Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) pops the cork on its ninth anniversary of the PlayStation 2 (PS2) computer entertainment system, which has been the benchmark for innovation in home entertainment systems since its debut on October 26, 2000. At the time of its inception the PlayStation 2 system broke all preconceived notions of what a video game experience could offer, serving as an entertainment hub for the whole family with its integrated DVD/CD technology and online connectivity. Nine years later the PlayStation 2 system is still making its way into living rooms around the world and welcoming a new generation of gamers, some of whom were not even born when the system launched.

In fact, one in every three U.S. households own a PlayStation 2 system and nearly 140 million people around the world can attest to its great entertainment value, making it one of the world's most popular video game systems. The PlayStation 2 system is responsible for pushing the envelope by introducing popular franchises like God of War, Gran Turismo, Ratchet & Clank and METAL GEAR SOLID, which are continuing to make their way into the hands of new gamers – young and old. One such franchise, SOCOM, took clear advantage of online game play and connectivity via the PlayStation 2 system. As a result, the SOCOM franchise has become one of the most played of all time, with over 530 million online hours logged since the debut of SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs in 2002. This equates to an incredible 60,000 years of online play.

The PlayStation 2 system's library and fan base continues to grow every day. In the U.S, more than 500 million software units have been sold for the PlayStation 2 system and more than 485 developers have helped to develop for the platform since its launch.. This number will undoubtedly continue to grow. By the end of this fiscal year, nearly 10,000 titles in total will be available to PlayStation 2 system owners around the world, including new family-friendly and social games from our first party studios such as Jak & Daxter: The Lost Frontier, Motorstorm: Arctic Edge and Secret Agent Clank, as well as third party titles like Bakugan Battle Brawlers, EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer and WWE.

With nine years under its belt, the PlayStation 2 system shows no signs of slowing down and at $99 (MSRP), it still offers hours of fun for the whole family. The PlayStation 2 system is well on its way to delivering ten years of value to consumers and will continue to serve as a testament to the leading innovation and unbeatable entertainment the PlayStation brand provides its consumers.