Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[GameStop confirms the end of PS2 trade-ins, still selling games and accessories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/gamestop-confirms-the-end-of-ps2-trade-ins-still-selling-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/gamestop-confirms-the-end-of-ps2-trade-ins-still-selling-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/gamestop-confirms-the-end-of-ps2-trade-ins-still-selling-games/#comments GameStop's corporate office has confirmed yesterday's news that all US locations will stop accepting any PlayStation 2-related trade-ins. GameStop also clarified in a statement to Engadget that PS2 games, accessories and systems will still be sold at its stores for "several months" until the remaining stock runs out. GameStop's statement reads:

"We can confirm that as of June 1st we will no longer be accepting the PS2 console or its related product for trades. We know that the 12 year old system is a popular one and for many gamers, GameStop is the only place to find a great selection of its games. We will still offer a wide selection of the PS2 hardware, accessories and games in many of our stores and online for several months, based on remaining stock from trades. We are very excited about the upcoming PS4 and are making room in our stores for it and other new platforms expected this fall."

JoystiqGameStop confirms the end of PS2 trade-ins, still selling games and accessories originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopplaystation-2ps2ps4sonytrade-inMon, 06 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop will stop taking PS2 trade-ins as of June 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/gamestop-will-stop-taking-ps2-trade-ins-as-of-june-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/gamestop-will-stop-taking-ps2-trade-ins-as-of-june-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/gamestop-will-stop-taking-ps2-trade-ins-as-of-june-1/#comments GameStop will cease all PlayStation 2-related trade-ins as of June 1, according to a photo of a store display snapped by Reddit user eGORapTure, seen after the break. We contacted multiple GameStop locations and confirmed the news that all PS2 games, accessories and systems will not be accepted for trade across all US stores at that time.

Production of PS2 systems in Japan ceased in late December 2012 after nearly 13 years and 150 million units having been shipped worldwide.

Continue reading GameStop will stop taking PS2 trade-ins as of June 1

JoystiqGameStop will stop taking PS2 trade-ins as of June 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopplaystation-2ps2trade-inSun, 05 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation 2 discontinued in Japan after almost 13 years of service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/playstation-2-discontinued-in-japan-after-almost-13-years-of-ser/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/playstation-2-discontinued-in-japan-after-almost-13-years-of-ser/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/28/playstation-2-discontinued-in-japan-after-almost-13-years-of-ser/#comments PS2 discontinued in Japan after over 12 years of serviceThe very last shipment of PlayStation 2 units to Japanese retailers is out the door, and the prolific console is now discontinued in the country. As Famitsu reports, production of the venerable black box ceased today nearly 13 years after its launch on March 4, 2000.

While the original PlayStation sits in and around the 100 million mark, the PS2 built upon that success to sell over 150 million units worldwide and dominate its generation. Its long life in Japan is a testament to it comfortably being the best-selling home console ever.

JoystiqPlayStation 2 discontinued in Japan after almost 13 years of service originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discontinuedjapanplaystation-2ps2sonyFri, 28 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS2 and PSP SOCOM servers shutting down at the end of August]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ps2-and-psp-socom-servers-shutting-down-at-the-end-of-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ps2-and-psp-socom-servers-shutting-down-at-the-end-of-august/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/30/ps2-and-psp-socom-servers-shutting-down-at-the-end-of-august/#comments ImageAmazingly, Zipper Interactive servers for SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs have continued to be active since the game's original debut on the PlayStation 2 in 2002, meaning that crazy people dedicated fans with online adapter-equipped PS2s have been able to keep playing for nearly 10 years. Now though, since Zipper Interactive doesn't exist anymore and everything, the servers for four PS2 SOCOM games and four PSP SOCOM titles will be taken offline at the end of August.

PlayStation 2 SOCOMs I, II, and III (as well as SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Combined Assault) will be going dark, as will the PSP various SOCOM titles, Fireteam Bravo (I, II and III) and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Tactical Strke.

If this outage affects your regular gaming routine, we offer our most sincere condolences. Also, we'd like to point out that many thousands of games have been released since 2002, some of which you might enjoy. Perhaps this will be a good opportunity to go check some of 'em out?

