Final Fantasy X sold over 8 million copies on the PlayStation 2, making it one of the console’s biggest RPGs. It was the first game in the series to feature full voice acting, adding new life to its characters and story. The vibrant tropical setting still stands out, showing off the PS2’s graphical leap at the time. While Tidus divided some fans, the emotional story kept players invested and cemented its place as a franchise favorite. | © SquareSoft
Tekken 5, which sold over 9 million copies, was the third Tekken release on PS2 and the last before the franchise moved to the PlayStation 3. It delivered exactly what fans wanted at the time: a massive roster, flashy combos, and plenty of quirky character endings. The game built on the series’ popularity, keeping Tekken as one of the biggest names in fighting games. | © Namco
Grand Theft Auto III sold over 11 million copies on the PS2 and completely changed what open-world games could be. Moving the series into full 3D, it gave players a Liberty City packed with missions, vehicles, and hidden secrets. The freedom to explore made it unlike anything else at the time. It remains one of the most important games not just on the PS2, but in gaming history. | © Rockstar Games
Gran Turismo 4 sold over 11.5 million copies on the PS2, making it one of the greatest racing games on the console. Released after a short Prologue version, it became the full package fans were waiting for, with hundreds of cars and tracks to master. Back in 2005, its graphics were jaw-dropping, setting a new bar for realism in racing games. Even today, the series is known for pushing hardware to its limits, a reputation that started strong with this entry. | © Polyphony Digital
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City sold over 14 million copies on the PS2, arriving just a year after GTA III. The neon-soaked 1980s setting gave the game a style all its own, packed with music, fashion, and atmosphere from the era. Protagonist Tommy Vercetti, voiced by Ray Liotta, brought more personality to the story and quickly became a fan favorite. With GTA VI set to return to Vice City, this classic feels more relevant than ever. | © Rockstar Games
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec was a must-have in 2001, selling over 14.5 million copies and becoming the first entry in the series on PS2. The leap in graphics from the PlayStation 1 era made its cars look almost lifelike at the time. Even players who weren’t usually into racing found themselves drawn in by its polish and physics. While later games have surpassed it, this one set the tone for what racing on the PS2 could be. | © Polyphony Digital
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas sold over 17 million copies on the PS2 and is still seen by many as the series’ peak. For the first time, players could leave the city and explore a massive open world with countryside, deserts, and small towns. New mechanics let CJ bulk up at the gym or gain weight at fast food spots. More than features, his story resonated with players who felt represented in a way few games offered in 2004. | © Rockstar Games
The PlayStation 2 became the best-selling console of all time, and these games were a big reason why. From RPGs to racers to open-world crime epics, they defined an era of gaming. Each one sold millions of copies and helped make the PS2 legendary.
