Sony Japan stops production of PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2 video game console. / Sony

PlayStation 2 fans can mark this as the beginning of the end of an era for the popular video game console.

Sony Computer Entertainment of Japan has ceased production of the PlayStation 2, the Agence France-Presse reports. However, games will continue to be produced for the console.

The PlayStation 2 is widely considered a success. According to the AFP the console is the second best selling console of all time with more than 150 million units sold worldwide since 2000.

News of Sony Japan's decision to halt production of the PlayStation 2 only fuels rumors that Sony is preparing to launch its next-generation console, dubbed the "PlayStation 4."

Sony's most current console, the PlayStation 3, launched in the U.S. in November 2006. According to IGN, the Sony reported 70 million total units sold in November 2012.

[anabellj87]

Video game consoles are freakin home entertainment centers lol Pauls' Tv and Best Buy are gonna go bye bye! PS is Skynet lol http://www.airsplat.com/Items/AC-APP-MSK-T800.htm

[SonyFTW]

The second Best-Selling console of all time!? It is "THE" best selling console of all time! What other video game console sold more?

[Nynewellz]

I believe the Nintendo DS surpassed it by the end of 2012.

[lifeguardjay]

Stop giving her grief. She's right. Sony has, indeed, sold "more than 150 units" since 2000. :D

[MrCareless]

150 units sold since 2000, wow, that's some record breaking sales!!!

[Vitamint2]

I think Chenda Ngak didn't edit well, she might be off by...oh a one and a half hundred million by 2011 counts.

[Pureneru]

150 units worldwide since 2000...

That's a lot of units.