Sony stops Playstation 2 production,why? PlayStation 4 is in the coolers

PlayStation 2 fans can mark this as the beginning of the end of an era for the popular video game console.

Sony Computer Entertainment of Japan has ceased production of the PlayStation 2, the Agence France-Presse reports. However, games will continue to be produced for the console.

The PlayStation 2 is widely considered a success. According to the AFP the console is the second best selling console of all time with more than 150 units sold worldwide since 2000.

News of Sony Japan's decision to halt production of the PlayStation 2 only fuels rumors that Sony is preparing to launch its next-generation console, dubbed the "PlayStation 4."

Sony's most current console, the PlayStation 3, launched in the U.S. in November 2006. According to IGN, the Sony reported 70 million total units sold in November 2012