Just last week the anti-Sony brigade were busy foaming at the mouth when Deutsche Bank (no, I didn't make that wonderful name up) analyst Jeetil Patel commented on September's NPD results -- and how they signaled to him at least, the ending of a great era for the PlayStation 2.

Well that was last week, and this week Sony strikes back with a little "chin music" of their own concerning the colossal juggernaut that is the PS2. Welcome to the birthday party of the most popular 7-year-old we've ever known. Sure, he may be starting to come down from that big sugar rush of last generation, but it's been one hell of a ride. Here's a reminder of the PS2's exploits, just in case you were too busy hating on the PS3 to notice:

• To date the PS2 has sold more than 120 million units worldwide
• 10 million additional PS2's are expected to be sold worldwide by the end of March 2008
• The PS2 broke the record for the fastest game console to reach 100 million units shipped, accomplishing the feat within 5 years and 9 months from its launch. This was faster than its predecessor, the PlayStation, which took 9 years and 6 months to reach the same milestone

• The PS2 has a software library of more than 1,400 titles
• SCEA will unveil more than 160 new software titles for the PS2 through the end of March 2008
  
• 30 million software titles for the PS2 have already been sold in this fiscal year
• The PS2 is a great option for consumers thanks to its expansive software library and low price point of $129.99
• The limited edition White Ceramic PS2 that will be bundled with SingStar Pop ($149.99) is ideal for younger families who want to enjoy social gaming while Buzz! Provides fun for the entire family
• The top-selling PS2 titles of all time: 
  

              Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (12 million)
              Grand Theft Auto III (11 million)
              Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec (11 million)
              Gran Turismo 4 (8.79 million)
              Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (7 million)
              Kingdom Hearts (5.6 million)
              Final Fantasy X (5 million)
              Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (3.7 million)
              Final Fantasy XII (3.68 million).

Besides stating the obvious that Sony should demand that all future titles for the PS3 should begin with the letters G, F, or M, I'd like to say that this is as fine a list of games as I've ever witnessed. My only disappointment is the glaring lack of Resident Evil somewhere in the midst of it all -- but personal opinion has little bearing on actual sales figures.

I'm thinking that Sony is not only celebrating an old friend, but also quietly hoping to conjure up images of its future. After all, it was not all that long ago that Sony wasn't feasting on humble pie, and we were all madly in love with everything they threw at us. Things might look a little dim for them right now, but a turnaround is anything but inconceivable.

As the Xbox 360 continues to struggle with hardware failures (warranty or not), Sony has the perfect platform in which to make their rise back to the top complete. They've already taken steps to make the PS3 more affordable. Now they need to throw everything at their disposal towards helping (nurturing relationships) developers give us the newest batch of memorable games to brag about at the next birthday party.

Come to think of it, Sony would be wise to re-examine their relationship with everyone. Like the old saying goes, the proverbial ball is in their court now -- and we all just want to play.