WORTH IT IN 2026?
Is a PlayStation 2 Worth Buying in 2026?
Still the best-selling console ever made, and still one of the cheapest ways into a huge retro library. Here's what to know before buying.
Why It's Still a Great Buy
No console has a bigger library, full stop — PS2's eight-year lifespan and enormous install base meant nearly every publisher supported it, across every genre. It's also backward compatible with most PS1 discs, so a single PS2 effectively gives you two consoles' worth of library in one box. Entry cost is low relative to almost any other 6th-gen console.
What to Watch For
The PS2's laser assembly is a genuine wear item, and the earliest "fat" models in particular are known for developing disc-read errors as the laser ages or drifts out of alignment. Slim models (the smaller redesign) are generally considered more reliable long-term, though both benefit from being tested on a specific disc before you buy rather than assumed to work. Discs themselves aren't immune either — buy tested copies from sellers who can confirm a clean read, especially for anything you're paying a premium for.
The Verdict
Yes, worth it, and arguably the best "first 6th-gen console" for a new collector specifically because of how cheap and available it remains relative to its library size. Just don't buy blind on a disc-read guarantee — test before you commit to anything expensive.
Where to Buy
Some links on this page are eBay and Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, ShouldIBuyThisGame.com may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.