View source for Engineering:PlayStation 2

{{Short description|Home video game console by Sony}}
{{Infobox information appliance
| logo = PlayStation 2 logo.svg
| image = PS2-Versions.jpg
| caption = '''Left''': Original PlayStation&nbsp;2 with vertical stand<br />'''Right''': Slim PlayStation&nbsp;2 with vertical stand, 8&nbsp;MB memory card and DualShock 2 controller
| aka = PS2
| developer = [[Company:Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Interactive Entertainment]]
| manufacturer = [[Company:Sony#Electronics products & solutions|Sony Electronics]], [[Company:Foxconn|Foxconn]],
| family = [[Engineering:PlayStation|PlayStation]]
| type = [[Engineering:Home video game console|Home video game console]]
| generation = Sixth
| lifespan = 2000–2013 (13 years)
| soc = Integrated [[Emotion Engine]], Graphics Synthesizer
| discontinued = {{vgrelease|JP|28 December 2012<ref name="famitsu">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201212/28026636.html|script-title=ja:プレイステーション2の日本国内での出荷が本日（2012年12月28日）で完了|magazine=Famitsu|publisher=Enterbrain|location=[[Place:Tokyo|Tokyo]]|language=ja|date=28 December 2012|access-date=28 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228160601/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201212/28026636.html|archive-date=28 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>}} {{vgrelease|WW|4 January 2013<ref name="Guardian end">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jan/04/playstation-2-manufacture-ends-years?INTCMP=SRCH|title=PlayStation 2 manufacture ends after 12 years|date=4 January 2013|work={{wipe|The Guardian}}|location=[[Place:London|London]]|access-date=4 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921084712/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/jan/04/playstation-2-manufacture-ends-years?INTCMP=SRCH|archive-date=21 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
| media = [[Engineering:DVD|DVD]], [[CD-ROM]]
| CPUspeed = {{plainlist|
* 294.912 MHz
* 299&nbsp;MHz <small>(PlayStation 2 Slimline models only)</small><ref name="MPR"/><ref name="CAAQA">[[Biography:John L. Hennessy|John L. Hennessy]] and David A. Patterson. "Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach, Third Edition". {{ISBN|1-55860-724-2}}</ref>
}}
| memory = 32&nbsp;MB of RDRAM (system RAM){{sfn|Keeling|2000|p=92}}<br />4&nbsp;MB of [[EDRAM|eDRAM]] (video RAM)<ref name=IGNpower>{{cite web|last1=Perry|first1=Douglass|title=The Untapped Power of PlayStation 2|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/10/the-untapped-power-of-playstation-2|website=IGN|date=10 March 2000|access-date=18 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218182930/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/03/10/the-untapped-power-of-playstation-2|archive-date=18 February 2017|publisher=Ziff Davis|location={{wipe|Chicago}}}}</ref><ref name=Europower>{{cite web|last1=Leadbetter|first1=Richard|title=Digital Foundry vs. PS2 Classics on PlayStation 3|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-vs-ps2-classics-on-ps3|access-date=19 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806194433/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-vs-ps2-classics-on-ps3|archive-date=6 August 2012|date=21 July 2012|publisher=Future plc|location=Bath}}</ref>
| memory card = {{ubl|8&nbsp;MB PlayStation&nbsp;2 memory card|128&nbsp;KB PlayStation memory card|40 GB [[Engineering:Hard disk drive|hard drive]] <small>(optional, "fat" model only)</small>}}
| display = {{Collapsible list|title= Video output formats|
* [[Composite video]]
* [[S-Video]]
* [[Engineering:SCART#RGB overlays (fast switching)|SCART/JP21 RGB]]
* [[Engineering:VGA connector|VGA]] <small>(progressive scan capable software only)</small>
* [[YPbPr|{{YPbPr}}]] [[Engineering:Component video|component video]]/[[Engineering:D-Terminal|D-Terminal]]
}}
| sound = PCM 2ch 48KHz, [[Organization:Dolby Digital|Dolby Digital]] 5.1 and [[Company:DTS (sound system)|DTS]] 5.1
| controllers = {{Collapsible list|title=Controllers|DualShock 2, [[Engineering:DualShock|DualShock]], PlayStation Controller, [[Engineering:EyeToy|EyeToy]], [[Engineering:PlayStation 2 accessories|PlayStation 2 DVD Remote Control]], [[Engineering:PlayStation Portable|PlayStation Portable]]}}
| connectivity = {{Collapsible list|title= Internet connectivity|
*100&nbsp;Mbit [[Ethernet]]/[[Modem|modem]] <small>(requires adapter on SCPH-10000-500xx models)</small>
*2 × USB 1.1
* 1 × IEEE 1394 interface
}}
| compatibility = [[Engineering:PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
| related = PSX
| predecessor = PlayStation <!-- Do not link due to MOS:REPEATLINK -->
| successor = [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]]
| title = PlayStation 2
| releasedate = '''PlayStation 2'''{{vgrelease|JP|4 March 2000|NA|26 October 2000|EU|24 November 2000|AUS|30 November 2000|TW|24 January 2001<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://gnn.gamer.com.tw/detail.php?sn=2852|title=PS2台灣專用機上市記者會|website=巴哈姆特電玩資訊站}}</ref>|HK|13 December 2001<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://news.17173.com/content/2004-5-22/n463_379204.html|title=报道：中国香港版PS2游戏机开始大幅降价_网络游戏新闻_17173.com中国游戏第一门户站|website=news.17173.com}}</ref>|KR|22 February 2002|RUS|7 November 2002|IND|13 August 2003<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sony-launches-playstation-2-in-india/articleshow/129379.cms|title=Sony launches PlayStation 2 in India|date=13 August 2003|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}</ref>}}'''PlayStation 2 Slimline'''{{vgrelease|EU|29 October 2004|JP|3 November 2004|NA|25 November 2004|AUS|2 December 2004|CHN|20 December 2004|IND|10 September 2008<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/new-ps2-model-launches-in-india|title=New PS2 model launches in India|date=10 September 2008|website=VG247}}</ref>|BRA|15 October 2009<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://extra.globo.com/noticias/saude-e-ciencia/sony-lanca-oficialmente-playstation2-jogos-do-ps3-no-brasil-200306.html|title=Sony lança oficialmente o PlayStation2 e jogos do PS3 no Brasil|date=19 November 2009|website=Extra Online}}</ref>}}
| price = [[Finance:Japanese yen|¥]]39,800, US$299,<ref name=IGNannouncement>{{cite web|last1=Perry |first1=Douglas |title=Call It PlayStation 2 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/11/call-it-playstation-2 |website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|location={{wipe|Chicago}}|access-date=22 October 2019 |date=11 September 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022123624/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/11/call-it-playstation-2 |archive-date=22 October 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=IGNUSlaunch>{{cite web |title=Sony announces PS2 launch date and price |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-announces-ps2-launch-date-and-price/1100-2568701/ |website=Gamespot |access-date=22 October 2019 |date=13 May 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022123625/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-announces-ps2-launch-date-and-price/1100-2568701/ |archive-date=22 October 2019 |url-status=live|publisher=CBS Interactive|location={{wipe|San Francisco}}}}</ref> [[Finance:Pound sterling|£]]299, [[Finance:French franc|F]]2,990, [[Finance:Deutsche Mark|DM]]869<ref name="EUreleases">{{cite web |url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/data/bizdataeu_e.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040422074254/http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/data/bizdataeu_e.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 April 2004 |title=Business Development/Europe |access-date=19 December 2007 |publisher=[[Software:Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref name=UKdelay>{{cite news |last1=Goodley |first1=Simon |title=Sony delays UK launch of PlayStation 2 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4461047/Sony-delays-UK-launch-of-PlayStation-2.html |website=The Telegraph|access-date=22 October 2019 |date=5 August 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022123624/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4461047/Sony-delays-UK-launch-of-PlayStation-2.html |archive-date=22 October 2019 |url-status=live|location=[[Place:London|London]]}}</ref>
| dimensions = '''Original PS2''': 3.1" (78.7 mm) × 11.9" (302.3 mm) × 7.2" (182.9 mm)
| weight = {{unbulleted list
|'''Original PS2:''' {{cvt|4.85|lb|1}}
|'''PS2 Slimline:''' {{cvt|1.98|lb|1}}
}}
| unitssold = 
| unitsshipped = 155.0 million (as of 31 March 2012)
| GPU = 147.456&nbsp;MHz Graphics Synthesizer<ref name="MPR"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/console-gpu-power-compared-ranking-systems-by-flop/2900-1334/#16 |title=Console GPU Power Compared: Ranking Systems by FLOPS |access-date=30 January 2023 |archive-date=30 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130235420/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/console-gpu-power-compared-ranking-systems-by-flop/2900-1334/#16 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| onlineservice = {{plainlist|
* Proprietary broadband/dialup developer-run third-party servers
* Proprietary [[Company:Sony|Sony]] DNAS server
}}
| topgame = ''[[Software:Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas|Grand Theft Auto]]'': 17.33 million sold <small>(as of February 2009)</small><ref name="Guinness 2009">{{cite book|title=Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer's Edition|pages=[https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec0000unse_x9q9/page/108 108–109]|isbn=978-1-904994-45-9|quote=''GTA: San Andreas'' is the best-selling PlayStation 2 game, with a massive 17.33 million copies sold.|author1=Guinness|date=February 2009|publisher=Guinness World Records |url=https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec0000unse_x9q9}}</ref>
}}
The '''PlayStation 2''' ('''PS2''') is a [[Engineering:Home video game console|home video game console]] developed and marketed by [[Company:Sony Interactive Entertainment|Sony Interactive Entertainment]]. It was first released in Japan on 4 March 2000, in North America on 26 October 2000, in Europe on 24 November 2000, and in Australia on 30 November 2000. It is the successor to the original PlayStation, as well as the second installment in the [[Engineering:PlayStation|PlayStation]] brand of consoles. As a sixth-generation console, it competed with [[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]]'s [[Engineering:GameCube|GameCube]], [[Company:Sega|Sega]]'s [[Engineering:Dreamcast|Dreamcast]], and [[Company:Microsoft|Microsoft]]'s [[Engineering:Xbox (console)|Xbox]]. It is the [[Engineering:List of best-selling game consoles|best-selling video game console of all time]], having sold over 155 million units worldwide, nearly triple the combined sales of the Dreamcast, GameCube, and Xbox.

