By rikififi90 
On March 4, 2000, the gaming world witnessed a turning point with the official launch of the PlayStation 2 in Japan. Boasting over 160 million units sold, the Sony console remains the best-selling in history, captivating generations of players with its groundbreaking hardware and a game library that set industry standards. As the PS2 celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, nostalgia resurfaces for titles that not only shaped gaming but continue to resonate with fans and thrive on modern platforms.
The PlayStation 2’s triumph was no fluke. Powered by the Emotion Engine processor and offering backward compatibility with PS1 games, it delivered revolutionary graphics for its time and stood out for its versatility, doubling as a DVD player. In countries like Brazil, piracy further boosted its reach, turning it into a cultural icon in homes and rental shops, where titles like “Bomba Patch” and “GTA San Andreas” became sensations among players.
Featuring an extensive roster of legendary franchises, the PS2 introduced hits like “God of War” and “Resident Evil 4” while solidifying series such as “Grand Theft Auto” and “Metal Gear Solid.” To honor this milestone, 25 games have been selected to showcase the console’s legacy, highlighting its enduring influence and relevance, many of which are available today through remakes or collections for new generations.
Birth of a titan: how the PS2 conquered the globe
Launched on March 4, 2000, in Japan, the PlayStation 2 reached Western markets later that year in October, quickly establishing itself as a global phenomenon. Its hardware, featuring 128-bit processing and DVD support, marked a leap from the PS1, enabling richer visual and narrative experiences. Within two years, it had sold over 50 million units, a figure that doubled by 2005, when it hit the peak of its popularity.
Accessibility played a key role. While its initial $299 price tag was steep, piracy and bootleg discs lowered barriers in emerging markets like Brazil, where the console became synonymous with gaming. Games like “Grand Theft Auto III” and “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3” harnessed the PS2’s power to deliver open worlds and innovative mechanics, while “Gran Turismo 3” pushed realism in racing simulators to new heights.
Longevity was another strength. Even after the PS3 debuted in 2006, the PS2 continued receiving games until 2013, amassing over 4,000 titles in its library. This blend of innovation, popularity, and a diverse catalog cemented its status as the best-selling console of all time.
Classics that shaped generations
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 sparks a skateboarding revolution
Regarded as one of the finest extreme sports games ever made, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3” hit the PS2 in 2001, setting a benchmark for the genre. With expansive maps, a memorable punk-rock soundtrack, and precise controls, it won over players worldwide. Its legacy endures with the upcoming “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4,” set for release on July 11, 2025, featuring updated graphics and Brazilian skater Rayssa Leal.
GTA III redefines open-world gaming
Released in 2001, “Grand Theft Auto III” redefined freedom in video games. Set in Liberty City, it introduced a 3D open world with dynamic missions and an engaging storyline. Now available in the “GTA Trilogy” collection for PC, consoles, and mobile devices, it remains a benchmark for action-adventure games, with physical copies retailing for around $30 in some markets.
Resident Evil 4 blends terror and action
In 2005, “Resident Evil 4” reshaped its franchise by merging horror with third-person shooting. Starring Leon Kennedy, the game stunned players with its tense atmosphere and battles against infected villagers in Spain. Its success led to remasters and a 2024 remake, which has sold over 7 million copies, available on platforms like PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Icons that stand the test of time
Metal Gear Solid 3 masters espionage
Hideo Kojima showcased his brilliance with “Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater,” released in 2004. Set during the Cold War, it delivered a cinematic narrative and advanced stealth mechanics, including camouflage and survival elements. A highly anticipated remake arrives in August 2025, while the “Metal Gear Solid Master Collection” lets fans revisit the classic on modern consoles and PC.
God of War debuts with Kratos in 2005
Kratos made his explosive entrance in “God of War” in 2005, bringing brutal combat and a Greek mythology-inspired saga to the PS2. The game wowed players with its scale and epic storytelling, laying the groundwork for a blockbuster franchise. Though the original lacks a modern update, titles like “God of War Ragnarok” keep the legacy alive on PS5 and PC.
