How much did a PS2 cost in 2000?

The PlayStation 2 (PS2) was released in 2000, and its price varied depending on the region and whether it was bundled with any games or accessories. Here's a breakdown of its launch price:

Launch Price of the PlayStation 2 in 2000:

1. United States (2000):

   • The PS2 was released in the U.S. on October 26, 2000.
   • Launch Price: The standard price for the PS2 at launch was $299.99 USD.

2. Japan (2000):

   • The PS2 was released in Japan earlier, on March 4, 2000.
   • Launch Price: In Japan, the PS2 launched at ¥39,800 (around $375 USD at the time).

3. Europe (2001):

   • The PS2 was released in Europe on November 24, 2000.
   • Launch Price: The PS2 in Europe was priced at €299 (roughly $290 USD at the time).

Price Breakdown and Context (2000):

• The $299.99 USD launch price in the U.S. was considered high for a gaming console, especially since it was launched with the added bonus of being a DVD player, which was a major selling point. This helped the PS2 stand out in the market, as it combined gaming and home entertainment in a single device.
• The PS2's price was competitive compared to other systems at the time, such as the Sega Dreamcast, which was priced around $199 USD but did not have the added multimedia capabilities of the PS2.
• Given the success of the PS2 (it went on to become the best-selling console of all time with over 155 million units sold), the initial price was seen as justified by its capabilities and the extensive game library that followed.

Inflation Adjustment:

To give you an idea of how the $299.99 USD price in 2000 compares to today's money:

• $299.99 in 2000 is approximately equivalent to $510 USD in 2023, after adjusting for inflation.

Conclusion:

At launch in 2000, the PlayStation 2 was priced at $299.99 USD in the United States. It was considered a premium console due to its gaming and DVD capabilities, and this price helped set the stage for its success as one of the most iconic consoles in gaming history.