PlayStation 2 Legacy and How to Enjoy It Today
You can hardly meet a representative of a retrogaming community who is totally indifferent to the PlayStation 2 legacy. The life path of this legendary console was truly magnificent and thus worth remembering. Its vast collection of titles, tons of innovative features, and mind-blowing promotional campaigns contributed to this console’s success that still reverberates across the globe. Today, we’re going to remember the legendary console that once thrilled the gaming community. What’s more, you’ll learn how to start playing your favorite PlayStation classics in default of a physical console.
Long Live the King!
After its release in 2000, the PlayStation 2 remained in production until it was discontinued in early 2013. And the last official game released for this console was Pro Evolution Soccer 2014, which marked the dawn of one of the most successful consoles ever. It was just one week before the launch of the PlayStation 4. Beyond that, the system’s online servers remained in operation until December 31, 2016.
The true end of Sony’s official support came when they announced they would no longer be providing repairs for the PS2 and after September 7, 2018, almost 18 years after its release. To put that into perspective, the PlayStation 2 was launched while the Nintendo 64 was still on the market, and its official support didn’t end until after the Wii U was discontinued, and the Nintendo Switch was on sale. At the end of the line, the PS2 sold over an immense 155 million units, making it the best selling console of all time.
Revolutionary Features
The PS 2 also introduced several ground-breaking features that had never been seen in other video game consoles. For instance, the PS2 took advantage of the PSP to offer some inventive new gameplay experiences. While connection between the PS2 and PSP was hyped up as a major new feature of the handheld, only a handful of games actually took advantage of it. Several of these like Crash Tag Team Racing simply unlocked new content like vehicles or trucks by connection to its counterpart on the PSP. But some games took it a step further. Titles like FIFA 08, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw, and Super Monkey Ball Adventure let players transfer their saved data between the PlayStation 2 and PSP versions. This made it possible for players to start their game on their home console and take it with them on the go.
Is This the End?
Lots of people are convinced that once a console gets discontinued, it’s extremely difficult to start playing the games once released on this console. But classic gamers are well aware of the magical tools which enable all fans of vintage consoles to play cult games on third-party devices. These magic tools are called emulators. Today, you can obtain an emulator for virtually any retro console that has ever been released. And the PS2 is no exception.
One of the best emulation tools for the PS available on the market is undoubtedly PCSX2. It works best with the PCSX2 BIOS, which ensures the best possible gaming experience. So, if you’re looking for a stable PS emulator, you would be well-advised to set your sights on downloading PCSX2. Once you install and unpack your new emulator, you’ll be able to set it up and configure default settings to your liking. Also, don’t forget to visit a reputable abandonware website hosting a vast collection of legendary classic games, and download as many ROM games as you want or your emulator can accommodate.
So, the answer is ‘No!’ It’s not the end. With all those people eager to commemorate and remember the games that have long become classics, the PS2 legacy will never sink into oblivion.