PlayStation 2

Lore & Background

Sony began developing the PlayStation 2 after the immense success of its predecessor, the original PlayStation, which had become the first computer entertainment platform to ship over 100 million units. By the late 1990s, Sony had dethroned established rivals Sega and Nintendo in the global video game market. Ken Kutaragi, known as 'the Father of the PlayStation,' reportedly started working on a second console around the time of the original PlayStation's launch in late 1994. During development, Sony designed its own rendering chip in-house while instructing other companies to design chips to diversify options. The console's custom Emotion Engine processor, co-developed with Toshiba, was promoted as being more powerful than most personal computers of the era.

Sony officially revealed the first details of the PlayStation 2 on March 2, 1999, confirming backward compatibility, significantly boosted performance, and a four-fold increase in data transfer rates. The console was unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show on September 20, 1999, with technical demonstrations that generated considerable media attention. Sony estimated the PlayStation 2 could render 7.5 million to 16 million polygons per second, while independent estimates ranged from 3 million to 20 million. Despite its technical capabilities, the console was reportedly difficult to develop for, with Capcom designer Shinji Mikami describing it as the most challenging system he had encountered, and Konami's Hideo Kojima expressing disappointment with its power.

Incorporating a DVD player proved pivotal, expanding the console's appeal beyond gaming. In regions such as Southern Europe, where gaming was less prevalent, the DVD capability was promoted more heavily, successfully increasing console penetration in markets like Spain. The PlayStation 2 was revised in 2004 with a smaller, lighter body known as the 'Slimline.' It remained in production after the release of its successor, the PlayStation 3, and continued to receive new game releases for several years, with the last game, Pro Evolution Soccer 2014, released exclusively in Europe on November 8, 2013. The console was discontinued on January 4, 2013, giving it one of the longest lifespans in video game history.

Reader's Guide

The PlayStation 2's significance lies in its unprecedented commercial success and its role in solidifying Sony's dominance in the video game industry. Selling 160 million units worldwide—nearly triple the combined sales of its sixth-generation competitors—it remains the best-selling video game console of all time. Its built-in DVD drive enhanced its value as a home entertainment device, while full backward compatibility with original PlayStation games and accessories gave it access to a vast launch library that far surpassed those of its rivals. The console's custom Emotion Engine processor, co-developed with Toshiba, was a key technical highlight, delivering 6.2 gigaflops at 300 MHz and helping elevate Sony Computer Entertainment's profile in semiconductor design. The decision to include DVD-Video support was the result of Kutaragi witnessing a demonstration for the Nuon enhancement chip. The PlayStation 2's long lifespan, spanning over a decade of production and new game releases, further cemented its legacy. Its global library of over 4,000 game titles and 1.54 billion copies sold underscore its enduring impact on gaming culture and the industry at large.

Did You Know?

• Its custom Emotion Engine processor, co-developed with Toshiba, could deliver 6.2 gigaflops at 300 MHz.
• The last game released for the system was Pro Evolution Soccer 2014, exclusively in Europe on November 8, 2013.