The Playstation 2 is the greatest console ever made. That is a very subjective statement, but one that seems like a pretty good bet, based on the platform’s incredible success. The Gamecube and Xbox were abandoned long ago (with the exception of this bewildering decision), yet there is still a market for the PS2. The console’s sales are less vigorous than previous years, but that is to be expected. After all, it was released in the States in November 2000. However, with a new bundle on the way, Sony’s sophomore console still has some life.
A console’s popularity is often measured by its lifetime sales. However, perhaps it should be based on how often gamers return to the platform after its disappearance from the market. Though I am currently preparing for the release of “Mercenaries 2: World in Flames,” I recently played my black, slim beauty for one last time.
My recent return to the “Ratchet and Clank” universe left me in dire need of more wrench-swinging action. With the franchise’s next installment not coming until fall 2009, I was forced to look for another means of scratching my itch. I thoroughly enjoyed “Quest for Booty,” but a third completion seemed like overkill. Therefore, I did the only reasonable thing I could think of. I dusted off my PS2 and popped in a recently-purchased copy of “Ratchet and Clank.”
“Up Your Arsenal,” the third game in the franchise, was my introduction to the series. Thus, I missed some of the duo’s earlier adventures. “Ratchet and Clank,” which was the world’s introduction to the galactic tag team, seemed ripe for the picking. Well, that and the fact that it is rather difficult to procure a new copy of “Going Commando” from most retailers.
I won’t review the game. That would be pointless. The title was lauded by critics when it was released in 2002. Play it while you still have the chance. However, I think the purchase is worth documenting because it highlights the PS2’s lasting appeal. The rectangular, black box might lack the graphical prowess of more recent consoles, but its software library far surpasses any of those of the current-generation consoles. Though, this is certainly due to the relative youth of the 360, Wii and PS3.
The success of the PS2 is proof that software, not hardware, sells consoles. Hardware power is certainly important, but it is the games that matter most. The PS2, which was the first last-generation console to hit the U.S. market, was arguably the least powerful platform. Though, games like “Shadow of the Colossus” and “God of War II” would give Sony faithful a reason to demand that I shove that last statement where the sun don’t shine. I realize that I am not breaking new ground, but I thought someone would be mildly interested in hearing the same argument for the millionth time.
The software selection is even more enticing when you consider that most of the console’s library can be purchased for less than $20 dollars. For instance, I picked up “Ratchet and Clank,” “Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy,” “Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus” and “Jak III” for less than $10 a piece. “Twisted Metal: Head-On: Extra Twisted Edition” cost $20 upon release in February. What is the total of those meager amounts? Not much. In fact, it is comparable to the cost of a new PS3 game.
This year has brought five new additions to my last-generation software library. In fact, my PS2 purchases have equaled those for Sony’s grill and Nintendo’s waggle box combined. That will certainly change when October rolls around, but I find it funny that I continue to fall back on the PS2. The bargain-priced software is certainly a significant factor, but, without a strong software library, prices don’t matter.
“Ratchet and Clank” will probably be the final game I purchase for my PS2 (unless the original “Mercenaries” starts selling for $5 on Amazon). However, I imagine that it will continue to be a source of entertainment in my home for quite a long time. Every person is entitled to his/her own opinion. For me, it doesn’t get any better than the PS2.
Correction: The Sega Dreamcast, which released on Sept. 9, 1999, came to North America before the PS2. However, Sega was forced to shorten the console’s lifespan due to increasing competition in the hardware market. Thanks to boringsupreez for correcting my error.
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15 responses so far ↓
1 BioWeapon // Aug 26, 2008 at 2:26 pm
No, it doesn’t. I predict the PS2 will continue to hold the record for most software on console and best console for many years to come. I doubt anyone would disagree to that.
2 ProudlyAnAddict // Aug 26, 2008 at 2:28 pm
PS2 was easily the best selling console because it had a huge amount of games a decent controller and alright graphics personally my favourite games for the PS2 were the ratchet and clank, sly cooper and jak and daxter games i also loved midnight club 3, star wars battlefront, GTA:SA and mercs
3 Eoco // Aug 26, 2008 at 3:31 pm
“The success of the PS2 is proof that software, not hardware, sells consoles. ”
What about the Wii? Hardware (motion sensing Wii mote) sold the Wii.
4 PopTrogdor // Aug 26, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Why have you not got Odin Sphere? Arguably the most beautiful, and best game on the PS2 to date. So stop saying you are not going to play it again, go get Odin Sphere and Rogue Galaxy now.
Actually i think its marketing that sold the wii, without its non-stop tv adverts showing people playing it, which i have yet to see anyone with a wii actually doing, it would not have sold the same. In my opinion
5 Samosael // Aug 26, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I’m thinking about buying a PS2, if only for the Final Fantasy games and MGS3 (I have MGS2 on Xbox). You can pick them up quite cheaply now and a friend of mine who has bought one says it was worth it.
6 kosho // Aug 26, 2008 at 7:42 pm
what about the phat ps2??? dont miss that beauty the slim one is nice but not great, the phat one is nicer cuz it was the first one
and i think the best games out for the ps2 are
kingdom hearts 1 and 2, gta san andreas and i dont know other games
7 Yamster // Aug 26, 2008 at 7:55 pm
@kosho: Do what I did with your phat PS2. Hollow it out and make it a handy storage box in disguise.
8 boringsupreez // Aug 26, 2008 at 7:59 pm
“The PS2, which was the first last-generation console to hit the U.S. market”
Actually, the Dreamcast was.
9 Edthefreak // Aug 26, 2008 at 8:29 pm
@ Boringsupreez
Dreamcast was part of the Playstation, Dreamcast, N64 generation. While PS2 was part of the PS2, Xbox, Gamecube generation. So you’re wrong.
Anyways, I wish my PS2 didn’t have a hardware failure on me (yet me 360 has yet to). I loved the PS2 over any system so far…
10 jamezDeadman // Aug 26, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I miss my PS2 so much….why i sell it ? …yeah to buy a new tv, but damn i miss it, i have a 360 but the ps2 sure is the best console EVER
11 Tictoon // Aug 26, 2008 at 11:11 pm
My PS2 go to India, now my cousins are partying with it!
12 Cody // Aug 27, 2008 at 4:29 am
@Edthefreak Sorry to dissapoint you man, but boringsupreez is absolutely right! Check out Wiki or any other source about the 6th generation
“Platforms of the sixth generation include Sega’s Dreamcast, Sony’s PlayStation 2, the Nintendo GameCube, and Microsoft’s Xbox. This era began on November 27, 1998 with the release of the Dreamcast, and it was joined by the PlayStation 2 in March 2000. “
13 asd // Aug 27, 2008 at 6:26 am
ya ps2 is by far the best but the ds might catch up
14 Diortem // Aug 27, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Wii sells on software… admittedly often on Wiisports, but it is on software (and perhaps a new way to play it).
For me, it sold on Metroid, tbh.
15 Diortem // Aug 27, 2008 at 3:39 pm
…and sorry to doublepost, but PS2 sells on one game too for me… Persona 3
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