Over a decade after the PlayStation 2’s production officially ended, Sony has confirmed that the console sold an impressive 160 million units during its lifespan, solidifying its status as the best-selling gaming console in history.
This milestone was shared on a special website commemorating PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, which chronicles the company’s evolution in gaming and highlights the iconic franchises that helped shape its legacy.
The achievement was also mentioned by Jim Ryan, the former CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, who reflected on his tenure with the company. He cited the PS2’s record-breaking sales as a standout accomplishment, underscoring its monumental impact on the gaming industry and its legacy as a giant in video games.
PS2 sales controversies
The last time Sony officially addressed PlayStation 2 sales was in 2012, when the iconic console reached 155 million units sold. Production ended in 2013, so it’s reasonable to assume that a few additional million units were sold even as the PlayStation 3 gained momentum and the PlayStation 4 was just around the corner.
For over a decade, however, Sony never updated this sales figure, with the 155 million mark becoming the widely accepted record. During this time, the Nintendo DS, also out of production, maintained a close second place with 154 million units sold.
Recently, though, Sony revealed the PS2’s updated total of 160 million units sold, sparking some debate. The announcement comes when the Nintendo Switch has reached 146 million units sold, inching closer to the all-time sales record. Some speculate that Sony’s decision to release updated numbers finally may be motivated by a desire to create distance between the PS2 and the Switch, ensuring the former’s title as the best-selling console of all time remains undisputed for now.
While Sony hasn’t officially explained the timing of this update, it bolsters the PS2’s legacy. It reaffirms its dominance in gaming history—though the long delay in releasing these figures has undoubtedly raised a few eyebrows.
