Do you remember the black boxes lined up in stores on March 4, 2000? The PlayStation 2, released by Sony Computer Entertainment, was more than just a successor. Ultimately, it recorded overwhelming sales of over 155 million units worldwide, making it one of the most successful home video game consoles in history. Furthermore, software continued to be supplied for a long period of about 13 years, ending with ”Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin” released on March 27, 2013. The mere fact of its long lifespan conveys just how much this hardware was supported.

The linear, charcoal black design made a strong impact on living rooms at the time. It was practical as well, supporting both horizontal and vertical orientation, allowing users to choose how to set it up based on their storage space. Furthermore, the PS mark on the disc tray was rotatable, a stylish touch that ensured the logo faced the correct way even when the console was vertical. Such meticulous attention to detail subtly enhanced the joy of ownership. The fact that a similar design was later adopted for the early PS3 models shows just how impressive this idea was.

In terms of performance, it achieved specs that significantly surpassed the original PlayStation, with the progress in visual expression being particularly spectacular. Many must have been surprised by the smooth rendering when they saw the Ridge Racer series appearing as a launch title. Following that, titles like Onimusha, ICO, Gran Turismo 4, and the Final Fantasy series were released one after another, with graphics becoming even more refined as the generation progressed. Additionally, it featured backward compatibility for previous-generation software, which was attractive as it meant users didn't have to let go of past masterpieces. The peace of mind of enjoying both old and new gaming experiences on a single machine was a great value to users.

One of the reasons for the PlayStation 2's explosive popularity was its built-in DVD playback function. At the time, DVD players were still expensive appliances and not something one could easily buy. While the price of 39,800 yen was by no means cheap, it was perceived as a bargain when considered as a ”DVD player that could also play games.” As a result, it spread widely among people who weren't necessarily gamers, rapidly accelerating the adoption of DVD as a home video medium. This multi-functionality heavily influenced its growth into a centerpiece of entertainment.

In November 2004, the lightweight and slimmed-down SCPH-70000 series appeared. I remember being so surprised by how compact it was that I doubted if it was really the same PS2. The weight was reduced by more than half, and the flexibility of installation improved further. It’s also worth noting that body colors gradually increased, allowing users to choose one that matched their interior. This evolution, which considered harmony with living spaces beyond mere performance improvements, was likely one of the reasons it was loved by many households for so long.

The PlayStation 2 was not just a hit product. It pushed the quality of the gaming experience, supported the spread of video media, and remained at the forefront for 13 years—truly an icon of an era. Many of you can probably still vividly remember the excitement of starting up that black console and hearing the sound of the disc spinning. If you belong to the generation that knew it then, you will surely realize the magnitude of its presence once again.