PlayStation 2 De-listed From NPD
Our world is spinning out of control.
It was bound to happen eventually. This month the NPD Group, which tracks sales of videogame hardware and software, officially removed the PlayStation 2 from its charts. After a 10-year run, Sony's system has finally slowed down, apparently eclipsed by its younger, sleeker sibling.
From now on, if you're wondering how many PS2 systems have sold in a given month, you'll have to physically walk to the Radio Shack at the strip mall and ask the store manager. In between stifled sobs, IGN PlayStation Executive Editor Greg Miller expressed bittersweet acceptance of the news.
"It's interesting but not unexpected," he said. "The PlayStation 2 turns 10 years old in October. Although the system is still selling well, it's clear that its best days are behind it and Sony's focusing on the PlayStation 3 and PSP. PS2 games are few and far between, so it's time to get on with our lives. Well done, PS2. Enjoy retirement."
The PS2's NPD removal comes at a time when the Nintendo DS is fast approaching the point where it will overtake Sony's system as the best-selling videogame hardware ever. The NPD Group expects the DS will exceed the PS2's install base by October or December of this year.
