Sony has finally updated its sales figures for the PlayStation 2, revealing that the console has sold over 160 million units worldwide since its launch in 2000. This makes the PS2 the current record holder for the highest-selling gaming console of all time. Two Nintendo consoles, the Nintendo DS and the Nintendo Switch, follow close behind the PS2’s lifetime sales.
The PS2 seems to hold a special place in the hearts of many gamers. It arguably had one of the strongest line-ups of first-party PlayStation exclusives out of any Sony console and featured a “golden era” of third-party games as well. Interestingly, the PS2 is still bought, sold and played around the world today, though it has yet to become a valued collector’s item given its affordability and availability on the market if you look hard enough.
After years of speculation, Sony officially revealed that the PS2 sold 160 million consoles worldwide. The Nintendo DS falls in second place at 154.02 million units sold and the Nintendo Switch trails in third place at 146 million consoles sold. This is the first official confirmation of the PS2’s sales figures from Sony. In the past, it seems like it was only speculative talk but given the console’s popularity then and even now, there was no arguing its status as the highest-selling console of all time.
It’s impressive that the Nintendo Switch almost overtook the PS2’s lifetime sales in a much shorter timespan. While it’s still possible for that to happen down the line, Nintendo is already gearing up for the next Nintendo hardware (fan-named the Switch 2). Early reports suggest that the Switch 2 might be revealed in January with a release date planned for March 2025. That doesn’t leave Nintendo much room for marketing, so we’ll have to wait and see if this report turns out to be true.
Source: Sony
