The PlayStation 2’s astronomical sales record remains unshaken, with Sony revealing an additional five million units sold since its last reported figures in 2012. According to PlayStation’s official history page, the PS2 has surpassed 160 million units sold worldwide since its launch in 2000. Previously, the console was cemented as the best-selling gaming system of all time, with over 155 million units reported as of March 2012. The updated total raises an intriguing question: who were the five million people buying brand-new PS2s more than a decade after its release?
While the idea of millions of people purchasing a 12-year-old console might seem odd at first, there’s a reasonable explanation. Sony continued producing the PS2 until the end of 2012, as confirmed by Famitsu, meaning fresh stock was still manufactured for months after the last official sales numbers were announced. On top of that, unsold inventory from earlier production runs likely contributed to the additional sales. Still, the fact that five million units were sold brand-new well into the console’s twilight years is a testament to the PS2’s enduring appeal as one of the most significant gaming platforms ever made.
The updated sales figure sets a daunting benchmark for any other console aiming to compete. Nintendo’s DS came close to the PS2’s previous record, with lifetime sales of 154.02 million units, and the Switch is steadily climbing, with 146.04 million units sold as of September. However, the Switch now needs to move roughly 14 million additional units to overtake the PS2—a challenge made more difficult by the anticipated arrival of its successor, the so-called “Switch 2.”
Meanwhile, Sony continues to find success with its newer consoles. The PlayStation 5 became the company’s most profitable console generation earlier this year despite trailing far behind the PS2 in total sales. With 65.5 million units sold as of September, the PS5 is steadily building toward the 100-million mark, but reaching that milestone will take time. Regardless, Sony’s legacy remains secure, and the PS2’s record is a monumental achievement in gaming history.