Is the PS2 Finally On Its Way Out?

Considering the fact that the PS2 is still selling well in the marketplace, it’s hard to imagine that the console is actually dying. But according to reports, software sales fell 47% in September over last year, whereas August was 33%. For one month, that’s quite a leap.

Despite lingering software sales, it’s unlikely it will effect the console that much immediately. The PS2 is an outstanding offering for those who like to game on a budget. You can score a brand new machine for less than $100 and get games for under $10. What’s not to love about that? Of course, being a “budget” console is the reason the developers are starting to pull the plug on their titles.

Electronic Arts’ sell-through decreased 6%Y/Y (after a 16%Y/Y increase last year), and its market share declined to 16.9% (vs. 26.4% in Sept-06). More importantly, both Madden 2008 and NCAA 2008 football franchises underperformed considerably in the month, putting into question whether EA will need to reduce pricing to drive sales in coming months.

Source: Game Daily