Wave goodbye to the Wii, pass on the PS3 and pull a 180 on the 360 - if you're looking for a way to play great games without breaking the bank, you're looking for the Playstation 2. We know it sounds crazy, but provided you're not overly concerned with cutting-edge graphics and online gaming, Sony's last-generation console still offers plenty of gaming thrills at a fraction of the cost of the newer systems.
Typically, game consoles survive about a year or so after a new version is released, eventually fading from the spotlight as consumers migrate to newer technology. Apparently, the Playstation 2 hasn't gotten the memo. According to the NPD Group, the eight-year old console outsold both the PS3 and PSP in December, pushing over 1 million units and barely trailing the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. Despite sluggish all-around industry sales, things got even rosier in January: the PS2 moved 264,000 units, beating out the Xbox 360, Sony PSP and, amazingly, Nintendo's indomitable DS. To top if off, PS2 software sales led the pack without placing even one title in the month's Top 10.
So why are gamers still dropping cash on a system with limited online functionality, no HD output and relatively few new releases? The answer might have more to do with current economic woes than the rush to adopt new technology. For roughly the price of one PS3 ($399), a typical Wii bundle ($400) or a Pro model Xbox 360 ($350), check out what a Playstation 2 shopping spree can score you (prices sourced from Gamestop.com):
Hardware
Get started with one brand new redesigned PS2, an 8MB memory card for saving games, and an extra dual-shock controller so you won't have to play alone.
Cost: $179.97
Every past Metal Gear Solid and Devil May Cry game
Two of the brightest stars in Sony's crowded galaxy - Metal Gear Solid and Devil Metal Cry - have been repackaged into two of its most outstanding deals, each retailing at a mere 30 bucks. The Metal Gear Solid Essential Collection contains the Playstation smash Metal Gear Solid along with director's cuts of the two Playstation 2 sequels, MGS 2 and MGS 3, while Capcom's Devil May Cry Greatest Hits Set contains all three entries (including the sucky Devil May Cry 2, but at $29.99, who are we to complain?)
Cost: $59.98
Music to your ears
Turn your rig into a karaoke machine with any version of Singstar, Sony's first-party singing game, which also comes with two microphones. If you've got a little extra bread and prefer strumming to humming, Activision's epic Guitar Hero III ($90.00) gets the gig done, plus it features a wireless guitar. Of course if you're a die-hard rock junkie, skip the rest of this list and pick up the somewhat handicapped Rock Band bundle (not online, limited World Tour mode) for $160.
Cost: $49.99 (for Singstar)
The capital of Nebraska
Which is Lincoln, of course, and if you knew that before us, you could have buzzed in and scored big with Buzz! The Mega Quiz. Sony's answer to the 360's Scene It! line comes in various shapes and sizes, including Buzz! Jr. models for the wee ones. Just make sure you grab a copy that comes bundled with the four buzzer controllers.
Cost: $39.99
Three Oldies but Greaties
Fill out the rest of your budget buy with three selections from Sony's "Greatest Hits" line. We suggest the absurdly awesome trio of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Shadow of the Colossus and God of War, but there's plenty more to choose from - about 175, in fact, many of which offer experiences easily on par with solid next-gen games.
Cost: $59.97
Total: $389.90
There you have it - one console, two controllers and a whopping eleven kickass games for under $400 - and if that's still too steep, you can always trim out a few games here or there. Best of all, many of the biggest franchises are still making their way to the PS2, so you won't wind up missing new versions of Madden or MLB in the coming year. Until you can afford to buy into the future, the PS2 makes a great present.
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