JoystiqPS2 and PSP SOCOM servers shutting down at the end of August originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>offlineplaystationplaystation-2PS2pspSCESCEAserverssocom-2-us-navy-sealssocom-3-us-navy-sealssocom-fireteam-bravosocom-fireteam-bravo-2socom-fireteam-bravo-3socom-us-navy-sealssocom-us-navy-seals-combined-assaultsocom-us-navy-seals-tactical-strikesonyZipper-InteractiveWed, 30 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Wii software growth has peaked, dropping off]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/report-wii-software-growth-has-peaked-dropping-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/report-wii-software-growth-has-peaked-dropping-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/report-wii-software-growth-has-peaked-dropping-off/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Despite having a significantly larger install base than any other console, Nintendo's Wii software sales have apparently already peaked and are starting to drop off. That's according to an analysis done by Gamasutra, which compared the growth patterns of the last six major consoles and found that the Wii is peaking far earlier than any of the others.

This past May, Wii software sales were down 29 percent year-over-year and, for the whole of 2010, the Wii may only sell two games per console. For a system in its fourth year, that's an "unprecedented" rate of decline, according to analyst Michael Pachter.

These are still just estimates, and if Wii's software sales turn around -- perhaps because of multiple big releases later this year -- it's possible that the numbers could hold steady at this rate for a few more years, rather than dropping off further.

JoystiqReport: Wii software growth has peaked, dropping off originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>michael-pachternintendoplaystation-2salessoftwarewiiFri, 16 Jul 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3's 'Believe' and PS2's 'Mountain' make 'epic ad' list]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/halo-3s-believe-and-ps2s-mountain-make-epic-ad-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/halo-3s-believe-and-ps2s-mountain-make-epic-ad-list/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/halo-3s-believe-and-ps2s-mountain-make-epic-ad-list/#comments Halo 3's amazing "Believe" campaign and the less well-known PlayStation "Mountain" ad have found a place on AdFreak's list of "The 25 most epic ads that aren't [Apple's] '1984.'" The Halo 3 campaign made it all the way to the eighth spot, while "Mountain," with its 1,500 extras, climbed to 17th place. The PS2 spot just barely beat out the incredibly memorable US Marine Corp "Chess" ad -- yeah, the one with the wizards and knights.

Halo 3's ad campaign was certainly an achievement, with atmosphere that eclipsed anything the game eventually provided. "Believe" had all those memorable elements: the diorama (wow, that diorama), the old men reminiscing, the History Channel feel of it all. It was the type of pretentious that works -- which is more than we can say for Halo: Reach's Nair boy and his Gatorade injections. Check out the "Believe" campaign and "Mountain" ad after the break.

Continue reading Halo 3's 'Believe' and PS2's 'Mountain' make 'epic ad' list

JoystiqHalo 3's 'Believe' and PS2's 'Mountain' make 'epic ad' list originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adfreakadsbelievecommercialcommercialshalo-3microsoftmountainplaystation-2sonyXbox-360Wed, 05 May 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony finally launches PS2 in Brazil (or, welcome to 2000!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sony-finally-launches-ps2-in-brazil-or-welcome-to-2000/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sony-finally-launches-ps2-in-brazil-or-welcome-to-2000/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/sony-finally-launches-ps2-in-brazil-or-welcome-to-2000/#comments We don't live in Brazil, but from what we hear, it's not one of the most gamer-friendly places out there. Piracy runs rampant and whenever any kind of controversial game releases, citizens usually find their government won't let 'em play it. But, hey, things are kinda looking up!

Reader Renato wrote in to us saying the PS2 has finally officially released in Brazil and that consumers can get it from the Sony Style store now ... for the low, low price of 799 BRL (about 461 USD). That's right, Brazilians no longer need secure safe passage for emigrating consoles or pay ridiculous sums of money to third-party distributors and can instead pay ridiculous sums of money directly to Sony for a locally-supported PS2! Isn't that awesome?

[Thanks, Renato]
Congratulations to Serge808 on being the first to comment. You've been emailed a free Battlefield: Bad Company 2 beta code. All beta codes have been awarded. Click here, for more information on this giveaway. Official rules apply.