Announced in 1999, Sony began developing the console after the immense success of its predecessor. The highlight of the system was its [[Emotion Engine]] processor, co-developed by Sony and [[Company:Toshiba|Toshiba]], which was said to be more powerful than personal computers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CNN - The Sony Emotion Engine: Will PlayStation2 replace your PC? - February 1, 2000 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/02/01/emotion.engine.idg/index.html |access-date=2023-05-20 |website=edition.cnn.com}}</ref> The PS2 offered [[Backward compatibility|backward-compatibility]] for its predecessor's [[Engineering:DualShock#DualShock|DualShock]] controller, as well as its games. 

The PlayStation 2 received widespread critical acclaim upon release. A total of over 4,000 game titles were released worldwide, with over 1.5 billion copies sold.<ref>{{cite web|last=Makuch|first=Eddie|url=http://asia.gamespot.com/news/6298857.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop%3Bstory%3B17 |title=150 million PS2 units shipped worldwide |publisher=Asia.gamespot.com|date=15 February 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110322001816/http://asia.gamespot.com/news/6298857.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop%3Bstory%3B17|archive-date=22 March 2011}}</ref> In 2004, Sony released a smaller, lighter revision of the console known as the '''PS2 Slim'''. Even after the release of its successor, the [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]], it remained popular well into the seventh generation. It continued to be produced until the beginning of 2013 when Sony finally announced that it had been discontinued after over twelve years of production, one of the longest lifespans of any video game console. New games for the console continued to be released until even shortly after the end of its life and support from Sony.

==History==
===Background===
Released in 1994, the original [[Engineering:PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] proved to be a phenomenal worldwide success and signalled Sony's rise to power in the video game industry. Its launch elicited critical acclaim and strong sales; it eventually became the first computer entertainment platform to ship over 100&nbsp;million units.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/051130e.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060103211119/http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/051130e.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2006|title=PlayStation 2 Breaks Record as the Fastest Computer Entertainment Platform to Reach Cumulative Shipment of 100 Million Units |date=30 November 2005 |publisher=[[Software:Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony Computer Entertainment]] |access-date=8 June 2008}}</ref> The PlayStation enjoyed particular success outside Japan in part due to Sony's refined development kits, large-scale advertising campaigns, and strong third-party developer support.{{sfn|Kent|2001|p=504}} By the late 1990s Sony had dethroned established rivals [[Company:Sega|Sega]] and [[Company:Nintendo|Nintendo]] in the global video game market.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sony PlayStation vs Nintendo 64|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a443707/sony-playstation-vs-nintendo-64-gamings-greatest-rivalries.html|website=Digital Spy|date=9 December 2012|access-date=19 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820110224/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/news/a443707/sony-playstation-vs-nintendo-64-gamings-greatest-rivalries.html|archive-date=20 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=makingps1>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/making-playstation/3/ |title=The Making Of: PlayStation |page=3 |magazine=Edge|publisher=Future plc|location=Bath |date=24 April 2009 |access-date=5 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018182151/http://www.edge-online.com/features/making-playstation/3/ |archive-date=18 October 2014 }}</ref> Sega, spurred on by its declining market share and significant financial losses,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sega.jp/IR/en/ar/ar1998/ar98.pdf |title=Sega Enterprises Annual Report 1998 |publisher=Sega Enterprises, Ltd. |pages=1, 7–8 |access-date=7 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040504003308/http://sega.jp/IR/en/ar/ar1998/ar98.pdf |archive-date=4 May 2004}}</ref> launched the [[Engineering:Dreamcast|Dreamcast]] in 1998 as a last-ditch attempt to stay in the industry.<ref>{{cite web |title=State of the Game: August 1999 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/10/state-of-the-game-august-1999 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=17 January 2022 |location={{wipe|Chicago}} |language=en |date=10 August 1999 |archive-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117223146/https://www.ign.com/articles/1999/08/10/state-of-the-game-august-1999 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Development===
Though [[Company:Sony|Sony]] has kept details of the PlayStation 2's development secret, Ken Kutaragi, the chief designer of the original PlayStation, reportedly began working on a second console around the time of the original PlayStation's launch in late 1994.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Letters|magazine=Next Generation|issue=22 |publisher=Imagine Media |date= October 1996|page=203}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wojmar |first=Jason |title=10 Secrets Behind The Making Of The PlayStation 2 |url=https://www.thegamer.com/secrets-making-playstation-2/ |website=TheGamer |publisher=Valnet |access-date=29 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708230253/https://www.thegamer.com/secrets-making-playstation-2/ |archive-date=8 July 2019 |date=8 July 2019}}</ref> At some point during development, employees from [[Company:Argonaut Games|Argonaut Games]], under contract for semiconductor manufacturer [[Company:LSI Corporation|LSI Corporation]], were instructed to design a rendering chip for Sony's upcoming console.<ref name=argonaut>{{cite web |last=McFerren |first=Damien |title=The Team Behind Nintendo's Super FX Almost Made the PS2 CPU, And It Was Named After a Dog's Bits |url=https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/11/the_team_behind_nintendos_super_fx_almost_made_the_ps2_cpu_and_it_was_named_after_a_dogs_bits |website=Push Square |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=29 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227132350/https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/11/the_team_behind_nintendos_super_fx_almost_made_the_ps2_cpu_and_it_was_named_after_a_dogs_bits |archive-date=27 February 2021 |location=Brighton |date=26 November 2019}}</ref> Jez San, founder of Argonaut, recalled that his team had no direct contact with Sony during the development process. Unbeknownst to him, Sony was designing their own chip in-house and had instructed other companies to design rendering chips merely to diversify their options.<ref name=argonaut/>

