The PlayStation 2 (PS2) is officially the first console to be added to Japan’s National Science Museum. The museum houses a number of iconic gadgets and items from the past spanning all the way back to 1966. The PS2 is now the first video game console added to this collection.
The PS2 not only marks a huge milestone for video games but in Japan, it was also one of the region’s most celebrated platforms. Not to mention Sony’s origin in Japan makes the hardware a standout showcase in the historical exhibition.
The Japan National Science Museum recently added a number of new items to the list including sewing machines and wristwatches. It also added electronic pianos and a handful of important manufacturing equipment. However, the PS2 is the standout here given its historical significance in gaming.
The PS2 launched back on 4 March 2000 in Japan and went on to roll out across the world later that year. By the end of its lifespan, the console managed to sell 155 million units and was home to over 4,000 games. Today, the hardware is considered nostalgic and quite a collector’s item.
The popularity of the console was also thanks to its included DVD drive that helped drive sales during the rise of physical media. Sony went on to leverage the same selling point with the PS3’s included BluRay Drive. Next year would mark the PS2’s 25th anniversary.
Here’s a throwback unboxing video I found from the PS2 launch day.
Unboxing a PlayStation 2 on launch day (October 26, 2000)
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