PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2 (PS2) was released by Sony Computer Entertainment on March 4, 2000, in Japan, followed by launches in North America, Europe, and other regions throughout the year. As the successor to the original PlayStation, the PS2 revolutionized the gaming industry, being the first Sony console to support DVDs and maintaining backward compatibility with its predecessor’s games.

Released during the sixth generation of video game consoles, the PS2 competed directly with the Sega Dreamcast, Nintendo GameCube, and Microsoft Xbox. Its diverse game library, featuring iconic titles such as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Metal Gear Solid 3, Shadow of the Colossus, and Final Fantasy X, solidified its popularity.

Technical Information

  • Processor: 128-bit Emotion Engine at 294 MHz
  • RAM: 32 MB RDRAM
  • Graphics Processor: Graphics Synthesizer, 147 MHz, 4 MB embedded memory
  • Audio: 48 sound channels, 5.1 surround sound support
  • Storage: 8 MB memory cards (expandable), optional hard disk drive
  • Media: DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, audio CDs, video DVDs
  • Connectivity: USB ports, FireWire (on early models), network adapter (sold separately)

General Information

  • Console Names: PlayStation 2, PS2
  • Release Date: March 4, 2000 (Japan), October 26, 2000 (USA), November 24, 2000 (Europe)
  • Original Price: $299
  • Country of Origin: Japan
  • Manufacturer: Sony Computer Entertainment
  • Primary Media: DVD-ROM, CD-ROM
  • Units Sold: Approximately 155 million
  • Successor: PlayStation 3
  • Predecessor: PlayStation (PS1)
  • Backward Compatibility: compatible with PlayStation 1 games

Accessories and Special Controllers

The PlayStation 2 featured a wide range of accessories and special controllers that expanded its functionality:

  • DualShock 2: The standard controller with enhanced vibration and pressure-sensitive analog buttons.
  • EyeToy: A camera that enabled motion-based interactive games.
  • Multitap: An accessory allowing up to four controllers to connect to a single port, essential for local multiplayer gaming.
  • USB Keyboard and Mouse: Supported by specific games, including strategy titles and MMORPGs.
  • Network Adapter: Enabled online connectivity, crucial for multiplayer games like Final Fantasy XI.
  • Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Used for storing game data and expansions, primarily in MMORPGs.
  • DVD Remote Control: Facilitated DVD playback, one of the console’s multimedia functions.
  • Guitar Hero Controller: A plastic guitar for the Guitar Hero series, offering an interactive musical experience.

Impact and Legacy

The PlayStation 2 is widely recognized as one of the most successful gaming consoles in history. With a library of over 3,800 games and support spanning more than a decade, its longevity and popularity helped establish PlayStation as a dominant brand in the gaming industry.

The backward compatibility and DVD playback capabilities contributed to its strong early sales. Additionally, Sony released several hardware revisions, including the Slim model in 2004, which was more compact and energy-efficient.

Curiosities

Sony officially discontinued the PS2 in 2013, after 13 years on the market.

A special version called PSX was released exclusively in Japan in 2003. This model combined a PS2 with a DVD recorder and advanced multimedia features but did not achieve commercial success.

The PS2 was the first console to sell over 100 million units in less than five years.

Some games were released until 2013, including Pro Evolution Soccer 2014, marking one of the longest lifespans for a gaming console.

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