PS2 Gets Most Playtime in 2008
While the three current-gen consoles are battling it out for the hearts, minds and cash of the general public, an unexpected system is getting most of their time. US research firm Nielsen has published data that they collected between January and October of last year which shows some unexpected trends in what consoles people played the most.
It seems that no matter what camp they’re in, Xbox, Wii and PS3 fanboys are spending more time on forums blasting one another than playing as the PS2 held the #1 spot with 31.7% of the total time spent playing consoles. Current-gen consoles only had 37.9% of total playtime between them, with Xbox 360 and its bevy of excellent multiplayer offerings holding the top slot amongst their ranks with 17.2%. Wii followed with 13.4% and the PS3 lagged behind with 7.3%. The original Xbox beat out Sony’s newest console with 9.7% and even the Gamecube came close with 4.6%.
The PS2 has such a huge install base due to its longevity and since they’re still making games for the console, it’s no surprise that this system which has a huge library of games available for low prices is on top. Throw in the addicting powers of Guitar Hero and Rock Band and it’s no surprise that the PS2 is getting the most play time. The least surprising factoid they published was that World of Warcraft was the top played game by PC gamers during the period.