PlayStation 2 Launch Dates, Creators, and Legacy

The PlayStation 2 (PS2) was developed and manufactured by Sony Computer Entertainment (now Sony Interactive Entertainment). It launched on different dates worldwide:

• Japan: March 4, 2000
• North America: October 26, 2000
• Europe: November 24, 2000
• Australia: November 30, 2000

Development Background

• Project Start: 1994 (parallel to PS1 development)
• Key Architects: Ken Kutaragi ("Father of PlayStation"), team at Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI)
• CPU: Custom "Emotion Engine" (MIPS III-based, 294.9 MHz) + "Graphics Synthesizer" (147 MHz, 2.6 GPixel/s fill rate)
• Backward Compatibility: Hardware-based PS1 CPU (IOP) included – runs ~98% of PS1 games

Legacy

Best-selling console ever: 155+ million units shipped (discontinued January 2013). 3,800+ game titles. DVD playback drove early adoption.