The history of video game consoles has seen many ups and downs since their inception, although it’s safe to say that our platforms of choice have come a significantly long way over the last three and a half decades.
The industry has seen many manufacturers and technology producers enter (and exit) the market as the sphere of digital entertainment has changed. Taking a look at which consoles were most successful throughout their lifespan, which piece of gaming hardware have stood the test of time?
15. Sega Saturn (1994) – 9.5 million
14. NEC TurboGrafx-16 (1987) – 10 million
13. Sega Dreamcast (1998) – 10.6 million
12. Nintendo GameCube (2001) – 21.74 million
11. Microsoft XBox (2001) – 24 million
10. Atari VCS/2600 (1977) – 30 million
9. Nintendo 64 (1996) – 32.93 million
8. Sega Genesis / Mega Drive (1988) – 39 million
7. Super Nintendo Entertainment System (1990) – 49.10 million
6. Nintendo Entertainment System (1985) – 61.91 million
5. Sony PlayStation 3 (2006) – 62 million *
4. Microsoft XBox 360 (2005) – 65.8 million *
3. Nintendo Wii (2006) – 94.97 million *
2. Sony PlayStation (1994) – 102.49 million
1. Sony PlayStation 2 (2000) – 154.4 million *
Although the answer was fairly obvious, it’s undeniably impressive that despite the drastic growth of gaming and video game culture since the launch of the current-gen consoles, the Playstation 2 still stands strong as the highest-selling console of all time.
The Playstation 2 didn’t have it easy though, as Nintendo put up some good competition with their GameCube console, which had the power of Mario behind it and four-controller ports, making it an appealing prospect.
Microsoft also tried their hand at the console market, and thanks to the likes of Halo and their Xbox Live service, the original Xbox was a great success.
But the PS2 still came out the victor, and what set the PlayStation 2 apart was the Sony brand (as gamers had familiarised themselves once before with the original Playstation). More importantly, it was the impressive library of games that made it an easy sell.
With GTA’s San Andreas and Vice City, Gran Turismo 3 and 4, Metal Gear Solid 2, Jak & Daxter, God of War 1 and 2, and the original Devil May Cry trilogy, it’s not hard to see why Sony’s reliable console managed to become the undisputed king of the sixth-generation of consoles, and the highest selling video game system of all time.
What do you think of the list? Any great PS2 memories that are worth sharing?
* = Console still in production at time of article
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