Sony has announced that their PlayStation 2 console is to have a revised recommended retail price of 99.99 euros (approx. Rs. 6,720) for European markets and 99.99 USD (approx. Rs. 5,070) for American markets starting from April 1, 2009. As of December 2008, Sony’s PlayStation 2 has sold upwards of 136 million sell-in units worldwide since its launch in 2000, which makes it the best selling console to date. Also, the PS2 library for games from all genres will expand to almost 1,900 this year.
“PlayStation 2 transformed the games and entertainment industry, by reaching a mass market audience through innovative games, including social games such as EyeToy, SingStar and Buzz! and by the integration of the DVD player, which helped establish DVD as the format of choice throughout the world.” stated David Reeves, President and CEO, SCEE.
Reeves further added, “We are now into PlayStation 2’s tenth year and consumer demand remains strong throughout much of our region. This RRP revision will help to ensure that PlayStation 2 remains a key part of the entertainment market place for some time to come. We are very excited about the future of PlayStation 2 and will continue to grow the game library this year, meaning that new and existing owners have plenty to be excited about.”
“PlayStation 2 set the industry standard for worldwide mass market adoption and is a clear embodiment of Sony’s commitment to platforms that deliver 10-year product lifecycles. It’s a tribute to outstanding technology, great consumer value and unprecedented development support that we’ve now been able to do twice what no one else has ever accomplished.” remarked Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA.
Tretton also stated, “Demand for PlayStation 2 remains strong throughout the world, and the new $99 price point will bring in new consumers who will discover how PlayStation platforms are an outstanding choice for their gaming and home entertainment needs. Just as PlayStation 2 is delivering on a 10-year lifecycle and helped expand and solidify the DVD format for home entertainment along the way, we believe PlayStation 3 offers the same promise by helping secure the Blu-ray format and delivering unprecedented value as the total home entertainment solution for the next decade.”
Sony has said that it will keep up the support to the PS2 console with new titles for casual gamers and families who want a fun social experience. More than two hundred and fifty best-selling games for the PS2 have reached ‘Greatest Hits’ or ‘Platinum’ status. The PS2’s impact on the game industry is wide ranging, with many first-party and third-party titles. The games available for the system are Singstar, Buzz!, FIFA, Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy and many more. The PlayStation 2 was the first home computer entertainment system to have DVD technology capable of both CD and DVD playback.
According to a report from the Nielsen Company in December 2008, the PlayStation 2 is the most played computer entertainment system on the market today. It was the first system in history to reach sales of 50 million sell-in units across Europe and the PAL territories. Additionally, Sony explained that in Switzerland the PS2 will cost 149.99 CHF (approx. Rs. 6,600).