Tons of pics of the new skinny PlayStation 2

As promised, some better pics of Sony's new slimmer PlayStation 2. Click to see the rest of them.

[Bob Buck @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Wow... I may consider buying this just as a portable dvd player.

[Min @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Wow. It looks to be about the size of a DVD case. And it does a much better job of looking sleek and slim than the current one does. I'm hoping it runs quieter and cooler too.

[Darren Rowse @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

ooh..nice - i'll have one please - and a skinny iMac to match. :-)

Looks like skinny is in.

[mat @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Apparently 'internal noise' is reduced by 70%. Sounds good to me. Incredibly thin

[Rhythm @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

How much are we talking for this piece of kit?

[trashcanglam @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

the price (at least in the UK) will be the same as the current model.

[Terrell @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Sony can certainly design a product. I may have to consider dumping my current PS2 model. My only question is, what about the harddrive?

[kyle @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

You will note there are still mounting points for screws on the back of the new PS2 and an unexplained notch on the bottom of it. So it's safe to assume the hard drive will attach to the bottom and be secured using screws to the back.

[Eugen Leitl @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Any way to boot this thing from the network? Attach an external USB drive? Inquiring minds...

[MF @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Now I'm going to dump my Gamecube and run to buy this much sexier PS2.

[Galley @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

OK, Sony, you finally gave us the PStwo we've desired, but please don't wait so long to bring us an attachable screen!

[TheShadowRunner @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I'd be really interested in HOW THE HECK are we gonna hook the Network Adapter + HDD to this one...
Or are HDLOADER/FFXI users just screwed?
Later,

TSR

[Henning @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Networkadapter is built in and HDD not possible anymore.

[Aaron @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Does anyone know if there'll be different colours - I really want a silver one..

[Fox Neilson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Is it top loading? I'd really prefer a slot loading drive, or even a tray. Opening like that will NOT work in most entertainment systems. Its just not useful like that.

Does anyone have any pictures of the drive open?

[Phenostar @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I'm really glad I went and replaced my dead gen 1 PS2 not even two months ago!! CRAP!!

[Smackrabbit @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Is that an infrared port on the front right of the new console? If so, I want it just so I can free up a video input by using it as a DVD player without having to bother with a dongle or using a controller.

[grr @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

It's really hard for me to believe that this model is incompatible with a hard drive, unless they plan to continue selling both new and old PS2 styles for the sake of FFXI and friends, which also seems unlikely. I can't find any definitive info one way or the other, though.

[Michael @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

The newer versions of the regular PS2 have IR built in for the DVD player so I assume that this one does too. The official DVD remote comes in two flavors - one for those with IR and one for everyone else.

[Pappy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Just to point out.

They achieved this miniaturization by pulling the power supply out in to a 'brick' along the cord. Not a big deal, but something you might want to be aware of.

[fdisk @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

The PSone sold so well because they came out with a screen attachment. I don't see this taking off as big until they come out with a screen for it too.

[Christopher @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

an IBM T42

[ryan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

yeah, but can it still do DVD and etc?

[Paul Petyo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

thanks for screwing us again, you 'updated' the PS2 but neglected to address the most basic of qualms with the first iteration. The lack of support for 4 controllers without an adapter. Sony needs to get with the program, yeah it's smaller and 'cooler' but all that flies out the window if it's not practical.

[Smackrabbit @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Actually, if you read the article at Yahoo, you'll notice that the current multitap doesn't even work with the new version. This is a major problem for me as friends will come over with their multitap for when we want to play 3+ people at NFL 2K5 or another game. Having to buy another multitap to use if someone gets the newer version is going to be a pain.

[Jeff @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I hate to tell some of you, but this is the end-of-life redesign of the PS2. There's no need for hard drive support because there's exactly one game out there that requires it (in Japan, there are a few others that can make use of it, but only one requires it) and it's more than a year old already. By the time the original PS2 is fully off the market and sold out, nobody will be playing FFXI anymore and if they are, there are plenty of used PS2's to be had (and there will be a lot more once this thing hits).

Some have speculated that there may be a way to connect the hard drive; read the specs, there isn't.

Same deal with the controller ports. You're missing the point if you're complaining about a continuing lack of four controller ports. This redesign is not intended to spur new game development; it's intended to lower production costs as Sony gears up for the PS3. There's no need for extra controller ports at this stage; it'd be a waste of money.

I think this thing is pretty cool looking for what amounts to a cost-saving measure. I'll most definitely buy one at some point, probably when it drops in price again.

[Roady @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Look, it's not any faster and it's not any better than the gen1. SO who cares if it doesn't support four controllers...I'm assuming that the WORKING model you have already does!!! I'm sure that the "hardcore" gamers out there are more concerned about the PS3 or the Xbox2. Save your money, cause those are gonna be $400 just like the gen1's were 4 years ago.

[Andy S. @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

This site has a picture of the unit with the top open:

http://fredag.dagbladet.no/fredag/2004/09/21/408934.html

[kyle @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I just went and looked at the press release on http://www.us.playstation.com and it shows a white not yellow box for the new US model of the PS2 you can find it at http://www.us.playstation.com/Content/Sites/18/Info/newModel/newModelProfile2.jpg

[Jordan P @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

...will you be able to play import games if you have a boot disk?? i know you can buy a flip-top for the current PS2 that does this.

