Today is a special occasion for Sony as the PlayStation 2 officially turns 25. The best-selling console of all time remains at the top of its throne with over 160 million units sold, though Nintendo’s hybrid console, the Nintendo Switch, is slowly creeping up, trailing by only 6 million units.
Twenty-five years is a long time, and hearing that might make some of us feel old—but that’s how it goes. We’ve published multiple pieces covering each console generation in our retrospective series celebrating PlayStation’s 30th Anniversary. You can check them out for PSOne, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, and, of course, PlayStation 2.
In this feature, let’s talk about the five best-selling PlayStation 2 games of all time in Japan—and how they influenced the future of gaming.
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec - 1.89 Million Copies
When it comes to racing games, Polyphony Digital and Sony’s beloved Gran Turismo series have always been at the top of their game. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec was the racing title that pushed the PlayStation 2’s hardware to its limits, delivering the best-looking racing experience of its time 24 years ago.
With 1.89 million copies sold, it remains one of the best entries in the series. Veteran players often recommend GT3 as the perfect starting point for newcomers, a journey that ultimately leads to the latest installment on the PlayStation 5.
After GT3, the franchise firmly established itself as a household name among racing enthusiasts. This success is precisely why Sony continues to release new Gran Turismo entries—and they sell like hotcakes, with over 90 million units sold across the series. It even spawned a movie! (Though we wouldn’t necessarily recommend watching it.)
Final Fantasy X-2 - 2.5 Million Copies
If you’ve ever heard someone criticize Final Fantasy X-2, don’t worry about it. Despite being a divisive follow-up to Final Fantasy X, it sold 2.5 million copies in Japan and was a commercial success worldwide. A major part of its appeal was its three main characters—Yuna, Rikku, and Paine—who formed the series’ first all-female J-pop-style trio. This approach resonated with the female gaming demographic and inspired new fashion trends, heavily influenced by Tetsuya Nomura’s signature design—think edgy leather straps, plaid patterns, and whatever those dangling belts are.
X-2 was undeniably a unique game, though following up the deeply emotional journey of X with a lighter, pop-infused sequel was an unusual move by Square. Still, introducing gameplay mechanics like the Dressphere system made for an engaging experience that many players grew to appreciate over time.
Final Fantasy XII - 2.6 Million Copies
Final Fantasy XII marked the franchise’s first major shift toward modernized gameplay, transitioning from traditional turn-based mechanics to a more real-time combat approach. It blended the ATB system from previous titles with a dynamic, diegetic combat system, making players feel more immersed in the action. While you still had to wait for your turn, this was merely a technological limitation—had XII been released today, its combat would likely resemble Final Fantasy XV or XVI.
The game also introduced a more politically driven narrative, offering a mature and compelling storyline that didn’t always resonate with younger fans then. However, with the release of Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, which refined its gameplay and visuals, more players have come to appreciate its depth.
Final Fantasy X - 3.2 Million Copies
The Final Fantasy series had a massive influence on the Japanese gaming market, with Square Enix capitalizing on its momentum by releasing new entries every few years. After the success of Cloud’s journey in VII, Squall’s in VIII, and Zidane’s in IX, the franchise shifted focus to Tidus and Yuna in Final Fantasy X.
FFX, a blend of adventure and romance, created a devoted fandom that dominated early 2000s online communities. Characters were frequently “shipped” with one another, and discussions about Tidus and Yuna’s story were everywhere.
The game sold 3.2 million copies in Japan, largely thanks to its emotionally gripping narrative. The tale of Tidus, Yuna, and the world of Spira left a lasting impact on those who experienced it at launch.
Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King - 3.8 Million Copies
With 3.8 million copies sold, Dragon Quest VIII remains Japan's best-selling PlayStation 2 game. As the eighth major installment in the legendary series, it had big expectations to meet—and it succeeded, thanks in part to Akira Toriyama’s iconic art style and an engaging story.
Despite its notoriously brutal JRPG grinding, DQVIII offers a rewarding experience for those who push through its challenges. We’ve previously explored how overcoming the game’s steep learning curve can lead to an incredibly satisfying journey. Once you get past the grind, its addictive turn-based combat will keep you coming back for more.
The Legacy of PlayStation 2 and Japanese JRPGs
During the early 2000s, Square Enix (formerly SquareSoft, before its merger with Enix) was a dominant force in the Japanese gaming industry. It was a golden age for JRPGs, and the company capitalized on the trend by continuously releasing new titles. While Square Enix has since expanded into other genres—some successfully, others less so—its JRPG legacy remains undeniable.
Japan’s love for JRPGs during this era played a crucial role in bringing these games to Western audiences. Without this passion, we might not have seen the global releases of classics like Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy VII, and Dragon Quest.
So, here’s to Japanese JRPGs and the PlayStation 2, celebrating 25 years of gaming history.