By early 1997, the press was reporting that a new PlayStation was being developed and would have backward-compatibility with the original PlayStation, a built-in [[Engineering:DVD player|DVD player]], and Internet connectivity.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Saturn/PS-X Sequels |magazine=Next Generation|issue=27|publisher=Imagine Media |date=March 1997|page=24}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Gaming Gossip|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |issue=93|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=April 1997|page=28}}</ref> However, Sony continued to officially deny that a successor was being developed.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Can Sony Stay on Top? |magazine=Next Generation|issue=37|publisher=Imagine Media |date=January 1998 |pages=11–12}}</ref> Chris Deering, then-president of SCEE recalled that there was a degree of trepidation among Sony leaders to produce a console which would recapture or exceed the success of its predecessor.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gibson |first1=Ellie |title=PS2: The Insiders' Story |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/ps2-the-insiders-story-article |website=Eurogamer |publisher=Future plc |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513110624/https://www.eurogamer.net/ps2-the-insiders-story-article |archive-date=13 May 2022 |location=Bath |language=en-gb |date=2 January 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

Sony announced the PlayStation 2 on March 2, 1999.<ref name=SpyTimeli2>{{cite web|title=PlayStation 2 Timeline |website=GameSpy|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/february04/ps2timeline/index2.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040604030423/http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/february04/ps2timeline/index2.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 June 2004|access-date=19 August 2008|page=2}}</ref> Sega's Dreamcast enjoyed a successful US launch on September 9 of that year;<ref name=SpyTimeli2/> fuelled by a large marketing campaign, it sold over 500,000 units within two weeks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogcritics.org/a-look-back-at-the-sega/|title=A Look Back at the Sega Dreamcast|access-date=30 December 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160118053019/http://blogcritics.org/a-look-back-at-the-sega/|archive-date=18 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first= Dan |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/dreamcast-a-forensic-retrospective-article|title=Dreamcast: A Forensic Retrospective Article|publisher=Eurogamer.net|date=25 October 2011|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141015103108/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/dreamcast-a-forensic-retrospective-article|archive-date=15 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Quote box
|quote = "PlayStation 2's real-time graphics have no limitations. That's why I chose the colour black as it represents the infinity of the universe. The blue represents the intelligence and life spouting up."|source = —Teiyu Goto reflecting on the PlayStation 2's aesthetics{{sfn|Keeling|2000|p=90}}|align=left |width = 30em}}

Sony unveiled the PlayStation 2 at the Tokyo Game Show on 20 September 1999.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/21/tgs-1999-sonys-grand-showing|title=TGS 1999: Sony's Grand Showing|first=Douglass C.|last=Perry|date=20 September 1999|access-date=30 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728080543/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/09/21/tgs-1999-sonys-grand-showing|archive-date=28 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Sony showed fully playable demos of upcoming PlayStation 2 games including ''Gran Turismo 2000'' (later released as ''[[Software:Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec|Gran Turismo 3]]'') and ''[[Software:Tekken Tag Tournament|Tekken Tag Tournament]]''—which showed the console's graphic abilities and power.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www2.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/roosevelt/hmpg/webfair/moderngaming/PS2history.html|title=Roosevelt Creative Arts Middle School –|access-date=30 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054418/http://www2.milwaukee.k12.wi.us/roosevelt/hmpg/webfair/moderngaming/PS2history.html|archive-date=21 September 2013|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Launch===
The PS2 was launched in March 2000 in Japan, October in North America, and November in Europe. Sales of the console, games and accessories pulled in $250 million on the first day, beating the $97 million made on the first day of the Dreamcast.<ref name="IGN 250">{{cite web|url = http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/07/sony-pulls-in-over-250-million-at-launch |title = Sony Pulls in Over $250 Million at Launch|url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130921055949/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/07/sony-pulls-in-over-250-million-at-launch |archive-date=21 September 2013 |website =IGN|date = 17 June 2012}}</ref> Directly after its release, it was difficult to find PS2 units on retailer shelves<ref>{{cite web|title=PlayStation 2 Timeline|publisher=GameSpy|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/february04/PS2timeline/index2.shtml |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040604030423/http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/february04/ps2timeline/index2.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 June 2004|access-date=19 December 2007|pages=2–3}}</ref> due to manufacturing delays.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=21241 |title= PS2 history|publisher=gamesindustry.biz|date=22 November 2006|access-date=25 September 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071011071905/http://gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=21241<!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archive-date=11 October 2007}}</ref> Another option was purchasing the console online through auction websites such as [[Company:EBay|eBay]], where people paid over a thousand dollars for the console.<ref>{{cite web|title=PlayStation 2 Timeline|publisher=GameSpy|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/february04/PS2timeline/index3.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040604031531/http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/february04/ps2timeline/index3.shtml |url-status=dead|archive-date=4 June 2004|access-date=19 December 2007|page=3}}</ref> The PS2 initially sold well partly on the basis of the strength of the PlayStation brand and the console's backward compatibility, selling its entire inventory of 1.4 million units in Japan by 31 March 2000, less than a month after launch.<ref name=SpyTimeli2/> Backward compatibility had been widely seen as a desirable feature for consumers since the debut of the first successor video game console, but prior to the PlayStation 2 only one console had featured true backward compatibility (i.e. without the use of add-ons), the [[Engineering:Atari 7800|Atari 7800]], due to the added hardware costs and industry concerns that backward compatibility could cause the console to appear to be a merely a new model of its predecessor or lead developers to prefer making games for the predecessor system.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Backward Compatibility for PlayStation 2? |magazine=Next Generation|issue=39 |publisher=Imagine Media |date=March 1998|page=22}}</ref>

Later, Sony added new development kits for game developers and more PS2 units for consumers. The PS2's built-in functionality also expanded its audience beyond the gamer,<ref name="Guardian end"/> as its debut pricing was less than many standalone DVD players on the market. This made the console a low-cost entry into the home theater market.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130203123008/http://www.technobuffalo.com/gaming/what-ever-happened-to-the-dreamcast/ What Ever Happened To The Dreamcast?]. TechnoBuffalo. Retrieved on 23 August 2013.</ref><ref name=storm>{{cite web |last=Calvin |first=Alex |title=How Sony's PlayStation 2 took the world by storm |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-01-06-how-sonys-playstation-2-took-the-world-by-storm |website=GamesIndustry.biz |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123053920/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-01-06-how-sonys-playstation-2-took-the-world-by-storm |archive-date=23 November 2021 |location=Brighton |language=en |date=6 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Marketing for the PlayStation 2 reverted to the same tactic used in the early days of the original PlayStation: use 17-year-olds as the [[Finance:Target audience|target audience]], since younger audiences aspire to be teenagers and older audiences enjoy video games at the same level they did when they were 17.<ref name=storm/>

