The console was first released in Japan in March 2000 and remains the best-selling games console ever produced.

Manufacturing of the device ended in 2012, six years after the follow-up PS3 console had been released.

Sony said it was no longer able to offer repairs because it was running out of replacement parts for the ageing console.

In a statement, the company thanked customers for their "continued patronage".

Gamers seeking repairs will now have to try their luck with unofficial services.

More than 150 million PlayStation 2 consoles have been sold.

The latest model, the PS4, has sold about 80 million units.

Rival console-maker Microsoft no longer reports sales figures for its Xbox One console. But the consultancy IHS Markit estimates more than 40 million have been sold.