Just looked it up - you're right. Don't know why I thought the DS got ahead. So we just have to keep it that way. PS2 should remain No. 1 :)

Wouldn't happen. PS2 is starting to make a dent in emerging markets, like brazil and eastern europe and middle east.
It will happen eventually, but not until they can get ps3 price low enough, or at least under specific terms that it will just be "ceased for NA, EU, JP"

If this rumor is true then ps4 should be released next year. If they stop production for ps2 this only means that they are introducing new hardware IE console. This would fall into all these other rumors of dev kits going out that are going to be close to what the finished product will look like sometime in feb-mar 2013. There are dev kits out now I'm sure for game development like xbox durango using regular computer housing with console finished product coming close to 2nd quarter 2013. These rumors are all falling into line that a new sony system is on its way probably one year from now ready for release. I mean they have shutdown developers of the game wipeout to focus on more exciting projects and laying off staff. Sony is gearing up for something it seems they are moving major parts to organize a new system launch. Everything points to this. Like what is guerilla working on they have been silent for a long time with only a vita game specs and rumors. Insomniac president made some interesting remarks about "Maybe someday implementing a weapon "the tapper" that was left out for Resistance 3" if it is a resistance weapon sony owns all ideas and specs on resistance series. Why would he say Maybe and leave people hanging? He would have just said maybe some other developer will use this in a future resistance game. Also sucker punch has been very quiet on what there doing. These are all red flags that something is in the works.

If that happened then PS3 is UP YoY and not DOWN.

Yeah I'd have my doubts about this. The PS2 is easy money for Sony and helps establish potential future customers of their PlayStation line.

Whats' the latest shipment numbers for the console?

I can't wait for the PS4. Uncharted 4 will be a launch game (obvious if you ask me) and that alone makes me excited. It's just what else is in production to make us buy one day one. I can't imagine GT6 will be ready in the first 6 months as the Jap side developers for Sony are oblivious with turning out games in a timely manner. But when they do, they are usually pretty good. I just hope the power jump is substantial, much more so than the weakling WiiU. I don't want something a little bit better than this gen. I want something CLEARLY better!

RIP Playstation 2.

I dont see the ps2 leaving until months before the Ps4 actually hits mass production. Doubt the Ps4 is that close and finalized.

The PS2 will still be around when the PS4 is launched. Still selling when it's successors successor is out.

Looks legit. At least for Japs: http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B000YGM96I

Is currently ranked #34 in Video Games, which is way too high for a normal modern day.

It had an amazing run. Hopefully Sony keeps the ps3 going as long as the ps2 has.