The success of the PS2 at the end of 2000 caused Sega problems both financially and competitively, and Sega announced the discontinuation of the Dreamcast in March 2001, just 18 months after its successful Western launch. Despite the Dreamcast still receiving support through 2001, the PS2 remained the only sixth-generation console for over 6 months before it faced competition from new rivals: Nintendo's [[Engineering:GameCube|GameCube]] and Microsoft's [[Engineering:Xbox (console)|Xbox]]. Many analysts predicted a close three-way matchup among the three consoles. The Xbox had the most powerful hardware, while the GameCube was the least expensive console, and Nintendo changed its policy to encourage third-party developers. While the PlayStation 2 theoretically had the weakest specification of the three, it had a head start due to its installed base plus strong developer commitment, as well as a built-in DVD player (the Xbox required an adapter, while the GameCube lacked support entirely).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/858/14|title=Hardware Behind the Consoles - Part II: Nintendo's GameCube|publisher=AnandTech|access-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511160011/http://www.anandtech.com/show/858/14|archive-date=11 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> While the PlayStation 2's initial games lineup was considered mediocre, this changed during the 2001 holiday season with the release of several blockbuster games that maintained the PS2's sales momentum and held off its newer rivals. Sony also countered the Xbox by securing timed PlayStation 2 exclusives for highly anticipated games such as the ''[[Software:Grand Theft Auto|Grand Theft Auto]]'' series and ''[[Software:Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty|Metal Gear Solid 2]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2002/05/14/technology/ps2_pricecuts/|title=Sony slashes PlayStation prices: Preemptive move undercuts competition and could spark video game price war|publisher=CNN|date=14 May 2002|first=Chris|last=Morris|access-date=4 January 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051130091256/http://money.cnn.com/2002/05/14/technology/ps2_pricecuts/|archive-date=30 November 2005|url-status=live}}</ref>

Sony cut the price of the console in May 2002 from US$299 to $199 in North America,<ref>Gaither, Chris. "Sony to Cut PlayStation 2 Price by $100." New York Times: 0. 14 May 2002. ProQuest. Web. 29 July 2013.</ref> making it the same price as the GameCube and $100 less than the Xbox. It also planned to cut the price in Japan around that time.<ref>"Sony to Cut Price of PlayStation 2 in Japan Market --- Move Follows Plan to Lower Cost of Product in U.S. by a Third." Asian Wall Street Journal: 0. 15 May 2002. ProQuest. Web. 29 July 2013.</ref> It cut the price twice in Japan in 2003.<ref name="autogenerated2003">"Sony to Cut Price of PlayStation 2 Game Console by 20 Percent." Knight Ridder Tribune Business News: 1. 4 November 2003. ProQuest. Web. 29 July 2013.</ref> In 2006, Sony cut the cost of the console in anticipation of the release of the [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]].<ref name="autogenerated2003"/>

Unlike Sega's Dreamcast, Sony originally placed little emphasis on online gaming during its first few years, although that changed upon the launch of the online-capable Xbox. Coinciding with the release of Xbox Live, Sony released the PlayStation 2 Network Adaptor in late 2002, with several online first-party titles released alongside it, such as ''[[Software:SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs|SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs]]'' to demonstrate its active support for Internet play.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sony PlayStation 2 Online Adaptor review|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/sony-playstation-2-online-adaptor-review/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211001/https://www.cnet.com/reviews/sony-playstation-2-online-adaptor-review/| archive-date=1 October 2021|last=Falcone|first=John|date=12 November 2002|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=19 May 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Sony also advertised heavily, and its online model had the support of [[Company:Electronic Arts|Electronic Arts]] (EA); EA did not offer online Xbox titles until 2004. Although Sony and Nintendo both started late, and although both followed a decentralized model of online gaming where the responsibility is up to the developer to provide the servers, Sony's moves made online gaming a major selling point of the PS2.

In September 2004, Sony revealed a newer, slimmer model of the PlayStation 2.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dunham |first1=Jeremy |title=Sony Announces New PS2 |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/549/549938p1.html |website=IGN.com |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc. |access-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040923032247/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/549/549938p1.html |archive-date=23 September 2004 |date=21 September 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In preparation for the launch of the new models (SCPH-700xx-9000x), Sony stopped making the older models (SCPH-3000x-500xx) to let the distribution channel empty its stock of the units.{{Citation needed|date=December 2008}} After an apparent manufacturing issue—Sony reportedly underestimated demand—caused some initial slowdown in producing the new unit caused in part by shortages between the time Sony cleared out the old units and the new units were ready. The issue was compounded in Britain when a Russian oil tanker became stuck in the Suez Canal, blocking a ship from China carrying PS2s bound for the UK. During one week in November, British sales totalled 6,000 units—compared to 70,000 units a few weeks prior.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article400887.ece|title=Merry Christmas, your PlayStation 2 is stuck in Suez|first=Valerie|last=Elliott|publisher=News International|work=Times Online|date=9 December 2004|access-date=1 April 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070316130431/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article400887.ece|archive-date=16 March 2007|url-status=live}}</ref> There were shortages in more than 1,700 shops in North America on the day before Christmas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=GME&script=1010&item_id=997399|title=2004 Holiday Sales Results Call|publisher=GameStop|access-date=9 September 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505014038/http://www.corporate-ir.net/ireye/ir_site.zhtml?ticker=GME&script=1010&item_id=997399|archive-date=5 May 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Later years and discontinuation===
In 2010, Sony introduced a TV with a built-in PlayStation 2.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/sony-bravia-kdl-22px300-tv-with-ps2-built-in-parties-like-its-2000/|title=Sony Bravia KDL-22PX300 TV with PS2 built-in parties like it's 2000|first=Richard|last=Trenholm|website=CNET|access-date=22 February 2020|archive-date=22 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222045158/https://www.cnet.com/news/sony-bravia-kdl-22px300-tv-with-ps2-built-in-parties-like-its-2000/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/sony-bravia-kdl-22px300-lcd-tv-sports-playstation-2/| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211001/https://www.zdnet.com/article/sony-bravia-kdl-22px300-lcd-tv-sports-playstation-2/| archive-date=1 October 2021|title=Sony Bravia KDL-22PX300 LCD TV sports PlayStation 2|first=Rachel|last=King|website=ZDNet}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The PlayStation 2 continued to be produced until 2013 when Sony finally announced that it had been discontinued after over twelve years of production—one of the longest lifespans of any video game console. New games for the console continued to be made until the end of 2013, including ''[[Software:Final Fantasy XI|Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin]]'' for Japan, and ''[[Software:FIFA 14|FIFA 14]]'' for North America.<ref name="espndeportes"/> The last game to be released on the PlayStation 2 is ''[[Software:Pro Evolution Soccer 2014|Pro Evolution Soccer 2014]]'', which was released in the United Kingdom on 8 November 2013. Repair services for the system in Japan ended on 7 September 2018.

