The Final PSOne Console Leaving Sony's Production Line

Not long ago we were talking about how Microsoft might stop the production of its first Xbox console, so it's only normal to ask ourselves when is Sony going to do the same with its equivalent system, the PlayStation 2. Well, it sure as hell won't happen anytime soon! The only thing that Sony is pulling the plug on is the old PSOne (the smaller and redesigned version of the original PlayStation), after more than five years of playful service - since its introduction in September 2000.

No worries however: the PSOne will be kept on store shelves for as long as the current stocks last, and if all else fails you can always play PSOne games on a PlayStation 2 (and even on a PlayStation Portable soon enough). Which is way better than what Microsoft is oferring in terms of backwards (in)compatibility, with their picky Xbox 360.

The first PlayStation was conceived a long time ago - sometime duing 1988 according to the legend, as a peripheral CD-ROM unit for the SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System). Since its release in December 1994 (Japan) / September 1995 (USA, Europe), and up until June 2005, the original PS sold a whopping 103 million units - somewhat less than the PlayStation 2 and the classic Game Boy. Just how much less? Find out in our next episode: "R.I.P. PlayStation 2" (airing when it's done).

(N.B. Archive text, links removed)