While overlooking PS3, Sony drops price of PS2 to $99

Instead of a dropping the price of the $400 PS3, Sony on Tuesday focused its attention on the 10 year-old PS2, slashing the system's price from $129 to $99, effective tomorrow.

While overlooking PS3, Sony drops price of PS2 to $99

PS2: Now just $99

PRESS RELEASE -- Sony Computer Entertainment America today announced that PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system will be available starting April 1 for $99. Since launching in 2000, PlayStation 2 has sold more than 136 million sell-in units worldwide, making it the most popular system in gaming industry history. PlayStation 2's vast library of games from all genres for all types of audiences will grow to nearly 1,900 titles this year. This breadth and depth of content along with the new price point make the platform a stronger value than ever, particularly for families, casual gamers, and those seeking to maximize their entertainment dollar.

"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," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. "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."

SCEA will continue to support PlayStation 2 system with new titles that appeal to families and casual gamers looking for social entertainment experiences. First-party games such as MLB(R) 09 THE Show(TM) and MotorStorm(R): Arctic Edge as well as major franchise titles from SCEA's publishing partners demonstrate the continued growth of the platform's library of content. In addition, more than 250 best-selling PlayStation 2 titles have achieved "Greatest Hits" status, providing consumers with plenty of games to choose from at value pricing.

PlayStation 2's impact on the industry is unmatched, as the platform played a key role in establishing the popularity of the most recognized and beloved franchises in history, including Guitar Hero(R) from Activision, Metal Gear Solid(R) from Konami Digital Entertainment, FINAL FANTASY(R) from Square Enix, Grand Theft Auto(TM) from Rockstar Games, as well as Gran Turismo(TM) by Polyphony Digital Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios titles, including God of War(R) and Ratchet & Clank(R). In recent years, this stellar lineup has expanded to include an extensive list of social games and family-friendly titles such as Buzz! (TM) and SingStar(R), which have helped usher in new types of consumers into the world of gaming.

During its lifespan, PlayStation 2 system not only has pushed video gaming to the forefront of entertainment, but it also introduced the concept of an entertainment system becoming a hub in the living room. PlayStation 2 was the first home computer entertainment system to integrate DVD technology, and the rapid growth of the install base helped establish DVD as the standard optical disc media format worldwide. Featuring both DVD and CD playback capabilities, PlayStation 2 system has served as the entertainment centerpiece in many living rooms.

PlayStation 2 remains the most played computer entertainment system on the market, according to a December 2008 report from The Nielsen Company. Last year, PlayStation 2 became the first system in history to reach the 50 million sell-in unit sales milestone in North America, making it one of the most successful technology products ever. PlayStation 2 system was previously available for $129.99 (MSRP).

See also: NO, NO, NO: Sony emphatically denies PS3 price cut

Comments [24]

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DarthKratos_

LOL I CAREEE!!! I already got my ps3, and looking forward to getting a ps2. I had one wayyyyy before but it got stolen, then I left for microsoft. now ever since last month. I returned back to my roots got me a ps3 and now need a ps2 to play God of war 1 and 2. Killzone, and etc. this is good news..

eday_2010

I wouldn't call a $30 drop big news, especially on a 9-year-old console. But it's still a price drop, and those are almost always a good thing.

XI3igI3ossX

Well at least teh PS2 has lots of good games to get unlike PS3. I have teh PS3 and love it to death but, no backwards compatiblility on teh 500 dollar 160 GB model is lame.

ProtectMyBallz

Critics, don't be quick to knock the PS2 price drop, the system sells after all these years and there are still games being made for it. However, I think Sony needs to do something to get PS3s in the hands of more gamers--loved Killzone 2 and MGS 4, but $400 is still a lot of money for many people (especially nowadays). Maybe do another free Blu-Ray promotional or throw in a free PS3 classic game (Resistance: Fall of Man, Motorstorm, etc.) or a free downaloadable full game (Tekken, WipeOut, etc)-- got mad ideas, Sony you should hire me if you're reading :). Then again, God of War III will probably be a system seller.

ZanonX

I would love them to upgrade ps2, it still is pretty damn good and has tons of games, 99 dollars is damn good.

wutisupmon

Quite honestly, who the hell cares. If you're looking to buy a new PS2, $30 doesn't make a whole lot of difference. When you consider that this console has been out for 10 years, and you can find amazing bundle deals second-hand, which include games, for equal or lesser prices, why do we care so much? Sony seriously needs to wake up.

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donkeykong57

Good deal. After nearly a decade, the console is finally priced below $100.

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