The 40 million mark establishes PS2 as the most popular computer entertainment system in Europe, surpassing the PlayStation and PSOne games units, which sold just over 39 million units.

That figure is impressive when you consider that the PS2 is now into its sixth year. At the same point in its lifecycle, the PSOne had sold just 33 million units.

“In the last month or so sales of PlayStation 2 throughout Europe and PAL territories has exceeded 100,000 units per week, which is extremely pleasing and proves the format is as popular now as it ever was,” said David Reeves, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. 

Reeves said innovations such as the EyeToy, SingStar and BUZZ! Had helped push the popularity of the PS2.

There are now more than 2,000 PlayStation 2 software titles available in Europe, with approximately another 50 due for release prior to Christmas.