The PlayStation 2 may be a retro console now, but there are still plenty of reasons families keep one around. Used PS2 systems and games are widely collected, many titles are easy to pick up and play, and some are perfect for introducing kids to the games their parents grew up with.
Whether you’ve pulled an old PS2 out of storage or picked one up second-hand, there are hundreds of games to choose from. The best PS2 games for kids combine simple controls, family-friendly gameplay and enough challenge to keep adults interested too.
Here are 12 PlayStation 2 games worth looking for if you want something the family can enjoy together.
1. LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game
LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game combines the Star Wars universe with the goofy humour and forgiving gameplay that eventually became trademarks of the LEGO game series.
Players work through levels inspired by the Star Wars prequel movies, solving simple puzzles, collecting LEGO studs and battling enemies along the way.
The cooperative play makes it especially good for families because a second player can join the adventure rather than simply waiting for a turn.
2. LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy
If your family prefers Luke, Leia and Han Solo, LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy brings the same style of gameplay to the original three Star Wars movies.
There’s plenty to explore and collect, and the humour makes the story accessible even to kids who aren’t already devoted Star Wars fans.
Like the first game, its cooperative gameplay makes it a good choice for a parent and child to play together.
3. Katamari Damacy
Katamari Damacy is one of the strangest — and most charming — games released for the PS2.
You control a tiny character who rolls a sticky ball called a katamari around increasingly large environments. Small objects stick to it first, but as the ball grows, you can pick up bigger and bigger things.
The concept is simple enough for kids to understand, while the quirky visuals, music and humour give adults plenty to enjoy.
4. We Love Katamari
If your family enjoys the original Katamari Damacy, We Love Katamari offers more of the same wonderfully odd gameplay.
Players once again roll up objects to create enormous katamaris, but the sequel adds new challenges and multiplayer options.
It’s a great choice for families that want something completely different from traditional racing, sports or action games.
5. Sonic Mega Collection Plus
Sonic Mega Collection Plus bundles together a selection of classic Sonic the Hedgehog games and other Sega titles.
It’s particularly fun for parents who grew up playing Sonic and want to introduce their kids to the fast-paced platform games of the 1990s.
The collection also gives families several games in one package, which can make it a good value when shopping for used PS2 titles.
6. Crash Nitro Kart
For families that enjoy racing games, Crash Nitro Kart offers colourful characters, imaginative tracks and arcade-style racing.
Players can race as characters from the Crash Bandicoot series while using power-ups to gain an advantage over their opponents.
Multiplayer racing also makes it an easy game to pull out for family game night.
7. Pac-Man World 2
Pac-Man World 2 takes the familiar Pac-Man character out of the maze and puts him into a 3D platforming adventure.
Players explore different environments, collect items and defeat enemies while working through increasingly challenging levels.
Kids who recognize Pac-Man from newer games, apps or merchandise may also get a kick out of seeing one of gaming’s oldest characters in a PS2 adventure.
8. Dance Dance Revolution
If you want a game that gets everyone off the couch, one of the many Dance Dance Revolution titles released for the PlayStation 2 is worth considering.
Instead of using a traditional controller, players step on directional arrows on a dance mat in time with music shown on the screen.
It can turn video game night into a surprisingly energetic family competition.
Keep in mind: You’ll need a compatible dance mat to get the full experience, so check whether one is included when buying the game second-hand.
9. Guitar Hero
Guitar Hero became one of the defining party games of the PS2 era.
Players use a guitar-shaped controller to press buttons and strum along with songs as notes appear on the screen.
Older kids, teens and adults may enjoy competing for high scores or simply taking turns playing favourite songs.
Before you buy: The special guitar controller is an important part of the game. Original compatible controllers can be harder to find than the game discs themselves, so factor that into the cost.
10. Buzz! Junior Games
The Buzz! Junior series was designed with younger players and families in mind.
Titles such as Buzz! Junior: Jungle Party feature collections of short mini-games that are easy to understand and don’t require long play sessions.
That makes them particularly useful for families with younger children who may lose interest during a longer game.
These games were designed to use special Buzz controllers, so make sure you can find compatible controllers before purchasing a used copy.
11. The Incredibles
Based on the Pixar movie, The Incredibles lets players control members of the superhero family while completing action and platforming levels.
Each character has different abilities, giving the game some variety as players work through the story.
It can be a fun choice for kids who already know the movie and enjoy superhero games.
12. Cars
Fans of Pixar’s Cars can race as Lightning McQueen and other familiar characters in this PS2 game based on the movie.
The combination of racing, familiar characters and relatively straightforward gameplay makes it an approachable option for younger players.
It’s also another good example of a PS2 game that can be fun for a child even if the adults in the family aren’t serious gamers.
What Makes a Good PS2 Game for Kids?
Age-appropriate content is only part of the equation. A good family game should also match your child’s experience level and attention span.
For younger kids, look for games with:
- Simple controls
- Short levels or mini-games
- Familiar characters
- Cooperative play
- Clear objectives
- Plenty of chances to try again after making a mistake
Older children may enjoy games that require more strategy, faster reflexes or longer periods of play.
Check the Game Rating Before You Buy
A colourful or cartoon-style game isn’t automatically appropriate for every child.
Check the ESRB rating and content descriptors on the game before buying it. These can alert you to things such as fantasy violence, language or other content that may matter to your family.
Playing together also gives parents a chance to see what is actually in a game rather than judging it only by the cover.
Watch for Games That Need Special Accessories
One of the quirks of collecting PS2 games today is that the game disc may only be part of what you need.
Some family favourites require or work best with accessories such as:
- Extra DualShock controllers
- Dance mats
- Guitar Hero guitar controllers
- Buzz controllers
- Memory cards
Before buying a used game, check what accessories it originally used and whether you already have them.
A very inexpensive game isn’t much of a bargain if the controller you need to play it costs considerably more.
What to Check When Buying Used PS2 Games
Most PS2 games are now purchased second-hand, so condition matters.
Before buying, check:
- Whether the disc has deep scratches or cracks
- Whether the seller has tested the game
- Whether the game is compatible with the region of your console
- Whether special controllers or accessories are required
- Whether you have enough controllers for multiplayer games
- Whether you have a working PS2 memory card for games that need one
If you’re buying online, look closely at the photos and description rather than assuming every used disc will work perfectly.
Why the PS2 Can Still Be Fun for Families
Modern consoles offer incredible graphics, online multiplayer and enormous game libraries, but older systems have advantages too.
Many PS2 games were designed around playing together in the same room. There are no subscriptions required to access the original offline experience, and traditional PS2 games weren’t built around the constant stream of in-game purchases found in many modern games.
There’s also something fun about introducing kids to the games their parents played years ago.
Turn the PS2 Into a Retro Family Game Night
If you still have a PlayStation 2 tucked away in a closet, it might be worth plugging it back in.
From LEGO adventures and kart racing to dance games and bizarre rolling balls, the PS2 library contains plenty of games that can still entertain kids and adults together.
Choose a few age-appropriate titles, track down the controllers you need and make retro gaming part of your next family game night.
