The PlayStation 2 remains one of the most iconic and beloved consoles in gaming history. Its massive library of games offered something for everyone, and its sales figures reflect its incredible popularity. But which games sold the most copies? Let’s count down the top 10 best-selling PlayStation 2 games of all time, revisiting the titles that captivated millions and shaped a generation of gamers. We are starting at number 10 and counting down to the coveted number 1 spot.

10. Kingdom Hearts (5.9 million units)

• Release Date: March 28, 2002 (NA), November 15, 2002 (EU)
• Developer: Square
• Publisher: Square (NA), Square Electronic Arts (EU), Sony Computer Entertainment (EU)

Who would have thought that a crossover between Final Fantasy and Disney would work so well? Kingdom Hearts proved that it was a match made in heaven. Playing as Sora, a young boy who wields the magical Keyblade and travels to various Disney worlds alongside Donald Duck and Goofy, was a dream come true for many. The sheer charm of seeing iconic Disney characters and locations alongside Final Fantasy heroes was irresistible.

The gameplay was a blend of action RPG elements, with real-time combat and a focus on exploration and puzzle-solving. The story, while initially seeming lighthearted, delved into surprisingly deep themes of friendship, loss, and the battle between light and darkness. Kingdom Hearts was a unique and unforgettable experience, spawning a massive franchise that continues to this day.

9. Final Fantasy XII (6 million units)

• Release Date: October 31, 2006 (NA), February 23, 2007 (EU)
• Developer: Square Enix
• Publisher: Square Enix

Final Fantasy XII was a major departure for the series, but it went on to be an astounding success. Set in the world of Ivalice. The player takes on the role of Vaan, an orphaned street urchin who dreams of becoming a sky pirate. He is caught up in a grand conspiracy that the player must help unravel.

The game featured stunning open environments, challenging combat, and a rich, detailed world to explore. The departure from traditional turn-based combat to a more active, real-time system was a bold move that paid off, making battles feel more dynamic and engaging.

8. Tekken 5 (6 million units)

• Release Date: March 31, 2005 (NA), June 24, 2005 (EU)
• Developer: Namco
• Publisher: Namco (WW), Sony Computer Entertainment (EU)

Tekken 5 was a return to form for the legendary fighting game series. After the somewhat divisive Tekken 4, Tekken 5 brought back the fast-paced, fluid combat that the series was known for, while also introducing new characters and refining the gameplay mechanics. I remember spending countless hours mastering the moves of my favorite fighters, like Jin, Heihachi, and Nina.

The roster was diverse and well-balanced, offering a wide range of fighting styles to choose from. The graphics were stunning for the time, with detailed character models and vibrant stages. And the story mode, while always a bit over-the-top, was entertaining and provided a good incentive to play through with each character. Tekken 5 was a fighting game masterpiece and a must-have for any PS2 owner.

7. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (7.03+ million units)

• Release Date: November 13, 2001 (NA), March 8, 2002 (EU)
• Developer: Konami Computer Entertainment Japan
• Publisher: Konami

Metal Gear Solid 2 was, and remains, one of the most talked-about and controversial games of all time. The initial bait-and-switch, where you play as Solid Snake for the prologue and then switch to the new character Raiden for the rest of the game, was a bold move by Hideo Kojima. But beyond that initial shock, MGS2 was a masterpiece of stealth action gameplay.

The level of detail in the environments, the intricate story (which explored themes of censorship, artificial intelligence, and the nature of reality), and the innovative gameplay mechanics were all incredibly impressive. Sneaking around, using gadgets, and taking down enemies silently was incredibly satisfying. And the boss battles were some of the most memorable and challenging in the entire series. MGS2 was a game that pushed boundaries and sparked endless discussions, solidifying its place in gaming history.

6. Final Fantasy X (8.5+ million units)

• Release Date: December 19, 2001 (NA), May 24, 2002 (EU)
• Developer: Square
• Publisher: Square (NA), Sony Computer Entertainment (EU)

Final Fantasy X marked a significant turning point for the legendary RPG series. It was the first Final Fantasy game on the PS2, and it took full advantage of the new hardware. The transition to fully 3D environments, the introduction of voice acting, and the stunningly beautiful character models were all huge leaps forward. I remember being completely mesmerized by the opening cinematic.

The story, following Tidus, a star blitzball player who is transported to the mysterious world of Spira, was emotionally resonant and captivating. The battle system, while still turn-based, introduced new strategic elements, and the Sphere Grid system for character development offered a great deal of customization. Final Fantasy X was a beautiful, epic, and unforgettable adventure that remains a fan favorite.

