Why Has PlayStation 2 Remained so Popular Over the Years

Those of us who are old enough to recall the "golden age" of console games will likely have fond memories of classic platforms such as Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Mega Drive. However, we can all agree that the arrival of the original PlayStation completely transformed the notion of gaming. Although the first PlayStation was revolutionary in its own right, the arrival of PS2 represented nothing less than a quantum leap forward when it came to the end-user experience. What are some of the reasons why PlayStation 2 games have remained so popular? Let's see why the PS2 is here to stay.

The Sheer Number of Games

Did you know that more than 4,000 games have been specifically developed for the PlayStation 2? This is one of the reasons why purchasing a PlayStation card as a gift will provide a kaleidoscope of options. The term "variety is the spice of life" is certainly appropriate here. Indeed, over 700 titles were introduced when the PS2 first debuted in 2000.

More than a Gaming Console

The developers at PlayStation were aware that consumers desired a multi-functional device. While other platforms tried to offer this sense of flexibility, few were able to provide practical solutions. Things began to change with the launch of PlayStation 2. This console could accommodate CDs and DVDs; two of the most popular media at the time. The fact that users were not required to possess any technical experience was yet another massive advantage.

The Notion of Backward Compatibility

Fans of Nintendo were rightfully excited to learn about the launch of the SNES. However, there was one problem that could not be overlooked. The cartridges designed for the original NES were incompatible with the SNES. PlayStation developers seem to have learned from this stumbling block. They created a system that was able to accommodate the software associated with PSX games. The use of legacy hardware combined with newer technological innovations was a true breakthrough at the time, and many other companies have followed their example ever since. This is also arguably one the main reasons behind the sheer number of PlayStation 2 games.

Although more recent PlayStation iterations offer plenty of advantages, few can deny the impact that the PlayStation 2 had upon the console gaming community. Those who are die-hard fans of gaming will certainly appreciate the observations mentioned above, and the good news is that PlayStation continues to lead the way when it comes to digital entertainment.