Sony has officially ended its repair services for the PlayStation 2 (PS2) console in Japan, more than 18 years after the system was first released in 2000. The company posted a termination notice on its Japanese PS2 repair site, stating, “We have finished accepting after-sales service.”
The End of an Era
The PS2 was a hugely successful console, with over 150 million units sold worldwide, making it the best-selling video game console in history. Sony discontinued production of the console in 2013, but continued to offer repair services until September 2018.
According to the notice, Sony has run out of the necessary parts to fix the aging console. While there may still be third-party services that can help extend the life of vintage PS2 units, eventually they too will have to succumb to the inevitable.
The Legacy of the PlayStation 2
The PS2 was a groundbreaking console that helped shape the gaming landscape. It introduced online gaming to the PlayStation brand, with the help of popular franchises like *SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs*. The console also saw the release of many iconic games, including the *Final Fantasy* series and the *Grand Theft Auto* franchise.
Despite the discontinuation of official repair services, the PS2 remains a beloved console among gamers. Many still cherish their old units and the memories they hold, and will likely continue to find ways to keep their consoles running for years to come.