On March 1, GameStop stores all over the United States started offering $5 store credits for those who want to trade in their complete PlayStation 2 system. This includes the power cable, A/V cable, and at least one controller. For those who would be trading in just the console itself, GameStop will offer $20.

In a statement made Monday, GameStop said, "The video game console that had captured millions of hearts around the world continues to breathe life ... The Sony PlayStation 2 is known for its vast library of games and being the top selling video game console of all-time. GameStop knows that a demand for this iconic piece of video game history is still high and will once again buy back PS2 consoles." 

The Playstation 2 by Sony was popular enough that game companies built thousands of titles to be played on this console. It became so popular that Playstation 2 outsold the Dreamcast and prompted Sega to end its console development business. However, although Sony's game console has been getting positive feedback along the years, it began to fall out of fashion especially when Sony released its successor, the Playstation 3. 

This prompted retailers, such as trade-in giant GameStop, to shut down their PS2 trade-in pipeline in June of 2013. 

Issuing a statement back then, GameStop representatives said, "We can confirm that as of June 1st [2013] we will no longer be accepting the PS2 console or its related product for trades. We know that the 12 year old system is a popular one and for many gamers, GameStop is the only place to find a great selection of its games. We will still offer a wide selection of the PS2 hardware, accessories and games in many of our stores and online for several months, based on remaining stock from trades." 

However, the trade-in chain made a 180-degree turn and decided to continue the trade-in deals involving PS2 consoles.