==Hardware==
===Technical specifications===
{{Main|Engineering:PlayStation 2 technical specifications}}
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:0.5em 0 0.5em 1.4em;"
|-
| [[File:Sony EmotionEngine CXD9615GB top.jpg|none|100px|Emotion Engine CPU]]
| [[File:CXD2949GB 01.jpg|none|100px|PlayStation 2 graphics synthesiser]]
| [[File:Ic-photo-Sony--CXD1869AQ-(Playstation-II I-O Processor).png|none|100px|I/O processor]]
|-
| style="width:100px;"| {{center|<small>[[Emotion Engine]] CPU</small>}}
| style="width:100px;"| {{center|<small>Graphics synthesiser</small>}}
| style="width:100px;"| {{center|<small>I/O processor</small>}}
|-
| [[File:Sony D3740 Memory Controller (6991528213).jpg|none|100px|memory controller]]
| [[File:PS2 GH-001 Motherboard.png|none|100px|SCPH-10000 motherboard]] 
| [[File:Sony-PlayStation2-SCPH-70001-Motherboard-Top.jpg|none|100px|SCPH-70001 motherboard]]
|-
| style="width:100px;"| {{center|<small>[[Scratchpad memory|Scratchpad]] [[Engineering:Memory controller|memory controller]] </small>}}
| style="width:100px;"| {{center|<small>An early SCPH-10000 [[Engineering:Motherboard|motherboard]]</small>}} 
| style="width:100px;"| {{center|<small>A late SCPH-70001 motherboard</small>}}
|}
The PlayStation 2's main [[Central processing unit|central processing unit]] (CPU) is the 64-bit R5900-based "[[Emotion Engine]]", custom-designed by Sony and [[Company:Toshiba|Toshiba]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Copetti |first=Rodrigo |date=2020-04-08 |title=PlayStation 2 Architecture: A Practical Analysis |url=https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/playstation-2/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=The Copetti site |language=en}}</ref>{{efn|The Emotion Engine was referred to as a "128-bit" processor in marketing materials, referring to its [[SIMD]] instructions that operate on 128-bit wide groups of integers in a single instruction, but the customized variant of the MIPS III [[Instruction set architecture|instruction set architecture]] implemented by the processor uses general registers with a size of 64 bits.}} The Emotion Engine consists of eight separate "units", each performing a specific task, integrated onto the same [[Engineering:Die (integrated circuit)|die]]. These units include a central CPU core, two [[Vector processor|Vector Processing Units]] (VPU), a 10-channel [[Direct memory access|DMA]] unit, a [[Engineering:Memory controller|memory controller]], and an Image Processing Unit (IPU). There are three interfaces: an input output interface to the I/O processor running at a clock speed of 36.864&nbsp;MHz, a graphics interface to the graphics synthesiser, and a memory interface to the system memory.<ref name="arstechnica">{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2000/02/ee/|title=Sound and Vision: A Technical Overview of the Emotion Engine|last=Stokes|first=Jon|date=16 February 2000|website=[[Ars Technica]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610154901/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2000/02/ee/|archive-date=10 June 2018|url-status=live|access-date=9 June 2015}}</ref> The Emotion Engine CPU has a [[Clock rate|clock rate]] of 294.912 MHz (299&nbsp;MHz on newer versions) and 6,000 MIPS, with a floating point performance of 6.2 GFLOPS.{{sfn|Keeling|2000|p=92}} The system's I/O processor was based on the PlayStation's CPU and was designed to provide full backward compatibility with the PlayStation.<ref>{{cite web |title=SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN I/O PROCESSOR FOR THE NEXT GENERATION PLAYSTATION® THAT PROVIDES 100 PERCENT BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY |url=http://www.playstation.com/press_releases/show.asp?spec=91 |website=playstation.com |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment America |access-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991111235914/http://www.playstation.com/press_releases/show.asp?spec=91 |archive-date=11 November 1999|date=2 March 1999 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The GPU is likewise custom-designed for the console, named the "Graphics Synthesizer". It has a [[Fillrate|fillrate]] of 2.4 gigapixels per second, capable of rendering up to 75 million polygons per second.<ref name="Gamecube vs PS2">{{cite web|last=Casamassina|first=Matt|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/04/gamecube-versus-playstation-2|title=Gamecube Versus PlayStation 2|publisher=Ziff Davis|location={{wipe|Chicago}}|website=IGN|date=3 November 2000|access-date=14 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141104021340/http://www.ign.com/articles/2000/11/04/gamecube-versus-playstation-2|archive-date=4 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> The GPU also runs with a clock frequency of 147.456&nbsp;MHz (which is half the clock speed of the Emotion Engine), 4 MB of DRAM is capable of transmitting a display output of 1280 x 1024 pixels on both [[Engineering:PAL|PAL]] and [[Engineering:NTSC|NTSC]] televisions.{{sfn|Keeling|2000|p=93}} The PlayStation 2 has a maximum [[List of color palettes|colour depth]] of 16.7&nbsp;million [[24-bit color|true colours]].{{sfn|Leigh|2018|p=201}} When accounting for features such as [[Computer graphics lighting|lighting]], [[Texture mapping|texture mapping]], [[Artificial intelligence|artificial intelligence]], and [[Software:Game physics|game physics]], the console has a real-world performance of 25 million polygons per second.{{sfn|Keeling|2000|p=93}} The PlayStation 2 also features two USB ports, and one [[Engineering:IEEE 1394|IEEE 1394]] (Firewire) port for SCPH-10000 to 3900x models only. A hard disk drive can be installed in an expansion bay on the back of the console, and is required to play certain games, notably the popular ''[[Software:Final Fantasy XI|Final Fantasy XI]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy11/review.html|title=Final Fantasy XI Review for PlayStation 2 – GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|website=GameSpot|location={{wipe|San Francisco}}|date=23 March 2004|access-date=11 November 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721205038/http://uk.gamespot.com/ps2/rpg/finalfantasy11/review.html|archive-date=21 July 2011}}</ref>

Software for the PlayStation 2 was distributed primarily on DVD-ROMs,{{sfn|Keeling|2000|p=91}} with some titles being published on blue-tinted CD-ROM format. In addition, the console can play audio CDs and DVD films and is [[Backward compatibility|backward-compatible]] with almost all original PlayStation games.{{sfn|Keeling|2000|p=93}} The PlayStation 2 also supports PlayStation [[Memory card|memory card]]s and controllers, although original PlayStation memory cards will only work with original PlayStation games<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 December 2018|title=Playstation 1 and Playstation 2 Compatibility|url=https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/ps2_faq_compatibility|access-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206091728/https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/ps2_faq_compatibility|archive-date=6 December 2018}}</ref> and the controllers may not support all functions (such as analogue buttons) for PlayStation 2 games.

The standard PlayStation 2 memory card has an 8&nbsp;[[Megabyte|megabyte]] (MB) capacity<ref>{{Cite web|date=5 March 2016|title=Memory Card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2)|url=http://uk.playstation.com/ps2/accessories/detail/item51357/Memory-Card-(8MB)-(for-PlayStation-2)/;PDC4_COOKIE=QZJ2WYLMn7s67JSXj9Zpv5JyvPy1H3sm1xnLllJNDpGGpYpn5LSt!247410369|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305070657/http://uk.playstation.com/ps2/accessories/detail/item51357/Memory-Card-(8MB)-(for-PlayStation-2)/;PDC4_COOKIE=QZJ2WYLMn7s67JSXj9Zpv5JyvPy1H3sm1xnLllJNDpGGpYpn5LSt!247410369|archive-date=5 March 2016|access-date=15 July 2020}}</ref> and features MagicGate encryption. There are a variety of non-Sony manufactured memory cards available for the PlayStation&nbsp;2, allowing for a memory capacity larger than the standard 8&nbsp;MB.