5. Grand Theft Auto III (11.6+ million units)

• Release date: October 23, 2001 (NA), October 26, 2001 (EU).
• Developer: DMA Design (now Rockstar North).
• Publisher: Rockstar games.

Grand theft Auto 3, or GTA 3, was a ground breaking title that changed gaming forever. Taking the series from a 2d top down game to a fully 3d real time open world was revolutionary. The story was typical of the GTA series, heists, crime bosses, gangs, but this did not take away from the gameplay, it added to it.

The game was a joy to experience, there were few loading screens and the player had an immense amount of freedom. The city was a joy to explore and the game featured a great soundtrack to accompany the gameplay. This was the start of GTA becoming a household name, and the best selling franchise it is today.

4. Gran Turismo 4 (11.76 million units)

• Release Date: February 22, 2005 (NA), March 9, 2005 (EU)
• Developer: Polyphony Digital
• Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Following up on the massive success of GT3 was no easy task, but Gran Turismo 4 managed to not only meet but exceed expectations. It built upon the foundation of its predecessor, offering an even larger selection of cars (over 700!), more tracks, and even more realistic physics. The introduction of the “B-Spec” mode, where you could act as a race manager instead of directly driving, was a surprisingly addictive addition.

The visual fidelity was also significantly improved, pushing the PS2 hardware to its limits. Seeing the reflections of the environment on the cars’ surfaces, the detailed interiors, and the realistic lighting was breathtaking. Gran Turismo 4 was the ultimate driving simulator for the PS2, offering a level of depth and polish that few other racing games could match. The photo mode was also a revolutionary feature that let players take realistic images of their favourite cars in game.

3. Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (14.2 million units)

• Release Date: October 29, 2002 (NA), November 8, 2002 (EU)
• Developer: Rockstar North
• Publisher: Rockstar Games

Before San Andreas, there was Vice City, and it blew our minds. Trading the gritty realism of GTA III for a vibrant, neon-soaked 1980s setting inspired by Miami Vice, Vice City was a stylistic masterpiece. Playing as Tommy Vercetti, a mobster fresh out of prison and sent to Vice City to establish a new drug operation, was an absolute blast.

The soundtrack alone is legendary, featuring a killer selection of 80s hits that perfectly captured the atmosphere. The gameplay was refined and expanded upon from GTA III, with more vehicles, weapons, and activities. The story was compelling, filled with memorable characters and twists, and the overall sense of style and attitude made Vice City an instant classic. It’s no wonder it became one of the defining games of the PS2 era.

2. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec (14.89 million units)

• Release Date: April 28, 2001 (NA), July 20, 2001 (EU)
• Developer: Polyphony Digital
• Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment

Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec wasn’t just a racing game; it was a driving simulator. The level of realism and detail that Polyphony Digital achieved was astounding for the time. From the meticulously modeled cars to the realistic handling physics, GT3 felt like a true celebration of automotive culture. I remember spending hours just admiring the car models in the showroom!

The career mode was deep and engaging, challenging you to earn licenses, win races, and collect a vast garage of vehicles. The sheer variety of cars, from everyday hatchbacks to exotic supercars, was incredible. And the soundtrack, featuring a mix of rock, electronic, and jazz, was the perfect accompaniment to the high-octane racing action. GT3 set a new standard for racing games and remains a beloved classic.

1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (17.3+ million units)

• Release Date: October 26, 2004 (NA), October 29, 2004 (EU)
• Developer: Rockstar North
• Publisher: Rockstar Games

Oh, San Andreas… where to even begin? This game was massive, both in terms of its sprawling map and its cultural impact. Stepping into the shoes of Carl “CJ” Johnson, returning to his home in Los Santos after years away, was instantly captivating. The story of family, betrayal, and gang warfare was incredibly well-written, and the freedom to explore the three cities of Los Santos, San Fierro, and Las Venturas was unprecedented at the time.

Beyond the main story, San Andreas offered an almost endless amount of things to do. From customizing your character’s appearance and skills to buying properties, engaging in side missions, and even just cruising around listening to the iconic radio stations, it was a game you could lose yourself in for hundreds of hours. The sheer scope and ambition of San Andreas cemented its place as not only the best-selling PS2 game, but also one of the greatest games ever made.

Do you know what game sold the most on the XBOX 360?