According to a post on Ars Technica, the current generation PlayStation 2 continues to outsell next-generation XBOX 360 in the U.S. The post states:
Since the release of the Xbox 360, Microsoft has averaged 246,000 console sales each month in the US, while the PS2 has seen an average of 473,000 units—a number bolstered by an estimated 1.5 million sales in December alone. Leaving out December, Sony’s average drops to 302,000 per month, still outpacing the Xbox 360 by a healthy margin.
Much of this is due to pricing, as the PS2 continues to be a good bargain for those just getting into gaming.
In short, Sony’s PS2 sales remain remarkably strong, and with recent price cuts trimming the system down to US$129, sales are expected to stay strong throughout the year. Sony has sold more than 100 million PS2s, and this year they can expect to add another three million from the US market alone. The PS2 market isn’t “winding down” in any meaningful sense.
In closing, I should note that we caution against putting too much weight on these sales estimates, especially in a comparative sense. The PS2 and the Xbox 360 are at opposite ends of their “console lifecycles,” and the two are priced quite far apart as well (e.g., $129 vs. $299, PS2, Xbox 360 Core respectively). We are impressed, however, by the PS2’s continually strong sales, even as many gamers turn their eyes towards the next-generation. These sales will help keep Sony strong and stable, even in the face of a disappointing PlayStation 3 launch, should fate take that turn.
We’re not suggesting that it will. To the contrary, Sony’s track record in this area is hard to bet against, even factoring in the questionable decision to push Blu-ray. As long as PS2 sales remain this strong, Sony can weather bumps in the road, should there be any.
At $130.00, the PS2 continues to be a good value. I’ve had one for quite some time, and I’ve enjoyed the huge amount of games available. As a very casual gamer and full-time dad (not much time at all), I enjoy the fact that you can find many of the games for less than $20.00. The pricepoint of the console and a huge library of games makes it ideal for someone who just wants to play a few games every now and then to unwind. If you are just getting into gaming and you’ve just bought a PS2, take a look at Metacritic’s rank of PS2 games as well as a similar list from GameStats. These lists might give you some ideas about the “best” games out there for the PS2.
June 12, 2006 at 1:17 pm
I am one of those very casual players. With a child and family, I have little time to play the PS2, so when I do, is minutes here and there. For me then, I prefer games I can pick up quick rather than things that may be too immersive. I have had mine for quite a while as well, and I have been very pleased that you can get good games for cheap and there is a large selection. At this point, not planning on upgrading to PS3 anytime soon. As long as there are still games for the PS2, and I can play DVDs on it, which I do now and then, I see no reason to put out the extra expense.
P.S. Thanks for lists, I may have to look them over.
June 12, 2006 at 1:47 pm
Thanks, Angel, for your comment.
Iâ??ve had a PS2 for quite a long time, but it sat unused for a long time. Iâ??m really just getting back into playing it, and Iâ??m playing mostly older (cheaper) games. The lists I provided have proved useful in selecting what I want to play. Iâ??m about to finish Metal Gear Solid 2 and Iâ??ve just started Resident Evil 4 and Splinter Cell. All of which are pretty involved, so unfortunately they donâ??t make for good â??pick up for 15 minutesâ? games. However, I really like a game with a good story and good game play. But because these games are so involved, they take me a long time to get through them.
Iâ??m also working my way through Burnout 3: Takedown and Tony Hawk Pro Skater 4, both of which can be played for short periods of time. Burnout 3 has a fairly easy learning curve, and it is very addictive. Thereâ??s not a whole lot of buttons to push. You just hold down the X button and drive. The graphics are also very good as well, and there is a variety of game play. THPS4 takes a little getting used to, but the goals in the game build off of each other. With this game, you sort of learn as you go, so you gradually get better as the game progresses. When I first started playing it I got frustrated with it, but gradually I got better as I accomplished some of the goals in the game. Thus far, it is a very well done game that allows for learning as you go. I havenâ??t been on a skateboard since 1988, but the game is still a whole lot of fun. I also occasionally pick up Madden 2004 or MVP Baseball 2005, but I wind up getting interrupted before I can complete a full four quarters of football or nine innings of baseball.
Iâ??d be interested in knowing what games you and other busy parents/casual gamers are playing and what you would recommend.