History of PlayStation 2 in Timeline

The PlayStation 2 (PS2), a sixth-generation home video game console by Sony Computer Entertainment, launched in 2000. As the successor to the original PlayStation, it competed with the Nintendo GameCube, Sega Dreamcast, and Microsoft Xbox. Its release dates varied globally, starting in Japan in March and followed by North America, Europe, and Australia later in the year.

1994: Early Development of PlayStation 2 Begins

Around the time of the original PlayStation's launch in late 1994, Ken Kutaragi reportedly started initial work on what would become the PlayStation 2.

1994: Original PlayStation Released

In 1994, Sony released the original PlayStation, which proved to be a major success and established Sony in the video game industry.

1994: Original PlayStation Had Subdued Launch

In 1994, the launch of the original PlayStation was relatively subdued, contrasting with the "hysteria" surrounding the PlayStation 2 launch in 2000.

1997: Press Reports on New PlayStation Development

By early 1997, the press reported on the development of a new PlayStation that would have backward-compatibility with the original PlayStation, a built-in DVD player, and Internet connectivity.

1998: Sega Launches Dreamcast

In 1998, Sega launched the Dreamcast in an attempt to regain market share in the video game industry, amidst declining sales and financial losses.

March 1999: Sony Officially Reveals PlayStation 2 Details

On March 2, 1999, Sony officially revealed the first details of the PlayStation 2, confirming backward compatibility, boosted performance, and faster data transfer rates.

April 1999: Sony and Toshiba Establish Joint Venture for Emotion Engine

In April 1999, Sony and Toshiba formed a joint venture to manufacture the Emotion Engine, the central processor for the PlayStation 2.

September 1999: PlayStation 2 Unveiled at Tokyo Game Show

On September 20, 1999, the PlayStation 2 was officially unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show, with visually impressive technical demonstrations.

1999: Sony Announces the PlayStation 2

In 1999, Sony announced the development of the PlayStation 2, following the success of its predecessor. The console featured a built-in DVD drive and backward compatibility with original PlayStation games and accessories.

1999: The Matrix Released

In 1999, The Matrix movie was released. According to Shuhei Yoshida, a DVD of The Matrix was the best selling title of the PlayStation 2 launch, outselling all games.

March 2000: DVDs Dominate Early Consumer Interest

In March 2000, due to a lack of launch software, early consumer interest in the PlayStation 2 centered on its DVD playback capabilities. The best-selling title during the launch period in Japan was a DVD of The Matrix (1999).

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March 2000: PlayStation 2 Released in Japan

In March 2000, the PlayStation 2 was first released in Japan. The PS2 is a home video game console developed and marketed by Sony Computer Entertainment. It is the successor to the original PlayStation.

October 2000: PlayStation 2 Launches in the United States

On October 26, 2000, the PlayStation 2 launched in the United States. Supply constraints led to shortages and rumors of stock manipulation, creating a media frenzy despite consumer frustration.

November 2000: Troubled Launch in Europe

On November 24, 2000, the PlayStation 2 had a troubled launch in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom. The BBC criticized the console's price, and there were complaints about limited supply and faulty consoles.

2000: Rockstar Games Sees Early Success

In 2000, Rockstar Games had early success with Midnight Club: Street Racing and Smuggler's Run at the PS2 launch.

2000: Concerns over System Abilities

In 2000, concerns arose regarding the PlayStation 2's abilities due to the lack of anti-aliasing in popular early titles like Ridge Racer V and Tekken Tag Tournament.

March 2001: PlayStation 2 Still Sold Out in the US

In March 2001, the PlayStation 2 remained largely sold out in the United States due to manufacturing delays, while it was readily available in Japan.

2001: Exclusive Landmark Titles

In 2001, the PlayStation 2 served as the exclusive platform for landmark titles like Grand Theft Auto III, Final Fantasy X, and Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. This period was marked by significant innovation in game design, including cinematic storytelling and expansive open-world gameplay.

2001: Improved Game Quality in Late 2001

In the final quarter of 2001, the PlayStation 2's situation improved significantly due to the release of several highly acclaimed games, addressing earlier concerns about the lack of quality software.

2002: CNET Review of PlayStation 2 in 2002

In 2002, CNET rated the PlayStation 2 a 7.3 out of 10, considering it a "safe bet" but noting that it wasn't the "newest or most powerful" console. They criticized its in-game graphics, DVD playback quality, limited controller ports, and the high cost of memory cards.

2004: Sony Releases Slimline PlayStation 2

In 2004, Sony released a revised version of the PlayStation 2, known as the "Slimline," which featured a smaller and lighter design.

2006: PlayStation 3 Released

In 2006, Sony released the PlayStation 3, the successor to the PlayStation 2. However, the PlayStation 2 remained in production and continued to receive new game releases for several years after.

Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)

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2009: IGN Ranks PlayStation 2 as Third Best Console in 2009

In 2009, IGN ranked the PlayStation 2 as the third best console, highlighting its diverse game library and broad appeal as evidence of its "staying power."

November 2013: Last Game Released for PlayStation 2

In November 2013, the last game for the PlayStation 2, Pro Evolution Soccer 2014, was released in Europe, marking the end of new game releases for the console.

2014: Last Game Release in Europe

In 2014, Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 was released in Europe. This was the last game ever released for PlayStation 2.

2018: Retro Gamer Ranks PlayStation 2 Fifth Best Console in 2018

In 2018, Retro Gamer named the PlayStation 2 as the fifth best console, praising its large library and attractiveness to developers as key factors in its widespread success, describing it as a machine with "mad architecture."

2020: The Guardian Names PlayStation 2 Second Best Console in 2020

In 2020, Keith Stuart from The Guardian named the PlayStation 2 as the second best console, citing its "utter dominance" and technical capabilities as heralding a golden age in video gaming.