Gaming PlayStation 2 Slim

[Semjaza]

[quote]# TOKYO, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today its plans for the global release of a new, redesigned PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system (SCPH-70000 CB) in time for the year-end peak-selling season. The new model will be in stores on November 3 in Japan, and by November 1 in Europe and North America.(Photo: [url]http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040921/SFTU069-a[/url] [url]http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040921/SFTU069-b[/url] [url]http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020701/SFM066LOGO[/url] )

While inheriting the basic functions and design philosophy of the current PlayStation 2 (SCPH-50000), the internal design architecture of the new model has been completely overhauled, resulting in a slimmer and more lightweight form. Internal volume has been reduced by 75 percent, overall weight has been halved, and thickness trimmed down to 2.8 cm (thickness of current model is 7.8 cm). Its size is almost as small as a hardcover book, making it easier to carry around and enjoy games and DVD videos anytime, anywhere.

Equipped with an integrated Ethernet port for network gaming, the new PlayStation 2 sets new standards in the fusion of design and functionality and will enable the company to maintain market momentum as it expands its online console gaming community, the largest in North America with more than 1.4 million users. Approximately 40 percent (*1) of North American PlayStation 2 online gamers use dial-up connections and to satisfy this base, the North American model is equipped with both Ethernet and modem ports.

During the year-end peak-selling season about 80 online game titles are expected to be available in Japan, with 120 titles and 65 titles respectively in North America and Europe. With the launch of the new network-ready(*2) PlayStation 2, the company expects to continually expand the world of online gaming in this generation.

"The introduction of the new PlayStation 2 is part of our long-term vision for the platform," said Jack Tretton, executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "We are pleased to bring the sleek, redesigned product to market in time for the holiday season, and expect consumer enthusiasm for the new model to translate into robust sales. As the market leader, with an existing installed base of more than 27 million PlayStation 2 units in North America alone, we will continue to provide solutions that expand our consumer base and grow the category as a whole."

Gaining an overwhelming support from a wide range of users from all over the world, more than 72 million units of PlayStation 2 have been shipped as of today. Strongly supported by software developers and publishers, PlayStation 2 is indisputably the most popular computer entertainment system in the world and the new design will position it for even greater success over the next half of its life.

* (*1) According to SCEI's DNAS (Dynamic Network Authentication System) data.
* (*2) Internet Service Provider and appropriate Internet access (e.g. ADSL, cable, fiber, etc.) required. For further details regarding network connection, on-line games and peripherals supported with the new model (SCPH-70000 CB), please visit our customer support website [url]http://www.us.playstation.com[/url] .

Product Outline (for Japan Model)

Product Name PlayStation(R)2
Color Charcoal Black
Product Code SCPH-70000 CB
Release Date November 3rd, 2004 (Wednesday)
Recommended
Retail Price Open Price
Dimensions 230 mm (W) x28 mm (H) x152 mm (D)
*internal volume about 23% of the current model
Weight Approximately 900g
*weight about 45% of the current model
Power requirements DC 8.5V
Electrical current
consumption (power
consumption) Approximately 5.3A(approximately 45W)


Product Outline (for Japan Model) (continued)

Compatible format PlayStation format CD-ROM
PlayStation 2 format CD-ROM
PlayStation 2 format DVD-ROM
Audio CD
DVD-Video*
DVD-RW (VR mode)
*the term "DVD-Video" is used to refer to DVD-R,
DVD-RW (Video mode), DVD+R and DVD+RW discs.
Interfaces Controller Port x 2
MEMORY CARD slot x 2
USB connector x 2
NETWORK connector x 1 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T
DC IN 8.5V connector x 1
AV MULTI OUT connector x 1
DIGITAL OUT OPTICAL connector x 1
Included PlayStation 2 console x 1
Analog Controller DUALSHOCK(R)2 x 1
AV Cable (integrated audio/video) x 1
AC Adaptor (AC power cord included) x 1


Separately Sold Accessories (for Japan Model)

Product Name Vertical Stand (for PlayStation(R)2)
Product Code SCPH-70110 CB
Color Charcoal Black
Release Date November 3rd, 2004 (Wednesday)
Recommended
Retail Price 1,500 yen (1,575 yen tax inclusive)


# The Vertical Stand for the current model cannot be used with the new model PlayStation 2 (SCPH-70000 CB), due to difference in design.

Product Name Multitap (for PlayStation(R)2)
Product Code SCPH-70120
Release Date November 3rd, 2004 (Wednesday)
Recommended
Retail Price 3,600 yen (3,780 yen tax inclusive)


# The Multitap for the current model cannot be used with the new model PlayStation 2 (SCPH-70000 CB), due to difference in design. The new Multitap offers the same function as the current Multitap.

