The PS2 Turns 7, New Model on Tap
Despite its struggles with the PlayStation 3, Sony's PlayStation 2 business continues to press forward, with the company celebrating its seven anniversary Friday by announcing that more than 120 million consoles have been sold worldwide.
This is combined with sales of over two billion software titles, which makes the PS2 the most popular gaming platform ever released. Despite claims that it is cannibalizing PS3 sales, Sony plans to continue development for the PS2 into the next decade.
About 160 new games are expected through March 2008, including Guitar Hero III, Madden NFL 08, and Manhunt 2. Additionally, the company plans to release a new model of the PS2 in ceramic white, which will be bundled with Singstar Pop and two microphones and retail for $149.99.
"We look forward to the platform's continued growth and expect to sell approximately 12 million units worldwide by the end of March, leading us to anticipate that PlayStation 2's life cycle will exceed that of the original PlayStation," SCEA president and CEO Jack Tretton said in the announcement.
PS2's wide success comes in stark contrast to the struggles of Sony's next-generation platform, the PlayStation 3. In nearly every major market, the new console trails both the Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 by substantial margins.
Sony has made moves to boost sales of the PS3, namely cutting prices in major markets and introducing a cheaper model, but it is too soon to judge whether these changes will have any effect on long-term sales.
Even if the PS3 does not take off, Sony has the PS2 to fall back on. In a statement announcing the platform's latest milestone, the company committed to supporting the 7 year-old game console through at least 2010.