- The PS2 was released by Sony nearly 24 years ago.
- Japan has just acknowledged the console’s impressive hardware capabilities by adding it to the Future Technology Heritage list.
- The console was commended for its graphics, which were on par with the biggest arcade games at the time.
The PS2 marked a major leap for the gaming industry in more ways than one. As Sony’s second major console in the industry, it immediately propelled PlayStation to the top of the industry, with the PS2 crushing everything that came in its path.
More than two decades later, the console remains an integral part of the PlayStation legacy. Because of its importance to the gaming industry, Japan has added it to the Future Technology Heritage list, marking an important milestone for console gaming.
Why it matters: Nearly every gaming console has been incredible in its own right. However, there is a case to be made for the PS2 being truly unrivaled in its excellence to this day.
The PS2, often considered gaming’s best console, delivered a huge leap in visuals and gameplay.
Moreover, it doubled as a DVD player for Sony, giving it an additional purpose for those who wanted a cheap means to enjoy their favorite DVDs. It’s no surprise, then, that Japan has added it to such an important list.
The Future Technology Heritage list is maintained by the National Museum of Nature and Science in Japan. Spanning nearly two decades, this list currently contains around 400 items that represent significant technological leaps and cultural shifts.
For instance, the likes of the Sony Walkman, the first DVD player, and more are part of this list. As a gaming enthusiast, it’s incredible to see a console honored with a similar accolade.
The PS2 was among multiple new additions to The Future Technology Heritage list this year. According to the museum, it was selected for marking a shift in gaming that saw home consoles leading the industry instead of the arcades.
The museum also pointed to the PS2’s beautiful graphics that were on par with arcade games.
Apart from its merits as an excellent gaming machine, the PS2 had a noteworthy library of first-party titles. The likes of God of War, Killzone, and more were created specifically for its hardware.
According to PlayStation’s Jim Ryan, the hardware ended up selling 160 million units by the end of its lifecycle. No other console has been able to beat this figure yet, though the Nintendo Switch is slowly coming close.
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[News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than three years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.