JoystiqSony finally launches PS2 in Brazil (or, welcome to 2000!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brazilimportimportspiracyplaystationplaystation-2ps2sonyThu, 19 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami confirms U.S. release for Shadow of Destiny PSP port]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/konami-confirms-u-s-release-for-shadow-of-destiny-psp-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/konami-confirms-u-s-release-for-shadow-of-destiny-psp-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/22/konami-confirms-u-s-release-for-shadow-of-destiny-psp-port/#comments We're currently experiencing a kind of Deja Vu that the protagonist of the time-traveling adventure title, Shadow of Destiny, would be quite familiar with. See, Konami just sent in a press release announcing that a PSP version of the aforementioned game would be coming stateside in 2010. We could've sworn that we already knew about the re-release of this cult classic -- perhaps someone's just changed something in the Matrix. Then again, maybe it's because the ESRB rated the PSP port almost three months ago. Yeah, that's probably it.

The plot of Shadow of Destiny is too complex for us to possibly relate to newcomers in any sensible fashion. Instead, we'll just say it's like Groundhog Day -- particularly the part where Bill Murray dies over and over again.

JoystiqKonami confirms U.S. release for Shadow of Destiny PSP port originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurekonamiplaystation-2shadow-of-destinyshadow-of-memoriestime-travelThu, 22 Oct 2009 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[The Price is Right: PS2 gift bundles for under $200]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/the-price-is-right-ps2-gift-bundles-for-under-200/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/the-price-is-right-ps2-gift-bundles-for-under-200/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/31/the-price-is-right-ps2-gift-bundles-for-under-200/#comments
For most hardcore gamers, PS2's drop into the $99 range is not really big news. Most of us, at one point or another, have owned a PS2. But, this guide isn't about you. No, it's about all the other people that Sony's trying to get into gaming and they're all around you. At $99, the PS2 has become a pretty attractive gift-giving option for your mom, your little sis, and the tons of people that haven't been able to afford a gaming console until now. The following gift guides will give your friends (and enemies) everything they'll need for under $200.

Continue reading The Price is Right: PS2 gift bundles for under $200

JoystiqThe Price is Right: PS2 gift bundles for under $200 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gift-guideplaystation-2price-is-rightps2Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumorang: WipEout Pulse for PS2 still in development]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/rumorang-wipeout-pulse-for-ps2-still-in-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/rumorang-wipeout-pulse-for-ps2-still-in-development/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/rumorang-wipeout-pulse-for-ps2-still-in-development/#comments
Eurogamer claims to have knowledge of a PS2 version of WipEout Pulse in development, but an official Sony statement on the as-yet unannounced title muddles the actual status of the futuristic racer.

In the official statement, Sony reminded Eurogamer that "over 9.5m PS2s" exist in the UK and that the publisher is still supporting the platform with titles such as SingStar and Buzz!. While Sony has never mentioned WipEout Pulse plans in the past -- other than to deny the original listing of the rumored game -- the manufacturer explained it would decide future PS2 releases on an "individual basis and make decisions accordingly," based on consumer demand. Perhaps it'll gauge consumer demand through an online petition. Those work, you know.

JoystiqRumorang: WipEout Pulse for PS2 still in development originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstation-2ps2sonysony-studio-liverpoolstudio-liverpoolwipeout-pulseTue, 27 Jan 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony warns of $2.9 billion annual loss, reveals restructuring plan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/sony-warns-of-2-9-billion-annual-loss-reveals-restructuring-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/sony-warns-of-2-9-billion-annual-loss-reveals-restructuring-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/sony-warns-of-2-9-billion-annual-loss-reveals-restructuring-pl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you're an overpaid, television design director reading this from a battery-powered, mid-sized LCD panel, you're about to have a very bad day. After warning that it would post a record $2.9 billion annual operating loss due to weakening demand and a mightier yen, Sony Corp. has unveiled plans to significantly restructure its operations, not to mention that stupid economy's face.

According to Reuters, the plan is to cut costs by 250 billion yen by March 2010, a move that would see the end of TV manufacturing and design at one plant in Japan and a worldwide reduction in TV design's headcount by 30 percent. Sony also plans to consolidate resources devoted to batteries (we hope the "anti-explosion" division won't be too hard hit) and small and mid-size LCDs. The salaries going to directors and managers are also expected to be cut.

See, we told you you'd be having a bad day.

