Why the PS2 Still Dominated Game Consoles Sales - Even in 2025

And yes — talking about a console launched in 2000 may feel retro, but the PS2 isn’t just nostalgia. It’s a cornerstone of gaming history. With over 160 million units sold globally, it set a record that remains unbeaten. For gamers in the UAE and Gulf region, the PS2’s legacy still affects availability of games, local resale markets and how we view console success today. This article explores how the PS2 achieved this feat, what factors drove it, and why it matters now.

How PS2 Achieved its Record Sales

• Over 160 million units sold worldwide.
• Launched in Japan in March 2000 (with subsequent releases in North America/Europe) and stayed in production until 2013.
• Huge game library: nearly 10 987 titles and 1.54 billion copies sold.
• Strong backward compatibility with original PlayStation games, making it easier for gamers to upgrade.

The PS2’s success wasn’t accidental. Sony designed it to appeal broadly — not just hardcore gamers. By offering DVD playback, compatibility with PS1 games, and a lower price point over time, the console appealed to both gamers and families. Its long production life also meant many gamers in the Gulf had easier access to second-hand units, games and accessories.

Why It Still Matters in the UAE & Gulf Region

• The massive installed base means lots of PS2 games and peripherals circulate in local second-hand markets — good for collectors and budget gamers alike.
• It set expectations for what a “successful console” means in this region: wide game library, local availability, price-drops.
• Local game culture: Many gamers who grew up on PS2 are now older and influencing game trends, retro collections, and local gaming communities.
• Legacy impacts: The architecture, franchises and business decisions from PS2 era shaped how later consoles served the Gulf region (localisation, region-less games, Arabic language support etc).

In short: even though the PS2 is long discontinued, its footprint is still visible in gaming culture in the UAE and Gulf — from game rentals, used shops, to retro streaming and nostalgic demand.

Key Factors That Made PS2 Stand Out

• Affordability & timing: Launched at a time when DVD players were expensive. PS2 offered games + DVD playback.
• Massive game support: 10 000+ titles across genres. From big franchises (e.g., Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas) to niche genres.
• Longevity: Being in production for ~13 years allowed more markets (including Gulf region) to receive units after launch rush.
• Backward compatibility & ecosystem: Gamers could bring old games and memory cards, lowering the barrier to entry.
• Global reach & localisation: Though localisation in the Middle East wasn’t perfect then, the large global sales meant more stock, used imports, and community support even here.

Each of these factors combined to create a console that didn’t just shoot out of the gate — it had legs. For the UAE market, that matters, because availability and aftermarket (used games, second-hand units) remain strong.

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