history. The success of the PS2 also led to a rich collection of games, both new and old, across a wide range of genres.
Discontinuation in Japan and Worldwide
While the PS2 is no longer manufactured or produced today, its production discontinued by Sony in Japan and around the world at different points in time. Let’s take a closer look:
- Japan: On December 28, 2012, Sony discontinued the PS2 production in Japan, marking an end to the era.
- Worldwide: January 4, 2013, marked the cessation of PS2 production outside of Japan.
It is essential to note that production discontinuation does not signify the end of game availability or repair services.
Why Was the PS2 Discontinued?
Reasons for the PS2’s discontinuation lie largely in the rapidly advancing game console technology. Several subsequent consoles, including the Xbox 360 and PS3, had been launched or were about to debut.
Key Takeaways from the PS2 Era:
• High Hardware Costs: Developing advanced processors and memory solutions like Sony’s Emotion Engine pushed production costs upwards. Producing new games requiring new hardware features led to expenses that outweighed projected profitability.
• Cost Efficiency: The cost-efficient Nintendo Wii and Microsoft’s affordable Xbox 360 and One consoles further disrupted market sentiments, forcing Sony to scale back PS2 manufacturing.