The PlayStation 2 can natively output video resolutions on SDTV and [[Engineering:HDTV|HDTV]] from [[Engineering:480i|480i]] to [[Engineering:480p|480p]], and some games, such as ''[[Software:Gran Turismo 4|Gran Turismo 4]]'' and ''[[Software:Tourist Trophy (video game)|Tourist Trophy]]'', are known to support up-scaled [[Engineering:1080i|1080i]] resolution.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.ign.com/top/ps2-games/9| title = Gran Turismo 4 - #9 Top PS2 Games| website = IGN
| access-date = 1 March 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160226175849/http://www.ign.com/top/ps2-games/9| archive-date = 26 February 2016| url-status = live| df = mdy-all}}</ref> The PlayStation 2 supports the following standards: [[Composite video|composite video]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 September 2019|title=Amazon.com: TRADERPLUS 6FT AV to RCA Composite Cable Cord for Sony Playstation 2 (PS2), Playstation 3 (PS3): Video Games|website=Amazon|url=https://www.amazon.com/TRADERPLUS-Composite-Cable-Cord-Playstation-2/dp/B01NA6CKXM|access-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906193238/https://www.amazon.com/TRADERPLUS-Composite-Cable-Cord-Playstation-2/dp/B01NA6CKXM|archive-date=6 September 2019}}</ref>(480i), [[S-Video]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 March 2015|title=Amazon.com: 6' S-Video Cable for PlayStation 2 (Black): Video Games|website=Amazon|url=https://www.amazon.com/6-S-Video-Cable-PlayStation-2-Black/dp/B00004U8KL|access-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312040744/https://www.amazon.com/6-S-Video-Cable-PlayStation-2-Black/dp/B00004U8KL|archive-date=12 March 2015}}</ref> (480i), RGB<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 July 2020|title=Sony Playstation RGB SCART lead Sync on Luma PS1 PS2 GROUNDED cable co {{!}} Retro Access|url=https://retro-access.com/products/sony-playstation-rgb-scart-lead-ps1-ps2-grounded-cable-cord-lead|access-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715210403/https://retro-access.com/products/sony-playstation-rgb-scart-lead-ps1-ps2-grounded-cable-cord-lead|archive-date=15 July 2020}}</ref> (480i/p), VGA<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 July 2020|title=Official Sony Genuine PS2 Linux VGA Cable Playstation 2 [VideoGameX] {{!}} eBay|url=https://www.ebay.ph/itm/Official-Sony-Genuine-PS2-Linux-VGA-Cable-Playstation-2-VideoGameX-/291309369187|access-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715203952/https://www.ebay.ph/itm/Official-Sony-Genuine-PS2-Linux-VGA-Cable-Playstation-2-VideoGameX-/291309369187|archive-date=15 July 2020}}</ref> (for progressive scan games and [[Software:Linux for PlayStation 2|PS2 Linux]] only), [[YPbPr|{{YPbPr}}]] component video<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 February 2020|title=Amazon.com: Gam3Gear Component AV Audio Video Cable for PS3 PS2: Artist Not Provided: Electronics|website=Amazon|url=https://www.amazon.com/Gam3Gear-Component-Audio-Video-Cable/dp/B00005MDZD|access-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227163357/https://www.amazon.com/Gam3Gear-Component-Audio-Video-Cable/dp/B00005MDZD|archive-date=27 February 2020}}</ref> (which display most original PlayStation games in their native 240p mode which most HDTV sets do not support<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 November 2019|title=240p — HD Retrovision|url=https://www.hdretrovision.com/240p/|access-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118125813/https://www.hdretrovision.com/240p/|archive-date=18 November 2019}}</ref>), and [[Engineering:D-Terminal|D-Terminal]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=28 February 2015|title=Amazon.com: (PS3/PS2 for) D Terminal Cable: Video Games|website=Amazon|url=https://www.amazon.com/PS3-PS2-D-Terminal-Cable/dp/B004CFBZ2G|access-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150228180406/https://www.amazon.com/PS3-PS2-D-Terminal-Cable/dp/B004CFBZ2G|archive-date=28 February 2015}}</ref> Cables are available for all of these signal types; these cables also output analogue stereo audio. Additionally, an [[Engineering:RF modulator|RF modulator]] is available for the system to connect to older TVs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://content.abt.com/documents/13762/PlayStation2_Installation-RFU-Adaptor.pdf| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705224712/http://content.abt.com/documents/13762/PlayStation2_Installation-RFU-Adaptor.pdf| archive-date=5 July 2015|title=PS2 - Installation using an RFU adapter}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Models===
[[File:Sony-PlayStation-2-70001-Console-BR.jpg|thumb|Rear of the slim model, showing its built-in networking]]
The PlayStation 2 has undergone many revisions,<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 October 2019|title=PS2 Model Identification - PS2 Model Numbers|url=https://www.ps2cover.com/pages/ps2-model-identification-ps2-model-numbers.html|access-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031065141/https://www.ps2cover.com/pages/ps2-model-identification-ps2-model-numbers.html|archive-date=31 October 2019}}</ref> some only of internal construction and others involving substantial external changes.

The PS2 is primarily differentiated between models featuring the original "fat" case design and "slimline" models, which were introduced at the end of 2004. In 2010, the Sony Bravia KDL-22PX300 was made available to consumers. It was a 22" HD-Ready television which incorporated a built-in PlayStation 2.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/sony-bravia-kdl-22px300-tv-with-ps2-built-in-parties-like-its-2000/|title=Sony Bravia KDL-22PX300 TV with PS2 built-in parties like it's 2000|last=Trenholm|first=Richard|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=22 February 2020|archive-date=22 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222045158/https://www.cnet.com/news/sony-bravia-kdl-22px300-tv-with-ps2-built-in-parties-like-its-2000/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/the-ps2-isnt-gone-its-in-this-tv-5705041| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211001/https://kotaku.com/the-ps2-isnt-gone-its-in-this-tv-5705041| archive-date=1 October 2021|title=The PS2 Isn't Gone, It's In This TV|website=Kotaku| date=3 December 2010|language=en-us|access-date=22 February 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The standard color of the PS2 is matte black. Several variations in color were produced in different quantities and regions, including ceramic white, light yellow, metallic blue (aqua), metallic silver, navy (star blue), opaque blue (astral blue), opaque black (midnight black), pearl white, sakura purple, satin gold, satin silver, snow white, super red, transparent blue (ocean blue), and also Limited Edition color Pink, which was distributed in some regions such as Oceania, and parts of Asia.<ref>{{cite web|last=Calvert|first=Justin|title=PS2 price drop, new colors for Japan|publisher=GameSpot|date=4 November 2003|url=http://www.gamespot.com/PS2/action/mobilesuitzgundamaeugvstitans/news.html?sid=6078108|access-date=10 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629003803/http://www.gamespot.com/PS2/action/mobilesuitzgundamaeugvstitans/news.html?sid=6078108|archive-date=29 June 2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Fahey|first=Rob|title=Sony launches new PS2 colors in Japan|publisher=gamesindustry.biz|date=9 March 2004|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=3080|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930155603/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=3080|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 September 2007|access-date=10 July 2007}}</ref>

In September 2004, Sony unveiled its third major hardware revision. Available in late October 2004, it was smaller, thinner, and quieter than the original versions and included a built-in [[Ethernet]] port (in some markets it also had an integrated [[Modem|modem]]). Due to its thinner profile, it did not contain the 3.5" expansion bay and therefore did not support the internal hard disk drive. It also lacked an internal power supply until a later revision (excluding the Japanese version), similar to the [[Engineering:GameCube|GameCube]], and had a modified [[Engineering:Multitap|Multitap]] expansion. The removal of the expansion bay was criticized as a limitation due to the existence of titles such as ''[[Software:Final Fantasy XI|Final Fantasy XI]]'', which required the HDD use.

Sony also manufactured a consumer device called the PSX that can be used as a [[Engineering:Digital video recorder|digital video recorder]] and DVD burner in addition to playing PS2 games. The device was released in Japan on 13 December 2003, and was the first Sony product to include the [[XrossMediaBar]] interface. It did not sell well in the Japanese market and was not released anywhere else.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/pg00-psx.htm#page=reviews|title=Sony PSX (DVR) {{!}} Video Game Console Library|date=25 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325131418/https://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/pg00-psx.htm#page=reviews|access-date=22 February 2020|archive-date=25 March 2019}}</ref>

=== Online support ===
PlayStation 2 users had the option to play select games over the [[Internet]], using dial-up or a [[Engineering:Broadband|broadband]] Internet connection. The PlayStation 2 Network Adaptor was required for the original models, while the slim models included built-in networking ports. Instead of having a unified, subscription-based online service like Xbox Live as competitor Microsoft later chose for its Xbox console, online multiplayer functionality on the PlayStation 2 was the responsibility of the game publisher and ran on third-party servers. Many games that supported online play exclusively supported broadband Internet access.

===Controllers===
{{Main|Engineering:PlayStation 2 accessories}}
[[File:PlayStation2-DualShock2.jpg|thumb|The PS2's controller, the DualShock 2, had the same form factor as the PlayStation DualShock.]]
The PlayStation 2's DualShock 2 controller retains most of the same functionality as its predecessor. However, it includes [[Engineering:Analog signal|analogue]] pressure sensitivity to over 100 individual levels of depth on the face, shoulder and D-pad buttons,{{sfn|Keeling|2000|p=92}} replacing the [[Digital data|digital]] buttons of the original.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gear.ign.com/articles/306/306387p1.html|title=Dual Shock 2 Review|access-date=7 February 2011|date=27 September 2001|publisher=Ziff Davis|website=IGN|location={{wipe|Chicago}}|quote=''The biggest difference between the Dual Shock 2 and the original… all of the buttons and even the digital pad offer analog support. This means that the d-pad, the four face buttons and the four shift buttons are all pressure-sensitive and have 255 degrees of sensitivity. It is also worth noting that the Dual Shock 2 is a bit lighter than the original Dual Shock because it appears to have less in the way of gears for the vibration function of the controller.''|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515094304/http://gear.ign.com/articles/306/306387p1.html|archive-date=15 May 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Like its predecessor, the DualShock 2 controller has [[Engineering:Haptic technology#Video games|force feedback]], or "vibration" functionality. It is lighter and includes two more levels of [[Oscillation|vibration]].

