The PlayStation 2 (abbreviated as PS2) is Sony's second video game console, the successor to the PlayStation and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3. Its development was announced in 1999, and it was released in 2000. It was discontinued in Japan on December 28, 2012 and worldwide on January 4, 2013.
The PS2 is part of the sixth-generation era of video games, and has become the fastest selling gaming console in history, with over 100 million units shipped by November 2005, beating the previous record holder, the PlayStation, by three years and nine months. Overall, the system reached an installed base of more than 150 million units by its end-of-life.
Hardware revisions[]
The PlayStation 2 saw the greatest number of hardware changes for any console over a span of more than a decade, divided between five different case styles. When it was first released to the public in Japan, the so-called "fat" PS2 (SCPH-1xxxx) had two USB ports and a PC Card slot, which was used for connecting the PlayStation 2 Broadband Unit, a device that incorporated an external hard disk and network adapter for use with the console.
The second-revision models, also "fat" (SCPH-3xxxx), were released worldwide. These had the same USB ports as the 1xxxx series and added an i.Link (FireWire 400 4-pin) port, but in lieu of the PC Card slot was an internal expansion bay for an optional 40 GB hard disk and dual network adapter as well.
The third revision (SCPH-5xxxx) was also "fat". This series retained the expansion bay, but the FireWire was removed, adding instead a remote control sensor.
In 2004, Sony revealed a fourth, slimmer model (SCPH-7xxxx). This series reduced both the weight and the power requirements of the console and integrated the network adapter. However, it removed the expansion mechanism for a hard disk. This series also had an external power supply whose first runs were prone to malfunction and combustion, but this issue was eventually resolved with the fifth and final models (SCPH-9xxxx), where the power supply was again mounted inside the console. Consequently, only the first three series listed above were capable of running Final Fantasy XI.
Final Fantasy titles for PS2[]
Game | Release Date | Metascore | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Japan | North America | Europe | ||
Dirge of Cerberus -Final Fantasy VII- | January 26, 2006 | August 20, 2006 | November 11, 2006 | 57 |
Final Fantasy X | July 19, 2001 | December 17, 2001 | May 24, 2002 | 92 |
Final Fantasy X: International | January 31, 2002 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Final Fantasy X-2 | March 13, 2003 | November 18, 2003 | February 20, 2004 | 85 |
Final Fantasy X-2: International + Last Mission | February 19, 2004 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Final Fantasy X/X-2 Ultimate Box | Sept 8, 2005 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Final Fantasy XI* HDD kit required. Discontinued as of March 31, 2016. | May 16, 2002 | March 23, 2004 | N/A | 85 |
Final Fantasy XII | March 16, 2006 | October 31, 2006 | February 23, 2007 | 92 |
Final Fantasy XII International Zodiac Job System | August 9, 2007 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Related titles for PS2[]
- Dragon Quest V: The Bride of the Heavens (Japan only) & VIII: Journey of the Cursed King (worldwide)
- Dragon Quest & Final Fantasy in Itadaki Street Special (2004) (Japan only)
- Kingdom Hearts (2002)
- Kingdom Hearts II (2005)
- Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories (2007)
- Star Ocean: Till the End of Time