Thanks for the memories

It’s the beginning of the end – but not in the way that the Mayans predicted. After almost 13 years on the market, the iconic PlayStation 2 is finally starting its transition into the console retirement home. Reports coming out of Famitsu magazine suggest that Sony has ceased shipping the system to Japanese retailers today, meaning that once the existing stock is depleted, it’s gone forever.

For those not familiar with the PS2’s storied history, the platform first released on 4th March, 2000 in Japan. It went on to sell over 150 million units worldwide – the current record for a home console – spawning numerous hit titles such as Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Shadow of the Colossus, and Grand Theft Auto III. It also popularised the burgeoning DVD format, which has gone on to become a mainstay in most homes across the globe.

With the PlayStation 4’s arrival imminent, the timing of the system’s departure is interesting. For now, though, we should focus our attention on arguably the greatest games console ever made. What are your fondest PS2 memories? Let us know in the comments section below.

[source famitsu.com, via kotaku.com]