Product Outline (for North America/United States Models)

Product Name PlayStation(R)2
Color Charcoal Black
Product Code SCPH-70011 CB (for North America)
SCPH-70012 CB (for United States)
Release Date November 1st, 2004 (Monday)
Suggested
Retail Price $149.99
Dimensions Approximately 230 mm (W) x28 mm (H) x152 mm (D)
*internal volume about 23% of the current model
Weight Approximately 900g
*weight about 45% of the current model
Power requirements DC 8.5V
Electrical current
consumption
(power consumption) Approximately 5.3A (approximately 45W)
Compatible format PlayStation format CD-ROM
PlayStation 2 format CD-ROM
PlayStation 2 format DVD-ROM
Audio CD
DVD-Video*
DVD-RW (VR mode)
* The term "DVD-Video" is used to refer to DVD-
R, DVD-RW (Video mode), DVD+R and DVD+RW discs.
Interfaces Controller Port x 2
MEMORY CARD slot x 2
USB connector x 2
NETWORK connector x 1 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T
LINE connector x 1 modem : RJ-11C
DC IN 8.5V connector x 1
AV MULTI OUT connector x 1
DIGITAL OUT OPTICAL connector x 1
Included PlayStation(R)2 console x 1
Analog Controller DUALSHOCK(R)2 x 1
AV Cable (integrated audio/video) x 1
AC Adaptor (AC power cord included) x 1


# North America and United States models (SCPH-70011/SCPH-70012) come with built-in modem port in addition to Ethernet port.

Separately Sold Accessories (for North America/United States Models)

Product Name Vertical Stand (for PlayStation(R)2)
Color Charcoal Black
Product Code SCPH-70110 UCB
Color Charcoal Black
Release Date November 1st, 2004 (Monday)


# The Vertical Stand for the current model cannot be used with the new model PlayStation 2 (SCPH-70011 CB, 70012 CB), due to difference in design.

Product Name Multitap (for PlayStation(R)2)
Product Code SCPH-70120 U
Release Date November 1st, 2004 (Monday)


# The Multitap for the current model cannot be used with the new model PlayStation 2 (SCPH-70011 CB, 70012 CB), due to difference in design. The new Multitap offers the same function as the current Multitap.

Product Outline (for Oceania, UK and Europe Models)

Product Name PlayStation(R)2
Color Charcoal Black
Product Code SCPH-70002 CB (for Oceania)
SCPH-70003 CB (for UK)
SCPH-70004 CB (for Europe)
Release Date November 1st, 2004 (Monday)
Recommended
Retail Price 149 Euros
Dimensions Approximately 230 mm (W) x28 mm (H) x152 mm (D)
*internal volume about 23% of the current model
Weight Approximately 900g
*weight about 45% of the current model
Power requirements DC 8.5V
Electrical current
consumption
(power consumption) Approximately 5.3A (approximately 45W)
Compatible format PlayStation format CD-ROM
PlayStation 2 format CD-ROM
PlayStation 2 format DVD-ROM
Audio CD
DVD-Video*
DVD-RW (VR mode)
* The term "DVD-Video" is used to refer to
DVD-R, DVD-RW (Video mode), DVD+R and DVD+RW
discs.


Product Outline (for Oceania, UK and Europe Models) (continued)

Interfaces Controller Port x 2
MEMORY CARD slot x 2
USB connector x 2
NETWORK connector x 1 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T
DC IN 8.5V connector x 1
AV MULTI OUT connector x 1
DIGITAL OUT OPTICAL connector x 1
Included PlayStation 2 console x 1
Analog Controller DUALSHOCK(R)2 x 1
AV Cable (integrated audio/video) x 1
AC Adaptor (AC power cord included) x 1
Euro-AV Connector Plug x 1 *SCPH-70003 CB, 70004
CB only


Separately Sold Accessories (for Oceania, UK and Europe Models)

Product Name Vertical Stand (for PlayStation(R)2)
Color Charcoal Black
Product Code SCPH-70110 ECB
Release Date November 1st, 2004 (Monday)


# The Vertical Stand for the current model cannot be used with the new model PlayStation 2 (SCPH-70002 CB, 700003 CB, 70004 CB), due to difference in design.

