PS2

The PlayStation 2 (PS2) is a home video game console developed by Sony Computer Entertainment, and the successor to the original PlayStation. It was released in 2000 in Japan and reached other major markets within 2000–2001. The PS2 was positioned as Sony’s flagship console for the seventh generation, aiming to combine traditional gaming with multimedia capabilities and broad third‑party support.

Hardware and media: The system uses the Emotion Engine CPU and Graphics Synthesizer GPU, with 32 MB of RAM and 4 MB of video memory. It reads DVD-ROMs, enabling playback of films as well as games, which helped drive the adoption of DVDs in living rooms. The PS2 offered backward compatibility with most PlayStation 1 software, a feature that contributed to a large early library. Connectivity evolved over time, with USB ports, an optional Network Adapter, and Ethernet support in later models, facilitating online play in certain markets.

Software and services: The PS2 library covers a wide range of genres, including action, adventure, racing, role‑playing, and sports. Notable titles include a mix of international exclusives and acclaimed multi‑platform releases, and many games shipped with online components in supported regions. A slimmer, redesigned model released in 2004 improved form factor, integrated networking options, and energy efficiency while preserving compatibility with existing software.

Impact and legacy: The PS2 became the best‑selling console of its generation and one of the best‑selling video game systems of all time, with a substantial impact on both gaming and home entertainment. Its success helped popularize online console gaming and contributed to the widespread adoption of DVDs as a standard feature in game consoles.

Production and disposition: Production continued until 2013, by which time the PS2 had sold over 150 million units worldwide and established Sony’s enduring presence in the console market.