Specialized controllers include [[Engineering:Light gun|light gun]]s (GunCon), fishing rod and reel controllers, a ''Dragon Quest VIII'' "slime" controller, a ''[[Software:Final Fantasy X-2|Final Fantasy X-2]]'' "Tiny Bee" dual pistol controller, an ''[[Software:Onimusha 3: Demon Siege|Onimusha 3]]'' katana controller, and a ''[[Software:Resident Evil 4|Resident Evil 4]]'' chainsaw controller.

===Peripherals===
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:0.5em 0 0.5em 1.4em;"
|-
| [[File:PS2-Eyetoy.jpg|none|100px|EyeToy]]
| [[File:PS2-DVD-Remote.jpg|none|85px|DVD remote]]
| [[File:PS2-8MB-Mem-Card.jpg|none|100px|Multiplayer Adaptor]]
|-
| style="width:100px;"| {{center|<small>[[Engineering:EyeToy|EyeToy]] camera</small>}}
| style="width:100px;"| {{center|<small>DVD remote</small>}}
| style="width:100px;"| {{center|<small>8MB memory card</small>}}
|-
| [[File:Singstar usb microphones.png|none|100px|SingStar microphone]]
| [[File:Playstation-composite-cables.jpg|none|100px|Composite cables]]
| [[File:Sony-PlayStation-2-Network-Adaptor-Front.jpg|none|100px|Network adaptor]]
|-
| style="width:100px;"| {{center|<small>[[Software:SingStar|SingStar]] microphone</small>}}
| style="width:100px;"| {{center|<small>Composite cables</small>}}
| style="width:100px;"| {{center|<small>Network adaptor</small>}}
|-
| [[File:Buzz Buzzer.jpg|none|100px|Buzz Controller]]
|-
| style="width:100px;"| {{center|<small>Buzz Controller</small>}}
|}

Optional hardware includes additional DualShock or DualShock 2 controllers, a PS2 DVD [[Engineering:Remote control|remote control]], an internal or external [[Engineering:Hard disk drive|hard disk drive]] (HDD), a network adapter, horizontal and vertical stands, PlayStation or PS2 [[Memory card|memory card]]s, the [[Engineering:Multitap|multitap]] for PlayStation or PS2, a [[Engineering:USB|USB]] motion camera ([[Engineering:EyeToy|EyeToy]]), a USB [[Computer keyboard|keyboard]] and mouse, and a [[Engineering:Headphones|headset]].

The original PS2 multitap (SCPH-10090) cannot be plugged into the newer slim models. The multitap connects to the memory card slot and the controller slot, and the memory card slot on the slimline is shallower. New slim-design multitaps (SCPH-70120) were manufactured for these models; however, third-party adapters also permit original multitaps to be used.

Early versions of the PS2 could be networked via an i.LINK port, though this had little game support and was dropped. Some third-party manufacturers have created devices that allow disabled people to access the PS2 through ordinary switches, etc.

Some third-party companies, such as JoyTech, have produced LCD [[Engineering:Computer monitor|monitor]] and speaker attachments for the PS2, which attach to the back of the console. These allow users to play games without access to a television as long as there is access to [[Physics:Mains electricity|mains electricity]] or a similar power source. These screens can fold down onto the PS2 in a similar fashion to [[Engineering:Laptop|laptop]] screens.

There are many accessories for musical games, such as [[Engineering:Dance pad|dance pad]]s for ''Dance Dance Revolution'', ''[[Software:In the Groove (video game)|In the Groove]]'', and ''Pump It Up'' titles and ''[[Software:High School Musical 3: Senior Year Dance|High School Musical 3]]''. [[Company:Konami|Konami]] microphones for use with the ''Karaoke Revolution'' games, dual [[Microphone|microphone]]s (sold with and used exclusively for ''[[Software:SingStar|SingStar]]'' games), various "guitar" controllers (for the ''Guitar Freaks'' series and ''[[Software:Guitar Hero|Guitar Hero]]'' series), the drum set controller (sold in a box set (or by itself) with a "guitar" controller and a USB microphone (for use with ''Rock Band'' and ''[[Software:Guitar Hero|Guitar Hero]]'' series, ''World Tour'' and newer), and a [[Engineering:Taiko|taiko]] drum controller for ''[[Software:Taiko: Drum Master|Taiko]]''.

Unlike the PlayStation, which requires the use of an official Sony [[Engineering:PlayStation Mouse|PlayStation Mouse]] to play mouse-compatible games, the few PS2 games with mouse support work with a standard USB mouse as well as a USB [[Trackball|trackball]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://us.playstation.com/support/answer/index.htm?a_id=898|title=PlayStation Knowledge Center &#124; Support - PlayStation.com|publisher=Us.playstation.com|date=10 January 2011|access-date=27 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126023747/http://us.playstation.com/support/answer/index.htm?a_id=898|archive-date=26 November 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, some of these games also support the usage of a USB keyboard for text input, game control (instead of a DualShock or DualShock 2 gamepad, in tandem with a USB mouse), or both.

==Game library==
PlayStation 2 software is distributed on CD-ROM and DVD-ROM; the two formats are differentiated by their discs' bottoms, with CD-ROMs being blue and DVD-ROMs being silver. The PlayStation 2 offered some particularly high-profile exclusive games. Most main entries in the ''[[Software:Grand Theft Auto|Grand Theft Auto]]'', ''[[Software:Final Fantasy|Final Fantasy]]'', and ''[[Software:Metal Gear Solid|Metal Gear Solid]]'' series were released exclusively for the console. Several prolific series got their start on the PlayStation 2, including ''[[Software:God of War (franchise)|God of War]]'', ''Ratchet & Clank'', ''[[Software:Jak and Daxter|Jak and Daxter]]'', ''[[Software:Devil May Cry|Devil May Cry]]'', ''[[Software:Kingdom Hearts|Kingdom Hearts]]'', and ''[[Software:Sly Cooper|Sly Cooper]]''. ''[[Software:Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas|Grand Theft Auto]]'' was the best-selling game on the console.

Game releases peaked in 2004, but declined with the release of the [[Engineering:PlayStation 3|PlayStation 3]] in 2006. The last new games for the console were ''[[Software:Final Fantasy XI|Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin]]'' in Asia, ''[[Software:FIFA 14|FIFA 14]]'' in North America,<ref name="espndeportes">{{Cite news|url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/noticias/nota?s=promociones&id=1837837&type=story|title=Chicharito es portada de FIFA 14|date=28 June 2013|work=ESPN Deportes|access-date=3 December 2020|language=es-MX|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624225840/https://espndeportes.espn.com/noticias/nota?s=promociones&id=1837837&type=story|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[Software:Pro Evolution Soccer 2014|Pro Evolution Soccer 2014]]'' in Europe. As of 30 June 2007, a total of 10,035 [[Software|software]] titles had been released worldwide including games released in multiple regions as separate titles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cumulative Software Titles |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. |url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/data/bizdatatitle_e.html |access-date=19 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921062349/http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/data/bizdatatitle_e.html |archive-date=21 September 2008 }}</ref>

