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PlayStation2: Say Hello to the New, Smaller, Slimmer and Network-Ready PlayStation2 (new pictures)
Tue Sep 21 2004 18:12:02 Hong Kong Time - PlayStation2
Update: We have added some unofficial pictures, scroll down.
The rumors that went through the Internet like a thunderstorm yesterday (as reported by Lik Sang here), were today proven
to be partly true. There is a new PS2 console coming, it's nearly half of the PlayStation2's original weight, and nearly 30%
smaller. The Japanese version of the unit will go on sale as soon as the price is confirmed by Sony. Import gamers worldwide
will benefit from the smaller weight and size. Shipping will be definitely cheaper and the system will be easier to hide in
a suitcase or backpack when going through customs ;-)
Here is a copy of the original press release by Sony:
TOKYO, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI)
announced today its plans for the global release of a new, redesigned
PlayStation(R)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.
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
http://www.us.playstation.com .
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.
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