Square Enix Reveals PS2 DevKit Was Stopped at Airport Over Weapon Risk
PS2 DevKits Once Held at U.S. Immigration for Weapon Concerns, Reveals Square Enix
In a fascinating throwback, Square Enix revealed that their PlayStation 2 DevKits were once stopped at U.S. immigration and military checkpoints due to concerns that the console could be used as a weapon. The disclosure came from producer Kazuhiko Aoki in an interview with Games Radar, recounting the challenges the team faced when transporting DevKits to their studio in Hawaii during the early 2000s.
Despite not being the most powerful console of its era compared to the Xbox or GameCube, the PS2 offered a combination of strong processing power, affordability, and a dedicated fanbase, making it a priority for developers. However, its impressive hardware led authorities to treat it with extra caution, fearing potential misuse by the military. As a result, only one DevKit successfully made it to its destination during that transport.
About PlayStation 2
Launched in March 2000, the PlayStation 2 succeeded the PS1 with increased processing power and memory. It introduced DVD support and Internet connectivity, becoming the birthplace of iconic series such as God of War, Devil May Cry, and Kingdom Hearts. Square Enix’s story underscores both the console’s historical significance and the wild challenges developers faced in the early 2000s.