Product Name Multitap (for PlayStation(R)2)
Product Code SCPH-70120 E
Release Date November 1st, 2004 (Monday)


# The Multitap for the current model cannot be used with the new model PlayStation 2 (SCPH-70002 CB, 700003 CB, 70004 CB), due to difference in design. The new Multitap offers the same function as the current Multitap[/quote]

Coming out far sooner than I expected. No HD support is a bit weird... but Japan has an external USB hard drive option, might work for this.

[James]

[color=#707875]This is very cool. When my old PS2 broke down, my dad bought a new Platinum PS2. But because he bought it, he tends to monopolize it. lol

So I was considering buying a new one, when the price comes down. Although, I imagine this new PS2 is going to be more expensive than the current model, or at least the same price. Still, it looks great. It'd have been awesome if the original PS2 looked this sexy. ~_^[/color]

[Falkon]

That looks awesome! I would buy it, but since I already have a PS2 with a network adapter and all that there is really no point. However, for all you out there who dont have a PS2, I would recommend getting this model! Looks fun and is probably a little more reliable than the current one out now. plus, by getting this model you are already set for online gaming.... Which is a GOOD thing, by the way. Took me about 3 days to figure out what was going on with my adapter when i bought it.

[Gavin]

[SIZE=1]Interesting, most interesting.

Well I have to say that this has definitely piqued my interest, I wouldn't be the biggest fan of the Playstation since my brother already has a PS2 and I'm pretty happy with my Gamecube. However my brother's PS2 has already packed in once before and suffers from errors from time to time so if it does pack in again I'll probably recommend this to him. Just on James' point about costs it looks roughly the same price as a normal PS2, at least here in Ireland it's priced normally at about 179.99. [/SIZE]

[Dead Alice]

It's so tiny! It's like an anorexic PS2. XD What Sony should really do is make the PS2's in different colors... I'd like a red one. ^_^

[Guest Sob]

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=1][COLOR=SlateGray]Definatly an awesome little piece of equipment. I will consider buying one, especially since my laser is going out and for sure if they bring out a white one.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[S9per]

It is definitely impressive. When I first heard "PStwo," I thought "retardeeeeed," but then I actually saw it and I caught myself saying "wow."

I think I might (maybe) get one when they come out...

[Guest Sob]

But then again the PS3 should be out within a year or two..

[S9per]

Yeah, but PS3 will be like $300, and it won't be out for a while, like you said. I have a lot of PS2 games I want to play now...or soon. And I probably won't be buying a PS3 in its first year of release, but that has yet to be seen...

Unless they were to release, like, a new Zelda game for PS3, there isn't going to be anything that I would go out and buy a PS3 for...

I don't know though. I have thought about how buying a PStwo for 150 is just throwing $150 away...it'd be like getting a PS2 and a PS3 for $150 apiece...
But then again, when PS3 comes out, those PStwos will probably be like $50.

[Guest ScirosDarkblade]

Well, I'm probably just gonna get PS3 on release day or something. Then I'll play the 2 or 3 PS2 games that I "missed out" on, as well as something cool like Devil May Fall Asleep From Boredom When Is Ninja Gaiden II Coming Out Again?

PSTwo is a very clever way to keep selling PS2 hardware without lowering the price. Very diabolical. I'm not falling for it, heh.

[S9per]

Actually, it might be a slightly lowered price. I heard somewhere something about $129.99, but I think that was just wishful thinking, but I'm not sure.

[James]

[QUOTE=AnujSuper9]
Unless they were to release, like, a new Zelda game for PS3, there isn't going to be anything that I would go out and buy a PS3 for...
[/QUOTE]
[color=#707875]You never know, it's really too early to say. I am willing to bet that we'll see several pretty big name titles for PS3's launch, particularly considering that Sony seems to finally be on track with all of its PS3 dealings (where late last year and early this year it was suddenly becoming quite tentative about various aspects of PS3, which it had previously confirmed or provided some assurances on).

Basically, just to add a footenote to this discussion, you'll find that PSTwo isn't going to be aimed at current PS2 owners. Rather, PSTwo is going to be aimed at people who either haven't yet bought a current generation system (and there are plenty out there), [i]or [/i]people who own a different system and who are thinking about buying PS2. The sheer appeal of the new PSTwo -- as well as the fact that it already has an enormous library of games -- will probably be enough to win a few people over.

In any case, I think that's what you'll find when you look at the reasoning behind PSTwo. I'm sure that a number of PS2 owners will probably trade in their old model for a PSTwo, but really, PSTwo is a good way for Sony to continue expanding the userbase of the console even as it starts to become obsolete.

I think that Sony were really clever to do that with PSOne and as we know, the results were very positive for them. I personally know a lot of people who bought PSOne rather than buying the original PlayStation.