[hahhahahaha @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

look dummies if the thing supports no harddrive then you can;t play the new grandtheft auto because that game requires it.hahahhaahaha get an xbox!!!!

[Captain Pants @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas does NOT require the HDD. In fact, I think it'll be the most dense DVD-9 PS2 game yet, but definitely not HDD. Sony know fairly well they fubared on the HDD, and people aren't going to buy a $100 dollar accessory to play (FFXI isn't that successful, contrary to what Square-Enix wishes...)

[Rymel @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

y'know guys, the USB ports are still there, as well as that odd port between the ethernet port and the video port. it's likely to connect via that odd port or work with an external usb hard drive via new firmware. but's just personal speculation. sony may be hitting the end of their current system's life but that doesn't mean they're gonna screw their end users (usually).

[Mark Heath @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

[quote]
...as well as that odd port between the ethernet port and the video port. it's likely to connect via that odd port...
[/quote]

That odd port is also on an original PS2, it's a TOSLINK connector, S/PDIF optical digital audio out.
There is no way a harddisk can connect via this port.

I have a feeling that for only the few games that require a HD, it will be dropped.

My question is will this thing play PS1 games? Therefore may still be subject to the memory card trick!

[Greg @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I heard that it was like 300 to 400 dollars.

[Ominous @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

For the 2 last posters, if you read on the us playstation page, http://www.us.playstation.com, it will be priced at 149$ and will play Playstation 1 games. Someone also said that GTA-San Andreas was playable only if you had a HDD. Wrong!(yes you heard me dont go get a xbox..hell even if this was true dont go get one!) The game will probably support HDD (rumor) but only so you can play ripped music or download some extra stuff off the net. Peace!

[Nix @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Looks cool good job Sony,

Oh yeah and to the Xbox fool making remarks about GTA-San Andreas needing a HD thats rubbsish the game will ship on a DVD9 which is a dual layer DVD like what most DVD movies now come on, so the game will work fine in the new PSTwo and the rumors are that the game itself will be bundled with the PSTwo when both hit retail.

[Person Who Can't For For Christmas @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I can't wait for the new model! I used to be Nintendo-only (actually, I've always wanted a PS2, but GCN stuff always got in the way), but, that may change with the new PS2, because of only two new GCN games that I want. I can't wait for this! It looks like the size of a DVD case!

[Gamer @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

the xbox guy is just a stupid spammer, pay him no attention.

anyways, i've never played on a playstation, just xbox, but i have to say the new ps2 look cute. its like the old one gave birth to it....baby ps2.

you guys should research more before jumping to conclusions, i'm sure its not just a cut-down version of the old ps2, it looks fully capable. tho, its still technically inferior to a certain other console. ^_^

[playstation4ever @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Hey ive been with sony since '95 and this is just one of those things that i love about the company we have dominated over the competition
and while they could just sit back and relax
and enjoy the ps2's success till 2006 when the PS3 launches they dont they release the eyetoy,
create the PSP,reinvent the ps2,and have the new grand theft auto ,metal gear 3, jak3,ratchet & clank 3,killzone(the halo killer),god of war,gran turismo 4...... it doesnt get any better than this! - playstation4evr

[Kris @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Did some researching today in the St. Louis Area. The earliest release date I could find was Gamestop. October 13th. Also found out that Grand Theft Auto got pushed back a week, and there is no chance for a gta/new system bundle. Also, can't reserve the new pstwo just yet, no sku available at Gamestop. Was told to call back next week to start reserving. Too bad, I had cash today..

[Johnny @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Where the heck is the cooling system in this thing?

[kiggy410 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

im a X-Box Fan 4 Life...i cant be swayed by the new sexy look of the ps2...now matter how slim and sleek it is..

[redeemermatt @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Ive had a PS One and a Xbox since they both came, and I tend to look at things from an outside view (so you wont get me randomly yelling "PS2 IS CRAP!!!")I think the PS Two is a great step forwed for playstation, and if I have some spare money, will most probally buy it out of the practibility of having a portable games station for holidays and drunkeness. I'll still like my Xbox better, but two thumbs up for the PS Two ;)

[haikus @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

roflkopter is it real?

[Roadracing7 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

My lens just got cracked on my PS2 and I'm stuck waiting for the PStwo to replace it. I have heard from some people that the PStwo has addressed the problem in the PS2 and disc balance and lens cracking will not be a factor. Can anyone confirm or deny this?

[Eli @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Duuuuude.

[MasterFocus @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

Why is there any xbox'er writting for the pstwo? if you like so much your bilgatebox, dont loose your time writting and keep playing with it. and by the way there still is a worst game system and its made by Nin****o :P

[oracle32 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

It looks sexy as hell, but I already replaced my broken down PS2 with a new one! Crap!

It was mentioned before that the PS2 was slimmed down by taking out the power supply and putting it in a brick on the power cord. Does this look like the Gamecubes power supply?

Also, has there been word of an attachable screen, or an external battery pack for gaming-on-the-go?

[Alex @ Dec 19th 2005 12:04AM]

I heard $180 in Japan