PlayStation 2, the star console of last generation, has sold through an impressive 50 million units in North America alone, Sony announced today. Originally launched in 2000 at a price point of $300, the PS2 now costs just $130 — making it a very attractive buy for consumers, especially those making their first step into the world of gaming. SCEA marketing manager John Koller agrees:

The people buying it are no longer the early adopters and hardcore gamers, but rather, lower-income consumers and families who want to get into — or back into — gaming.

With worldwide PS2 sales still brisk, it’s clear that Sony will be keeping it around for some time to come — perhaps even far beyond the promised ten year lifecycle.

Read more: NPD: 72 Percent Of America Played A Game Last Year, Official: PS2 Takes A $30 Drop On April 1, PS3 Not Harder To Develop For, according to GRAW Team, June NPD: Yearly Sales Decline By 31 Percent, Economy Likely To Blame, Casual, Casual, Casual: The PS2 SingStar Bundle