This makes me wonder about the suggestions with Microsoft, that they might be releasing an updated Xbox (ie: much smaller and more attractive console). I think that would be the catalyst that would finally encourage me to purchase an Xbox, particularly if the price point is attractive.[/color]

[S9per]

I completely agree. The PSTwo is a brilliant marketing move that is designed to just win over those people that don't have PS2s already, or have people trade in their old ones for this newer model.

And PS3 probably will have a fair share of must-own games during initial release, but Sony must-own games usually don't grip me as much as most others. Some really good RPGs and some other games will no doubt swing by, but the new GTA game, whatever it may be (and there will be one), and it will probably be one of the biggest flagship title for PS3 to start off, doesn't really attract me too much. I don't like GTA games...

And mentioning Xbox doing the same thing...I heard that they in fact were doing something like that, but I heard that almost a year ago, and there haven't been any developments since, so I don't know what to think about that. But it would be interesting.

[Purple Haze]

the PStwo comes out on the 14th of this monthI'm gonna get the PStwo either this week or next depending on my interim grades. I'm gonna trade in my old PS2 at Gamestop. It's worth $85. If my grades are straght my grandma will give me the rest of the money. I like the slimness of the new one and the fact the they took out the slide out tray. That made it impossible to clean the laser. People should be able to clean the PS now without voiding the warranty by taking it apart.

[Semjaza]

My second PS2 is somehow on its last legs. I'm getting really tired of this nonsense, but I will need something to play Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne on...

I'm between this at $149.99 and that awesome white PS2 for $199. I am not sure which to go with lol.

[S9per]

Awesome white one.
Totally.

Those will be so much more rare than the PStwo and look so much cooler that you won't even care.

[TheShinje]

I doubt i'd be getting a PStwo anytime soon, My PS2 has been really good, with no problems, and It wouldn't make much sense just to buy virtually the same machine.

[Chroniosis]

Yeah, I had bought a ps2 a few years ago at best buy, and I chose to get the 2 year exended protection policy. In the event that anything, erm, happens to it, I can return the broken product for it's price in store credit. I had bought it for 179.99. When the new ps2 thinny came out, i decided to take advantage of our capitalist society. :animeswea . So, after about 3 tries, my ps2 accidently FELL OFF MY DESK and broke. Did I mention it landed on a screwdriver, which hit it right on the fan and broke through and stabed the disk drive? Oh yeah, I got a thinner ps2 and $30 baby. :D :p :D

[Goodbye, Face]

[font=trebuchet ms]How convenient, my PS2 got hit by lightning a few weeks ago, and I finally raised the rest of the money I needed to buy a PStwo. I enjoy it a lot. Soul Calibur II seems to run faster, which is interesting. The new graphics card makes a slightly noticable difference as well. My only problem with it is the fact that it gets really (really really really) hot after only 20 minutes of playing. I know it's probably not overheating, but you can't help but worry when it gets as hot as it does. At least I can clean the laser without voiding the warranty...

I've been playing those blue disk games that I kept and haven't been able to play for a few years. The only ones I still have are Unreal Tournament and Dynasty Warriors 2, as well as a few demos that are basically worthless to me.[/font]

[BlueYoshi]

[color=darkred]I bought one of these a few months ago, as my black PS2 was starting to croak. This is my fifth PS2 now lol, and my third PAL compatible one (the other two were American and Japanese ones). I like the slim PS2 a lot, mainly because it lets my games, especially the older ones, load much faster without any faults, freezes, and crashes.

It's a shame that the old PS2 multi-tap doesn't work with it, though. I ended up selling my one the day that I bought my slim PS2. I guess the fact that the slim PS2 has built in IR sensors makes up for that, because I'm one of the few crazy people who actually bought a PS2 DVD remote, and not having to worry about scratching my detachable IR unit when using it is a load of my mind. Come to think of it I don't actually have any use for it anymore...[/color]

[James]

[font=franklin gothic medium]I'm really happy with the PSTwo, particularly the fact that it seems to have a lot less errors than the older models. It's my third PS2 system, which is only due to necessity (ie: the previous two have had disc issues, especially the original system). So that's disappointing, but it's nice to actually own such a small console.

However recently my sister accidentally broke my copy of GTA: San Andreas. And now that the game is banned in Australia, I can't buy a new version. Hopefully Rockstar will put the game out here with the objectionable stuff (the hidden sex bits) taken out, so that I can purchase it again. It's one of the few PS2 games that I still play semi-regularly.[/font]