As the clock ticks towards December 3, 2024, Sony is gearing up to celebrate a monumental milestone: 30 years of PlayStation. It’s a celebration steeped in statistics that would make even the most stoic gamer crack a smile. The latest update on the official PlayStation website lays out this legacy in vivid detail, showcasing some staggering numbers and unforgettable moments from the past three decades.
The highlight? 160 million PS2 units have been sold since its launch back in 2000. When you think about it, that’s not merely a sales figure. It’s an entire universe of gaming experiences shared among friends, families, and solo adventures across living rooms worldwide. If you haven’t played on a PS2, have you played at all?
This figure isn’t new news per se. Former Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan dropped this number during his retirement podcast earlier this year. However, seeing it officially chronicled on PlayStation’s site gives it an air of legitimacy that delights your inner fanboy or fangirl. It’s worth noting, though, that other corners of the company still reflect a slightly lower total at 155 million units sold. But let’s be honest here: does five million matter when discussing the best-selling console of all time? The PS2 has left its competitors in dust scattered across decades.
In fact, according to Nintendo’s stats as of September 2024, both the Nintendo DS and Switch are trailing behind, with sales figures sitting at approximately 154 million and 146 million, respectively. These numbers tell us something important: no matter how many times we insist “this new generation is better,” there’s something timeless about classic titles like “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” or “Final Fantasy X” that keeps players coming back.
But wait! There’s more! As part of their ongoing tribute to this iconic brand, Sony recently launched PlayStation’s 30th Anniversary Collection. This collection features limited-edition grey PS5 Digital and PS5 Pro consoles reminiscent of those early days when everything was decidedly less high-def but way more charming.
If you’re feeling particularly nostalgic (or just love shiny new things), keep your eyes peeled for limited editions popping up around the DualSense Edge controller and standard DualSense pad designed to pay homage to their roots, after all, who wouldn’t want a piece of history sitting next to their current-gen gear?
And while we’re at it, rumors are swirling around black versions of accessories like Pulse Elite wireless headphones and even themed controllers such as one dedicated to “Helldivers 2.” If these aren’t dropping soon enough for your liking, maybe consider revisiting some classics instead. You know what they say about old games: the more they change…
