PlayStation 2 Sales Hit 40 Million In Europe

Officials from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) have announced that the PlayStation 2 console has now sold over 40 million units in Europe and other PAL territories. The new milestone sees the PlayStation 2 surpassing the lifetime total of the PSone at 39 million. Now in its sixth year on the market, the PlayStation 2 is also tracking significantly above that of its predecessor at the same time in its lifetime, with the PSone having sold just 33 million units after six years. The last stated worldwide total for the PlayStation 2 was 106 million units in August, 2006 – although this figure refers to shipped units, whereas today’s SCEE announcement implies units sold. Previous data from Sony also suggests a UK installed userbase in excess of 8 million units, with North American sales now likely to be around 45 million and Japan and other Asian countries around 25 million. The announcement has also coincided with the PlayStation 2 format reaching a total of over 2,000 different software titles available in Europe, with approximately another 50 due for release before Christmas. "We are extremely proud of the continuing success of PlayStation 2", said David Reeves, SCEE president and CEO. "In the last month or so sales of PlayStation 2 throughout Europe and PAL territories has exceeded 100,000 units per week, which is extremely pleasing and proves the format is as popular now as it ever was. Through the continual development of new and innovative gaming titles, in particular the social gaming phenomena such as EyeToy, SingStar and Buzz! PlayStation 2 will remain the computer entertainment system of choice for new and experienced gamers alike."