==Reception==
Initial reviews of the PlayStation 2 from 2000 highly acclaimed the console, with reviewers commending its hardware and graphics capabilities, its ability to play DVDs, and the system's backward compatibility with games and hardware for the original PlayStation. Early points of criticism included the lack of online support at the time, its inclusion of only two controller ports, and the system's price at launch compared to the Dreamcast in 2000.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/26/technology/playstation-2-game-console-as-trojan-horse.html|title=PlayStation 2: Game Console as Trojan Horse|last=Marriott|first=Michel|date=26 October 2000|work=The New York Times|access-date=30 August 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713183041/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/10/26/technology/playstation-2-game-console-as-trojan-horse.html|archive-date=13 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedigitalbits.com/site_archive/reviews/ps2/sonyps2.html|title=Hardware Review - Sony PlayStation 2|website=www.thedigitalbits.com|access-date=30 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830124823/https://www.thedigitalbits.com/site_archive/reviews/ps2/sonyps2.html|archive-date=30 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> ''PC Magazine'' in 2001 called the console "outstanding", praising its "noteworthy components" such as the Emotion Engine CPU, 32MB of RAM, support for [[Engineering:IEEE 1394|IEEE 1394]] (branded as "i.LINK" by Sony and "FireWire" by Apple), and the console's two [[Engineering:USB|USB]] ports while criticizing its "expensive" games and its support for only two controllers without the [[Engineering:Multitap|multitap]] accessory.<ref>{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,22112,00.asp|title=Sony Playstation 2|last1=Sarrel|first1=Matthew D. |magazine=PC Magazine|language=en|access-date=30 August 2019|date=March 6, 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830124822/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,22112,00.asp|archive-date=30 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

Later reviews, especially after the launch of the competing [[Engineering:GameCube|GameCube]] and [[Engineering:Xbox (console)|Xbox]] systems, continued to praise the PlayStation 2's large game library and DVD playback, while routinely criticizing the PlayStation 2's lesser graphics performance compared to the newer systems and its rudimentary online service compared to Xbox Live. In 2002, CNET rated the console 7.3 out of 10, calling it a "safe bet" despite not being the "newest or most powerful", noting that the console "yields in-game graphics with more jagged edges". CNET also criticized the DVD playback functionality, claiming that the console's video quality was "passable" and that the playback controls were "rudimentary", recommending users to purchase a remote control. The console's two controller ports and the high cost of its memory cards were also a point of criticism.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/sony-ps2-review/|title=Sony PS2 review: Sony PS2|last=Gladstone|first=Darren|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=30 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702035131/https://www.cnet.com/reviews/sony-ps2-review/|archive-date=2 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

The slim model of the PlayStation 2 received positive reviews for its incredibly small size and built-in networking but received criticism for easily overheating due to the exclusion of the original model's built-in fan. The requirement for a separate power adapter was criticized while the top-loading disc drive was noted as being less likely to break compared to the tray-loading drive of the original model.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/sony-playstation-2-slim-review/|title=Sony PlayStation 2 (slim form factor)|last=Falcone|first=John|website=CNET|language=en|access-date=30 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830141258/https://www.cnet.com/reviews/sony-playstation-2-slim-review/|archive-date=30 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pocket-lint.com/games/reviews/playstation/68059-slim-line-playstation-2-ps2-console|title=Slim-line PlayStation 2 (PS2)|date=28 January 2005|website=Pocket-lint|language=en|access-date=30 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830124823/https://www.pocket-lint.com/games/reviews/playstation/68059-slim-line-playstation-2-ps2-console|archive-date=30 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Sales===
Demand for the PlayStation 2 remained strong throughout much of its lifespan, selling over 1.4 million units in Japan by 31 March 2000. Over 10.6 million units were sold worldwide by 31 March 2001.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://scei.co.jp/corporate/data/bizdataps2_e.html|title=PlayStation®2 Cumulative Production Shipments of Hardware ｜ CORPORATE INFORMATION ｜ Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.|date=9 June 2012|access-date=30 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609161654/http://scei.co.jp/corporate/data/bizdataps2_e.html|archive-date=9 June 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2005, the PlayStation 2 became the fastest game console to reach 100 million units shipped, accomplishing the feat within 5 years and 9 months from its launch; this was surpassed 4 years later when the Nintendo DS reached 100 million shipments in 4 years and 5 months from its launch.<ref name="100 million">{{cite web |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090311006007/en |title=Nintendo Ships 100 Millionth Portable Nintendo DS System |access-date=11 March 2009 |date=11 March 2009 |publisher=Nintendo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115133601/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090311006007/en |archive-date=15 January 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> By July 2009, the system had sold 138.8 million units worldwide, with 51 million of those units sold in [[PAL region]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Slimmer, Lighter PlayStation®3, new PlayStation®Network services, plenty of content and a great value price|url=http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/090819b_e.pdf|date=2 September 2009|access-date=30 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902132609/http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/090819b_e.pdf|archive-date=2 September 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

Overall, over 155 million PlayStation 2 units were sold worldwide by 31 March 2012,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Cumulative Worldwide Hardware Unit Sales (Sell-In) |url=https://www.sie.com/en/corporate/data.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427203732/https://www.sie.com/en/corporate/data.html |archive-date=27 April 2019 |access-date=30 October 2019 |website=Sony Interactive Entertainment Business Development}}</ref> the same year Sony officially stopped supplying updated sales numbers of the system.<ref name="sie.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.sie.com/en/corporate/data.html|title=SIE Business Development {{!}} Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.|website=www.sie.com|access-date=30 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190427203732/https://www.sie.com/en/corporate/data.html|archive-date=27 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Homebrew development==
Using homebrew programs, it is possible to play various audio and video file formats on a PS2. Homebrew programs can also play patched backups of original PS2 DVD games on unmodified consoles and install retail discs to an installed hard drive on older models. Homebrew emulators of older computer and gaming systems have been developed for the PS2.<ref>PS2 Emulators – {{cite web |url=http://www.sksapps.com/index.php?page=emus.html |title=SKS Apps - Wii Ps3 Ps2 Apps - Game Downloads - Gaming Forums |access-date=9 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612091242/http://sksapps.com/index.php?page=emus.html |archive-date=12 June 2008 }}</ref>

Sony released a [[Software:Linux|Linux]]-based operating system, [[Software:Linux for PlayStation 2|Linux for PlayStation 2]], for the PS2 in a package that also includes a [[Computer keyboard|keyboard]], mouse, [[Ethernet]] adapter and HDD. In Europe and Australia, the PS2 comes with a free [[Software:Yabasic|Yabasic]] interpreter on the bundled demo disc. This allows users to create simple programs for the PS2. A port of the [[Software:NetBSD|NetBSD]] project and BlackRhino GNU/Linux, an alternative [[Software:Debian|Debian]]-based distribution, are also available for the PS2.

==Successor==
{{main|Engineering:PlayStation 3}}
The PlayStation 3 was released in Japan and North America in November 2006 and Europe in March 2007.

==See also==
* [[Software:Linux for PlayStation 2|Linux for PlayStation 2]]
* [[Software:PCSX2|PCSX2]] – PlayStation 2 (PS2) emulator for Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS
* PlayStation Broadband Navigator

==References==
===Notes===
{{notelist}}

===Citations===
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{div col|colwidth=35em}}
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Keeling |first1=Justin |title=Digital Dream Kids |journal=PlayStation World |date=February 2000 |issue=1 |pages=89–102 |publisher=Future plc |location=Bath}}
* {{cite book|last=Kent|first=Steven L.|title=The Ultimate History of Video Games: The Story Behind the Craze That Touched Our Lives and Changed the World|year=2001|publisher=Prima Publishing|location=Roseville|isbn=0-7615-3643-4}}
* {{cite book |last1=Leigh |first1=Peter |title=The Nostalgia Nerd's Retro Tech |date=2018 |publisher=Ilex Press |location=[[Place:London|London]] |isbn=978-1781575703 |pages=188–191}}

{{refend}}
{{div col end}}

{{Sony Corp}}
{{Sixth generation game consoles}}
{{Home video game consoles}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Playstation 2}}
<!--introduction-->
[[Category:Home video game consoles]]

{{Sourceattribution|PlayStation 2}}