JoystiqSony warns of $2.9 billion annual loss, reveals restructuring plan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-2playstation-3PS2PS3pspSonyThu, 22 Jan 2009 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony: PS2 remains 'important,' touts 2009 and 2010 lineup]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/sony-ps2-remains-important-touts-2009-and-2010-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/sony-ps2-remains-important-touts-2009-and-2010-lineup/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/14/sony-ps2-remains-important-touts-2009-and-2010-lineup/#commentsFiled under: ,


2009 marks year #9 for Sony's aging PlayStation 2. Although hardcore gaming enthusiasts have largely moved on to current generation consoles, the system is still "important" to Sony's business model. With 50 million units sold in North America, it's clear why Sony will continue supporting the platform. John Koller, director of hardware marketing at SCEA, told Gamasutra that "the only way to kill the PS2 business is to stop supporting it." Koller claims that 25% of software sales in 2008 were on Sony's last-gen system.

Publishers are unlikely to ignore the sizable PS2 audience, and Koller agrees. "With the lineup for 2009 and 2010, the PS2 is not going away anytime soon." A quick glance at the PS2 release list shows dozens of games planned for the year, although most are licensed movie and sports games. 2009 releases include titles like SingStar, Guitar Hero: Metallica, Ghostbusters, Madden and The Beatles.

Sony will undoubtedly want the success of PS2 to continue as long as possible. With PS3 systems still losing money on each unit sold, the "positive margins" of the PlayStation 2 will help the manufacturer's bottom line. With PS2 sales still going strong, Koller insists a price drop is not coming any time soon. "It's a significant financial contributor for us and it sells very well at $129.99. We're comfortable with the current price."

JoystiqSony: PS2 remains 'important,' touts 2009 and 2010 lineup originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>john-kollerplaystation-2ps2sonyWed, 14 Jan 2009 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Okami got a face lift (comparison video)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/okami-got-a-face-lift-comparison-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/okami-got-a-face-lift-comparison-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/okami-got-a-face-lift-comparison-video/#commentsFiled under:

Already having Okami for the PS2 is the most valid excuse for not buying the game on the Wii. If you fall into this group, you're probably still tempted to make the purchase because of the added motion controls. Should that not be enough to get your wallets in action, though, you might want to check out this side-by-side comparison video. We already knew that the Wii version looked better, but seeing the two compared with each other shows just how much.

The colors are much more vibrant on the Wii, and for a game that's main draw is its beautiful artistic style, that's kind of big deal. The 16:9 support doesn't hurt matters, either. Have any of you played both Okamis and noticed the difference for yourselves?

JoystiqOkami got a face lift (comparison video) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionadventurearpgcapcomcomparisoncomparison-videookamiplaystation-2portps2ready-at-dawnSat, 19 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We <3 PS2: A Year In Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/we-3-ps2-a-year-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/we-3-ps2-a-year-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/we-3-ps2-a-year-in-review/#commentsFiled under:

Yes, we're called PS3 Fanboy and we also love working with our portable brother/sister site, PSP Fanboy, but as siblings we can't ignore our incredibly famous predecessor: the PlayStation 2. While 2007 saw a surge in sales for the PSP and the expanding user base and support for the PS3, we'd be remiss if we didn't take a look back on some of the more notable releases on the PS2 in 2007. We say notable because, like with most aging consoles, many of the games are Barbie-inspired mindless crap.

Whether you love them or not, 2007 was easily the year of the JRPG on the PS2. But that wasn't all that made a splash. Below, we're going to give you the ten most noteworthy releases of 2007 and because we don't want to put them in any specific order and suffer the wrath of fanboys of one game or another, we'll put them in order of US release. Since Final Fantasy XII was released in 2006 in the US but 2007 in Europe, we'll mention it here as being awesome and worth your time, but it's regrettably disqualified. Same with Okami, sorry to say. Let's begin after the jump!

Continue reading We <3 PS2: A Year In Review

JoystiqWe <3 PS2: A Year In Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bestof2007playstation-2ps2Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kotomi's NEStation is perfect for indecisive gamers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/kotomis-nestation-is-perfect-for-indecisive-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/kotomis-nestation-is-perfect-for-indecisive-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/kotomis-nestation-is-perfect-for-indecisive-gamers/#commentsFiled under: ,


So let's say that you're a Nintendo fan to the end, but you just really like the look of the Playstation 2. We're gonna guess that you're not alone, since French modder extraordinaire Kotomi fused the functionality of the first with the look of the latter. The original NEStation was shown in February of 2006, but Kotomi's been going through his collection of late, so we thought we might show this one off. Even if you've seen it before, it's worth a moment of ogling time.

JoystiqKotomi's NEStation is perfect for indecisive gamers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kotominesplaystation-2Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST