Sony Drops PlayStation 2 Retail Price To $99 - News
by VGChartz Staff , posted on 31 March 2009 / 7,903 Views
Updated with more information:
It's taken 9 years, several revisions, and two consecutive console generations, but at long last the world's most popular and best-selling videogame system (i.e. computer entertainment system) has finally hit sub-$100 prices. Sony today has announced that moving forward, the retail cost of the PlayStation 2 will be set at $99 for the core unit. This represents a dramatic 1/3 price reduction from the previous $129 asking price, and with thousands of games currently available (and more sure to come), it doesn't look as if the PS2 will be disappearing anytime soon.
There's not much left to say about the PlayStation 2 that hasn't already been said, as its earned its reputation in the history of gaming consoles, having survived when lesser challengers have been replaced. If anything, the greatness of Sony's second-generation machine spelt trouble for their third, as many have pointed to the company's decision to excise direct compatibility (i.e. backwards-compatibility) between the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 as a major factor in the the latter's slow adoption rate. There's little to disagree with there, although with its extremely low asking price ($99), it might be time for PlayStation 3 owners to pony up and join the last generation.
*UPDATE* Sony is also going to drop the PS2 price in Europe. The official price point is going to drop to 99 Euro. The UK is apparently excluded from this drop, probably due to the weak pound.
FOSTER CITY, Calif, March 31 / Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) today announced that PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system will be available starting April 1 for $99.99 (MSRP). 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 09 THE Show and MotorStorm: 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 from Activision, Metal Gear Solid from Konami Digital Entertainment, FINAL FANTASY from Square Enix, Grand Theft Auto from Rockstar Games, as well as Gran Turismo by Polyphony Digital Inc. and Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios titles, including God of War and Ratchet & Clank. In recent years, this stellar lineup has expanded to include an extensive list of social games and family-friendly titles such as Buzz! and SingStar, 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).
After rumors hinting at this for days Sony's John Koller now officially announced a Playstation 2 price drop for North America.
*UPDATE* Sony is also going to drop the PS2 price in Europe. The official price point is going to drop to 99 Euro. The UK is apparently excluded from this drop, probably due to the weak pound.
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I'll wait until it gets at 50 dls >:P
I think if you wanted a PS2 but couldn't afford it up till this point, you'd still rather spend that $100 on crack.
Why not just B/C?
Great.
This is the beginning of the end for the Playstation 2...
I've had to fight with my PS2 to read discs ever since it was about 1 year old. Its been demoted to my 5 year olds bedroom and even he doesn't want to play it anymore.
@snypershawn
I gotta disagree, I think they're built pretty damn good. I still have my original fat ps2 bought the first day they started selling and never had a problem. I use it in my bedroom as a dvd player after my original xbox would no longer play dvd's and occasionally to replay some classics.
I still play my PS2 quite a bit. This cut is a nice thing and should give the system a sales boost. If I were to recomend one system to anyone new to console games it would be the PS2.
I'll pick one up for sure I missed out on alot of good rpgs on the ps2.
Oh it's over now. The HD generation has lost. Now there will only be the Wii and the PS2....
Anyone want to buy a bridge?
what still impresses me is the H/W of ps2 which is not yet fully and perfectly s/w emulated like ps1.
now ms shall wonder whether to reduce price of XB. Well i think reducing x360's price to as close as 100$ would only be of use now..so they can compete with ps2..
Looking forward to Sony's year ending March 2010 predictions for PS2.
They went from shipping 14.7m PS2s in the year ending March 2007 to shipping 13.7m PS2s in the year ending March 2009, but for the year ending March 2009 they anticipate only 8.0m PS2s.
I suspect the prediction could be anywhere from 3.5m to 6.5m for the year ending March 2010.
ps2 is alive, still, awesome, but i was thinking the firmware update , i guess maybe another 2-3 weeks
PS2 is still alive and healthy.
So maybe Sony just wants to hold onto the PS2 being the best selling console ever, since its the only thing it can do to rain on Nintendo's parade with the Wii. Keep raising the bar on PS2 sales, making it harder for the Wii to catch it.
zzzzzzzzzzzz
Let's see what happens in the next weeks...
I don't see the big deal. Some more people might be tempted to buy one now but I seriously doubt there were any considerable number of people holding out from buying one. Also as someone said above, it's not easy to find a good selection of games anymore unless you don't mind buying used games.
Great, means the people whos first 7 PS2s have broken down can buy another one!!
It will sell a lot more now that the price is dropped.
Will this boost the PS2 Sales?I guess it will a little....
This is a great value for the PS2.
Arcade X360 is doomed now.
congrats ps2...hope we will be celebrating 10th anniversary very grand..ps3 mite join the racing club then..
So the PS2 drops £15 and that is a big announcement....
I just bought 2 large Pizzas from Pizza Hut for £8, a saving of £12. Where is Pizza Hut Major Announcement!!?
What happened to you Sony, you used to be cool!
Whoa...thanks Sony...WHO CARES, you shouldve done that like 2yrs ago, how about droppin PS3 you guys are never going to get your sales back in the "Black"..and i hope you don't think that by holding the price up that God of War 3 is gonna save the PS3, cause your wrong!!!
Sony Planning Major PlayStation 3 Announcement March 31st...okay dood... this was it?
Okay how many more people need another Ps2? I admit I'm on my third Ps2 because they arent made very good but at this point if it breaks again I'm calling it quits because its not worth it, I've already stopped buying Sony car stereos because they're garbage.
GO PS2!! If Sony can sell a PS2 at $99.99 and still make money, I'd say THE RETURN OF BC TO PS3 IS INMINENT. I don't know how or when but it seems it could happen sooner now.
http://www.scei.co.jp/corporate/release/pdf/090331ae.pdf
PDF confirms PS2 shipments worldwide at over 136m through December 2008.
Sell In = Products sold to Retailers. Sell through = Sales from retail to gamers.
can't wait to see the numbers :)
" This speaks to the technology and features that were packed into PlayStation 2 from the beginning, "
As if the PS2 wasn't the weakest console of its generation...
ps2 is already at 99, 99 euros in europe since several weeks, at least in portugal.
Skeeuk, can't you set up parental controls to prevent that?
Its nice that the PS2 price dropped but for new comers its not exactly the best since current PS2 games on the store shelves arent all that great aside from the recent Greatest Hits.
New PS2 games coming out are poorly made or crappy versions since the devs are more focused towards the new gen. The only place to find a larger library of good PS2 games is in the used section at EB/Gamestop. How many of us are still looking forward to a PS2 game? How many of the awesome games you own can be found at any electronic store/section?
i wish ps2 would drop to £49 ish in the uk so i can buy one for my son, im getting sick of coming back from work and finding gta4 disc in the ps3 aswell as depleted controller charge.
They hope to make some money from added ps2 sales that will come due to the price drop?
Thanks, ithis. Included it in the article.
Europe, sans UK, will receive a (the) price drop to Euro 99.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/no-playstation-2-price-cut-for-the-uk
@SSSBOLIMAR
Well .. .ehh .. it's an official announcement after all ... so ... looks like it
Sony never said to announce something big, websites like this one and blogs did that. From now on I never ever believe a rumor until a company officially announce it.
this wasnt their big announcement right?
PS2 is still alive and breathing!!!!!
man why it didn't hit europe when i was buying ps2:/
Pachter was just one number off. He guessed the wrong playstation.
Let's just hope this isn't an April's fool joke :-P
