The 7 million milestone came as Sony Corporation announced their financial results for the year to 31 March 2002. Total world-wide production shipments of PlayStation 2 for the year ending March 31 2002 were 18.07 million units, resulting in cumulative production shipments of 28.68 million units as of March 31, 2002.
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Shipments of PlayStation 2 software titles for this fiscal year (including those from both SCEE and independent publishers under SCEE licenses) were 35.5 million units, resulting in cumulative production shipments to the PAL territories of 42.8 million units as of March 31, 2002.
Commenting on the sales figures, Chris Deering, President of SCEE was bullish, “Not only did we have a fantastic year in driving ahead to the 7 million milestone, but we are looking forward to the coming year with increased momentum. PlayStation 2 has an unmatched line-up of terrific games for 2002, featuring some uniquely innovative games that will redefine and expand the experience of computer entertainment gaming. We also have a superb range of Platinum re-releases that offers great value for collectors.
In choosing PlayStation 2, consumers are assured of the biggest range of games at the widest range of affordable prices, the reliability of Sony engineering for the Broadband future, the benefit of DVD movie playback, right out of the box at no extra cost, and the capability to play all the original PlayStation games as well.”
Referring to the competitive environment, Deering said, “Competition is always part of the dynamics and excitement of the industry. It draws attention of potential new gamers to the market, and it energizes PlayStation's resolve to remain the console of choice for our loyal fans, retailers and game creators. The consumer proposition of PS2 is a potent, future friendly mix of design, quality, variety, and affordability over the lifetime of its ownership. Not only is PlayStation 2 the best overall consumer value, it’s also the most fun to drive!”
More than 30 first party games titles and over 200 third party games for PlayStation 2 are scheduled for release in the coming year. These include The Getaway, Primal, WRC 2002, Ratchet and Clank and This Is Football 2003 from SCEE and Virtua Fighter 4, Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy X, Harry Potter, Timesplitters 2, Superman; Shadow of Apokolips, TOCA Race Driver, Medal of Honour Front Line, Onimusha 2, GTA Vice City, Red Faction 2, Tribes 2, Tony Hawk 4 and Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness, all from third party publishers.