Top PS2 hits at a glance
The PlayStation 2’s impact shines through its most iconic games. Here’s a rundown of some standouts:
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: Launched in 2004, it offered a vast open world and unmatched customization for protagonist Carl Johnson.
- Need for Speed Most Wanted: Released in 2005, it delivered thrilling races and an unforgettable BMW that remains a fan favorite.
- Shadow of the Colossus: A 2005 masterpiece with colossal battles, now playable via a PS4 remake on PS5.
- Kingdom Hearts 2: Blending Disney and Final Fantasy, it arrived in 2005 and thrives in modern collections.
These titles showcase the variety and quality that made the PS2 a gaming legend.
A living legacy in 2025
Timeline of the PS2’s 25-year journey
The PlayStation 2’s history is packed with defining moments. Check out the key milestones:
- 2000: Debuts in Japan on March 4, selling 980,000 units on day one.
- 2001: “GTA III” and “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3” drive global sales.
- 2005: Peaks with “God of War,” “Resident Evil 4,” and “GTA: San Andreas.”
- 2013: Final official game released, capping a 13-year run.
Even after production ended in 2012, the console’s influence persists through remakes and collections keeping its games alive.
Brazil’s Bomba Patch phenomenon
In Brazil, the PS2 gained a unique twist with “Bomba Patch,” a modded version of “Pro Evolution Soccer” featuring local teams and custom narration. A hit in rental shops and street vendors, it became a cultural staple, with updated versions still circulating through alternative channels. This attachment underscores how the console adapted to Brazil’s market, where over 10 million units were sold, many via piracy.
Remakes and the future of the legacy
The PS2’s longevity extends to today’s platforms. Games like “Final Fantasy X,” relaunched in HD for PS4, Xbox, and Switch, and “Okami HD,” available across multiple systems, prove the console’s catalog remains relevant. Projects like the “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” remake, slated for 2026, and rumors of a “God of War” collection for PS5 suggest the PS2’s influence will echo for years to come.
On March 4, 2000, the gaming world witnessed a turning point with the official launch of the PlayStation 2 in Japan. Boasting over 160 million units sold, the Sony console remains the best-selling in history, captivating generations of players with its groundbreaking hardware and a game library that set industry standards. As the PS2 celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, nostalgia resurfaces for titles that not only shaped gaming but continue to resonate with fans and thrive on modern platforms.
The PlayStation 2’s triumph was no fluke. Powered by the Emotion Engine processor and offering backward compatibility with PS1 games, it delivered revolutionary graphics for its time and stood out for its versatility, doubling as a DVD player. In countries like Brazil, piracy further boosted its reach, turning it into a cultural icon in homes and rental shops, where titles like “Bomba Patch” and “GTA San Andreas” became sensations among players.
Featuring an extensive roster of legendary franchises, the PS2 introduced hits like “God of War” and “Resident Evil 4” while solidifying series such as “Grand Theft Auto” and “Metal Gear Solid.” To honor this milestone, 25 games have been selected to showcase the console’s legacy, highlighting its enduring influence and relevance, many of which are available today through remakes or collections for new generations.
Birth of a titan: how the PS2 conquered the globe
Launched on March 4, 2000, in Japan, the PlayStation 2 reached Western markets later that year in October, quickly establishing itself as a global phenomenon. Its hardware, featuring 128-bit processing and DVD support, marked a leap from the PS1, enabling richer visual and narrative experiences. Within two years, it had sold over 50 million units, a figure that doubled by 2005, when it hit the peak of its popularity.
Accessibility played a key role. While its initial $299 price tag was steep, piracy and bootleg discs lowered barriers in emerging markets like Brazil, where the console became synonymous with gaming. Games like “Grand Theft Auto III” and “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3” harnessed the PS2’s power to deliver open worlds and innovative mechanics, while “Gran Turismo 3” pushed realism in racing simulators to new heights.
