PlayStation 2 was the console that changed gaming forever.
On October 26, 2000, Sony launched the PlayStation 2 in North America. Now, 25 years later, it remains one of the most iconic and best-selling consoles in history, with 160 million units sold worldwide since its debut. Priced at $299 at launch, the PS2 quickly became a household name and a defining part of early 2000s pop culture.
From Tokyo to the World
The PlayStation 2 was officially revealed at the Tokyo Game Show in September 1999, showcasing demos that gave gamers a taste of the next generation. Titles like Tekken Tag Tournament, Gran Turismo 2000 (later renamed Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec), and Eternal Ring from a then lesser-known studio called FromSoftware—yes, the same team that would later create Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring—helped build anticipation worldwide.
By the time the system hit stores, it offered a feature set that felt ahead of its time, combining cutting-edge gaming with DVD playback, online functionality, and backward compatibility with original PlayStation discs. Simply put, the PS2 changed everything.
The Emotion Engine
At the heart of the PS2 was its custom CPU, dubbed the Emotion Engine. It was named for its groundbreaking ability to render realistic graphics for the era, featuring eight individual processing units, each handling specific tasks. This design gave developers the power to push visuals and performance far beyond anything that had come before.
The DVD Age
In 2000, DVD had become the must-have home entertainment format. Dedicated DVD players were still pricey, but the PS2 gave consumers both a gaming console and a movie player in one sleek package. It became one of the most affordable and versatile entertainment devices on the market. It would turn millions of living rooms into multimedia hubs overnight.
Console Evolution
Throughout its lifespan, the PS2 evolved. Multiple hardware revisions were released, including the famously sleek PS2 Slim, which drastically reduced its size and power consumption. Sony also released color variants, giving fans stylish alternatives to the console’s signature matte black finish.
PlayStation’s First Steps Online
In 2001, Sony took its first big step into online gaming with the Network Adaptor add-on. For the first time, players could connect with friends across the world through games like SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs, Final Fantasy XI, and countless sports and racing titles. The PS2’s online ecosystem became surprisingly robust, with official servers for Final Fantasy XI staying active until 2016—an impressive run that spanned over 15 years.
An Unmatched Library
The PS2’s game lineup remains unmatched in variety and impact. Generation-defining titles like Grand Theft Auto III, Final Fantasy X, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Devil May Cry, and Silent Hill 2 set new standards for storytelling and gameplay. It also became home to cult favorites like TimeSplitters and Midnight Club, two games that captured the thrill of early 2000s gaming better than anything else.
A Personal Love Letter to the PS2
The PlayStation 2 wasn’t just another console—it was the moment gaming truly became part of everyday life. I didn’t get one at launch, but when my dad surprised me with a PS2 and Midnight Club. It came complete with a steering wheel and pedal setup, and it changed everything. Coming from a Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast, that first late-night street race made me feel like I’d brought the arcade home. That’s when I fell in love with gaming for good.
A Startup to Remember
Even the startup screen became part of the experience. When players powered on the PS2, they were greeted by a series of floating blocks growing into towers. These weren’t random—they represented the number of games played and the time spent on each. It was a subtle, brilliant touch that reminded players how much their adventures had shaped that digital skyline.
A Lasting Legacy
Two and a half decades later, the PS2 still stands as a symbol of innovation, creativity, and connection. It bridged generations, introduced millions to gaming, and proved consoles could be more than toys—they could be gateways to stories, worlds, and lifelong memories.
Here’s to the PlayStation 2. It was the console that defined an era, changed entertainment forever, and made us all believe in the power of play.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
