Though it went through some difficult patches and received a hefty dose of criticism, there’s no doubt that the addition of online gaming added a great deal to the PlayStation 2’s repertoire.

Early detractors were many. Sony’s online strategy was slow in developing, and sent many of the more dedicated gamers who wanted online action over to the Xbox, a system with a more centralized and developed online plan from the start.

The PlayStation 2 was not online capable upon launch, and the initial release of the network adapter was slow to catch on, as many add-ons are. Early online games had limited numbers of players available, often forcing gamers to sit idly by while waiting for some action.

When the network adapter began to be bundled together with new consoles and more online games were released this situation steadily improved, though most would admit that it did not approach the level of Xbox Live.

Most PlayStation 2 games with online capabilities still have their servers running, meaning it’s not too late to get started playing your PS2 online. Finding an opponent on the other hand could prove more difficult.

With its massive library of games, it’s unsurprising that the PS2 is well represented across numerous genres when it comes to online games. It features multiple shooters, including the SOCOM series, a number of Tom Clancy games and a trio of Call of Duty’s. Sports games are plentiful across every sport imaginable, including baseball, hockey, tennis, golf, basketball, football, skateboarding, etc.

Racing fans have a number of options, be it simulation style racers like the Formula One and NASCAR series, off-road racers like the ATV Offroad series, or street racing affairs like the Midnight Club and Need for Speed series.

Even RPG fans are represented, with online play included in the action-RPG’s Champions of Norrath and its sequel Return to Arms, as well as Phantasy Star Online. A couple of MMORPG’s are still playable, Final Fantasy XI and Everquest Online Adventures.

With its huge number of games and lower than ever price, the PS2 has continued to sell well to this day, even outpacing its newer sibling the PS3 at times since its launch. Many gamers can still be found on the PS2 online gaming battlefields, so if you ever wanted to join the fray, you still have time.