Production of PS2s Ends in Japan

Yeah, the PlayStation 2, not 3. And yes, they are still being produced. Well, except for in Japan. Once whatever is there is sold out, you won't be able to find one for retail sale in the country.

After an extremely successful almost 13-year run, the PlayStation is being retired in the country of its origin. No reasons were given, but the system is continuing to be produced in other countries. Games are also continuing to be produced for the console at present. For how much longer for any of it, however, is currently unknown.

Does this mean anything? Has it simply become financially smarter to stop making them in Japan or was there a pre-determined time in which to stop making them? Could Sony be gearing up to stop supporting the PlayStation2 altogether, in order to get the world ready for the PlayStation 4? Your guess is as good as mine, as all it is speculation at this point, but I have a feeling the old console will stop being produced in other regions soon as well.

In total the PlayStation 2 has shipped over 150 million units worldwide and sold over 1.52 billion games since launch, making it Sony's most successful console to date and the most successful of all time. A feat that Sony would no doubt be happy to reproduce with their next console.

Source: Famitsu via Kotaku