As of 2025, the Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) still holds the crown as the most sold game console of all time. Despite newer and more advanced consoles hitting the market, the PS2’s legendary popularity, massive game library, and multi-functional capabilities have kept it at the top of the leaderboard for over two decades.
🏆 The King of Consoles: Sony PlayStation 2
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Release Date: March 4, 2000 (Japan)
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Total Units Sold: Over 155 million units worldwide
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Manufacturer: Sony Interactive Entertainment
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Lifespan: 2000–2013
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Notable Games:
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Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
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Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
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Final Fantasy X
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Shadow of the Colossus
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God of War
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🎮 Why Did the PS2 Sell So Well?
1. Backward Compatibility
The PS2 could play original PlayStation games, making it attractive to millions of existing PlayStation users.
2. DVD Playback
It was one of the first affordable DVD players on the market, helping it find a place in millions of living rooms.
3. Massive Game Library
With over 4,000 game titles, the PS2 has one of the most diverse and extensive game libraries ever.
4. Global Reach
Sony marketed the PS2 aggressively across North America, Europe, and Asia, making it a truly global console.
📈 Most Sold Consoles – 2025 Leaderboard
| Rank | Console | Units Sold | Manufacturer | Launch Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1 | PlayStation 2 (PS2) | 155+ million | Sony | 2000 |
| 🥈 2 | Nintendo DS | 154 million | Nintendo | 2004 |
| 🥉 3 | Nintendo Switch | 139 million+ | Nintendo | 2017 |
| 4 | PlayStation 4 | 117 million | Sony | 2013 |
| 5 | PlayStation | 102 million | Sony | 1994 |
🔮 Could the Nintendo Switch Surpass PS2?
As of 2025, the Nintendo Switch is still being sold and supported with new games like Zelda: Echoes of the Depths and Super Mario Universe. With the rumored Switch 2 on the horizon, it’s possible the current Switch will eventually break the PS2’s record—but not yet.
🛒 Where to Buy Top-Selling Consoles
You can still find many of these consoles online or in stores:
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New & Used PlayStation 2:
gameloopx.com (free shipping available)
eBay, DKOldies, Amazon (refurbished) -
Nintendo Switch & Switch OLED:
Nintendo Official Store
gameloopx– Switch collection -
PlayStation 5 (for future-proofing):
Amazon, Best Buy, Sony Official Store
🧠 Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 2 wasn't just a console — it was a cultural milestone. Whether you grew up with it or are discovering its classics today, it remains a symbol of gaming’s golden age. Will the Switch or a future handheld dethrone it? Time will tell — but for now, the PS2 reigns supreme.
🎮 The Most Sold Handheld Consoles of All Time (And The Best PS2 Games You Should Play Today)
Handheld consoles have played a huge role in shaping portable gaming across decades. Whether you grew up with a Game Boy or you’re playing on a Steam Deck today, handhelds offer a unique blend of convenience and entertainment.
Let’s dive into the top-selling handheld consoles ever and the must-play PS2 games still worth your time in 2025.
🥇 The Most Sold Handheld Consoles (2025)
| Rank | Handheld Console | Units Sold | Manufacturer | Launch Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Nintendo DS | 154 million+ | Nintendo | 2004 |
| 2️⃣ | Game Boy / Game Boy Color | 118 million | Nintendo | 1989 / 1998 |
| 3️⃣ | Nintendo Switch (Hybrid) | 139 million+ | Nintendo | 2017 |
| 4️⃣ | PlayStation Portable (PSP) | 80 million+ | Sony | 2004 |
| 5️⃣ | Game Boy Advance | 81 million | Nintendo | 2001 |
📝 Note: The Nintendo Switch is technically a hybrid, but its strong handheld appeal puts it in both console and handheld rankings.
✅ Why Did These Handhelds Sell So Well?
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Nintendo DS – Dual screens, touch gameplay, and iconic titles like Brain Age, Mario Kart DS, and Pokémon Platinum.
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Game Boy – The origin of portable gaming with classics like Tetris, Pokémon Red/Blue, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.
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PSP – A multimedia machine with powerful 3D games like God of War: Chains of Olympus and Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII.
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Switch – Seamless docked-to-handheld play with hits like Breath of the Wild, Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
🕹️ Best PS2 Games to Start With (2025 Edition)
Still have your PlayStation 2? Or plan to grab one refurbished? These are must-play PS2 titles that continue to stand the test of time:
1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
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Genre: Open-world action
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Why play: Immersive story, huge map, and complete freedom.
2. Shadow of the Colossus
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Genre: Action-adventure
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Why play: Hauntingly beautiful, with minimalist storytelling and unforgettable boss fights.
3. God of War II
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Genre: Hack and slash
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Why play: Greek mythology meets brutal combat and epic scale.
4. Final Fantasy X
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Genre: JRPG
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Why play: Emotional storytelling, iconic characters, and deep turn-based strategy.
5. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater
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Genre: Stealth-action
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Why play: A Cold War-era espionage masterpiece with survival elements.
6. Resident Evil 4
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Genre: Survival horror
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Why play: Blends action and horror perfectly; redefined the franchise.
7. Kingdom Hearts
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Genre: Action RPG
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Why play: Disney + Final Fantasy = surprisingly emotional storytelling and fun gameplay.
🛒 Where to Buy Handhelds and PS2 Games in 2025
🕹️ Gameloopx – Great place to find handhelds, retro consoles, and accessories
🎮 eBay / DKOldies / Amazon – Trusted spots for refurbished PS2s and physical games
📲 Nintendo Store / PlayStation Store (PS Classics) – Digital access to old favorites
👾 Steam Deck or Retroid Pocket – Can emulate most PS2 and handheld games legally (with your own game backups)
Whether you’re diving into retro handhelds like the Game Boy or rediscovering the PS2’s golden library, 2025 is a fantastic time to appreciate gaming history. These systems and games not only entertained millions—they laid the foundation for the consoles and handhelds we enjoy today.