Hear that? That’s the sound of a million childhoods being ended in one fell swoop by Sony Japan as it pulls the plug on its PlayStation 2 aftercare service. Although the console hasn’t been in production for over five years, up until now Sony offered a repair clinic for diehard fans of the PS2.
Reportedly, Sony asked those diehard fans to fill out an online form before August 31 for the chance to have their console repaired one last time. Any PS2s sent to the Japanese Playstation Clinic service center in after this Friday will sadly not be fixed.
End of an era
Since the news broke this week, Twitter users have been responding in their droves, remembering classic games from their childhoods:
Goodbye PlayStation 2. The good times we had back then with no troubles, rocking old SpongeBob games with no thought realizing what the world is. So long my friend. @PlayStationSeptember 4, 2018
You know when they say this is the beginning of the end? This is that moment right here. #RIP PS2, you will be missed. Sony Japan pulls life support for the PlayStation 2 https://t.co/iMNCmiq9ZiSeptember 4, 2018
the Playstation 2 outlived the PS3 and the PS Vita. RIP to the legend. https://t.co/BMLUpbU64oSeptember 3, 2018
Some reactions were more dramatic than others...
As of today, the PlayStation 2 and I have something in commonWe’re both deadSeptember 4, 2018
Pulling the plug
The PlayStation 2 was released way back in 2000, and went on to become the best-selling console of all time, reportedly selling over 155 million units. Over time, it has become synonymous with classic games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Ratchet and Clank, The Simpsons: Hit & Run, and Spider-Man.
Rest in peace, PS2.