Grand Theft Auto is a series that has spanned multiple generations of consoles, but many would agree that it really began to come into its own with GTA 3, which launched on the PlayStation 2. GTA 3 set the tone for the series since, combining violence, intrigue, and the irreverent sense of humor prevalent in Rockstar Games titles.
That makes the PS2 and the early GTA games special for a lot of fans, whether they got their start with GTA 3, Vice City, or San Andreas. One such fan took the opportunity to decorate an old PS2 console with GTA-inspired art and text, impressing fellow fans.
Redditor FourNineteen68 shared an image of their project on the PlayStation subreddit, where it's drawn a fair amount of attention. The PlayStation 2 console is covered in hand-painted art imitating the stylized art found on the title screen and the physical game's cover. The front features a car and 'PlayStation II' in a GTA-like font, while the back features a recreation of the woman seen on the cover of GTA: San Andreas.
Many fans shared their appreciation for the work, though at least one expressed concern at the idea of a PlayStation 2 being painted. FourNineteen68 reassured them that they only painted the slim version of the console, and still own an original release that's been left alone. Of course, what may appeal to one gamer may not to another, so it's understandable that some players might want to keep a vintage console in as close to original condition as possible.
The impact that the trilogy of GTA PS2 games had on players almost can't be overstated. Grand Theft Auto was massive at the time, gaining notoriety for the strong violence in the game, and eventually for sexual content, especially following the Hot Coffee controversy. Whatever the reason for each individual player, GTA 3 sold nearly 15 million copies, Vice City 17.5 million, and San Andreas 21.5 million. The fandom developed by those PS2 games ultimately paved the way for GTA 5 to be a massive, 140+ million unit-strong success.
While some gamers look to the past of GTA with fond memories, many are also looking ahead to the eventual GTA 6. Rumors regarding GTA 6's plot and characters continue to leak, though there's no certainty regarding the legitimacy of any claims made. Rockstar Games fans will have to continue to wait, but with any luck, GTA 6 will bring the missing polish and care that the GTA Remastered Trilogy of PS2 titles was so sorely missing.