Longevity was another strength. Even after the PS3 debuted in 2006, the PS2 continued receiving games until 2013, amassing over 4,000 titles in its library. This blend of innovation, popularity, and a diverse catalog cemented its status as the best-selling console of all time.
Classics that shaped generations
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 sparks a skateboarding revolution
Regarded as one of the finest extreme sports games ever made, “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3” hit the PS2 in 2001, setting a benchmark for the genre. With expansive maps, a memorable punk-rock soundtrack, and precise controls, it won over players worldwide. Its legacy endures with the upcoming “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4,” set for release on July 11, 2025, featuring updated graphics and Brazilian skater Rayssa Leal.
GTA III redefines open-world gaming
Released in 2001, “Grand Theft Auto III” redefined freedom in video games. Set in Liberty City, it introduced a 3D open world with dynamic missions and an engaging storyline. Now available in the “GTA Trilogy” collection for PC, consoles, and mobile devices, it remains a benchmark for action-adventure games, with physical copies retailing for around $30 in some markets.
Resident Evil 4 blends terror and action
In 2005, “Resident Evil 4” reshaped its franchise by merging horror with third-person shooting. Starring Leon Kennedy, the game stunned players with its tense atmosphere and battles against infected villagers in Spain. Its success led to remasters and a 2024 remake, which has sold over 7 million copies, available on platforms like PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.
Icons that stand the test of time
Metal Gear Solid 3 masters espionage
Hideo Kojima showcased his brilliance with “Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater,” released in 2004. Set during the Cold War, it delivered a cinematic narrative and advanced stealth mechanics, including camouflage and survival elements. A highly anticipated remake arrives in August 2025, while the “Metal Gear Solid Master Collection” lets fans revisit the classic on modern consoles and PC.
God of War debuts with Kratos in 2005
Kratos made his explosive entrance in “God of War” in 2005, bringing brutal combat and a Greek mythology-inspired saga to the PS2. The game wowed players with its scale and epic storytelling, laying the groundwork for a blockbuster franchise. Though the original lacks a modern update, titles like “God of War Ragnarok” keep the legacy alive on PS5 and PC.
Top PS2 hits at a glance
The PlayStation 2’s impact shines through its most iconic games. Here’s a rundown of some standouts:
- Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas: Launched in 2004, it offered a vast open world and unmatched customization for protagonist Carl Johnson.
- Need for Speed Most Wanted: Released in 2005, it delivered thrilling races and an unforgettable BMW that remains a fan favorite.
- Shadow of the Colossus: A 2005 masterpiece with colossal battles, now playable via a PS4 remake on PS5.
- Kingdom Hearts 2: Blending Disney and Final Fantasy, it arrived in 2005 and thrives in modern collections.
These titles showcase the variety and quality that made the PS2 a gaming legend.
A living legacy in 2025
Timeline of the PS2’s 25-year journey
The PlayStation 2’s history is packed with defining moments. Check out the key milestones:
- 2000: Debuts in Japan on March 4, selling 980,000 units on day one.
- 2001: “GTA III” and “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3” drive global sales.
- 2005: Peaks with “God of War,” “Resident Evil 4,” and “GTA: San Andreas.”
- 2013: Final official game released, capping a 13-year run.
Even after production ended in 2012, the console’s influence persists through remakes and collections keeping its games alive.
Brazil’s Bomba Patch phenomenon
In Brazil, the PS2 gained a unique twist with “Bomba Patch,” a modded version of “Pro Evolution Soccer” featuring local teams and custom narration. A hit in rental shops and street vendors, it became a cultural staple, with updated versions still circulating through alternative channels. This attachment underscores how the console adapted to Brazil’s market, where over 10 million units were sold, many via piracy.
Remakes and the future of the legacy
The PS2’s longevity extends to today’s platforms. Games like “Final Fantasy X,” relaunched in HD for PS4, Xbox, and Switch, and “Okami HD,” available across multiple systems, prove the console’s catalog remains relevant. Projects like the “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” remake, slated for 2026, and rumors of a “God of War” collection for PS5 suggest the PS2’s influence will echo for years to come.
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