An upcoming firmware update for Memor32 – the PS2 modchip on a memory card – promises to allow your non-chipped PS2 to play your entire collection of games from the comforts of a roomy, capacious USB hard drive. A group of Russian hackers named Memento are responsible for the firmware handiwork, allowing hard drive-based playback of your entire collection of PS2 discs for easy access, TiVo-style. Sure, the unscrupulous amongst you may use your Memor32's new found powers for evil, but we just want to fire up Shadow of the Colossus without leaving the couch.

[Via ripten]

We already knew Nintendo's DS was quite the popular handheld, and while the PSP recently overtook it in Japanese hardware sales, the most recent numbers show that the Big N's famed DS has actually rocketed above the mighty PlayStation 2 in lifetime sales (in Japan). Notably, the numbers do combine DS and DS Lite units, but there's no mention of how the systems stack up worldwide. Nevertheless, the feat is a fairly impressive one when you consider how much longer the PS2 has been available compared to the DS, and unless Sony somehow lightens the PS2 load even further and starts bundling them in with cereals, we doubt it will reclaim the top spot anytime soon.

[Via DSFanboy, thanks J]

It's not like folks haven't been tinkering with something like this, but it's quite refreshing to see an actual product emerge that promises to deliver on the claims we've been hearing about. Apparently, the Memor 32 memory card enables PlayStation 2 owners across the globe to effectively chip their console without requiring a single power tool. The unit promises to allow gamers to load / unload save games (not to mention backups, homebrews, etc.) to and from their PC, and there's even a built-in USB connector to make things even simpler for you. 'Course, we'd still like to see one of these in action before lauding it too enthusiastically, but if you're willing to take a chance, MrModChips will gladly take your £33.49 ($70).

[Via PS2News]

While you're holding out for a slimmer, $99 PS2 Sony has gone ahead and released a new model in Japan. The SCPH-90000 with integrated power adapter hits Japan on November 22nd for ¥16,000 or about $140 -- that's the same price as the SCPH-79000 model already available. Besides that internal power supply, we're not seeing anything new. ¥1,500 (about $13) will buy you the optional vertical stand. Hurting for gaming profits are we Sony? Oh, right.

[Via I4U]

We'll be straight with you: we're far from ready to etch this one in stone, but considering that Sony has already trimmed down the PlayStation 2 (twice), it's not unfathomable to think that an even smaller iteration could be in the pipeline. According to MCV, Sony is aiming to launch a "compact" PS2 in early 2008 for just $99, and while we've no idea how different (or not) it would actually look, it will supposedly feature a "built-in power supply." Of course, representatives for Sony "refused to comment" when questioned, so we hope you're ready for another fascinating round of wait-and-see.

[Via Joystiq]

The venerable PlayStation 2 just turned seven years old, and getting all dressed up for the occasion -- that hot Ceramic White slim PS2 Singstar bundle we saw a while back should be hitting stores this weekend, with availability everywhere by November 4, according to Sony's PlayStation Blog. The $150 bundle includes Singstar Pop, a matching white DualShock 2, and two microphones -- just the thing to spice up those holiday parties.
Read -- Singstar bundle info on the PlayStation Blog
Read -- PS2 turns seven

Engadget's favorite hardware hacker Benjamin Heckendorn is at it again, and his latest mutant mashup is the one-handed Access controller. The modular rig features five interchangeable pods -- one each for the analog sticks, d-pad, main buttons, and shoulder buttons -- that can be rearranged to make any control scheme one-hand-friendly. Ben says the Access is in pre-production with eDimensional, and will be hitting in PS2 / 3 versions first with a planned 360 version to follow -- although it certainly looks like a brave 360 controller was involved in making that prototype. More photos await you at the read link.

So we've never seen this so-called Shredmaster V wireless guitar controller from China's E-Core Technology before, but from what we can tell from the FCC documents, it looks to be your standard third-party PlayStation 2 Rock Band axe. Price? Release date? Ha, couldn't tell ya; maybe a long-distance call to Shenzen City will clear things up.

This one's firmly in the rumor category, but Ars Technica is reporting that its "mole" had gotten wind of some fairly big plans Sony has in store for this holiday season, not the least of which is a new 40GB PlayStaiton 3 that would retail for $400. What's more, this source says that Sony will also be dropping the price of the 80GB PS3 to $500, and that one or both will come bundled with a Blu-ray version of Spider-Man 3. If that's not enough, Ars Technica is also reporting that Sony will be dropping the price of the tried and true PS2 to a mere $100, which is a rather roundabout way to ensure backwards compatibility but a welcome price drop nonetheless. While Sony's obviously remaining mum on the matter, as both Ars and Joystiq point out, the Tokyo Game Show later this month would seem to be a likely opportunity for it to get official with things, if it in fact has anything to get official with.

[Via Joystiq]

It always feels good to do a bit of catch up with Japan, even if we are a couple years behind the times. This time we're getting in on the "so 2005" ceramic white slim PS2 fad, but lucky for us in North America, Sony's tossing in an attractive SingStar bundle all for a perfectly reasonable $150. Included in the box is SingStar Pop, two mics, and of course the white PlayStation 2 and matching DualShock. You can score the bundle this November.

[Via Joystiq]

We were skeptical of Vast's claims to have developed a PS2 modchip that works simply by plugging in a memory card when we first heard about it earlier this week, but the company sent MaxConsole a video of the chip in action and it looks pretty convincing. The demo PS2 first fails to boot a backup disc, but then the demonstrator inserts the Vast card and the disc starts right up. Impressive, but we're still a little wary, especially since the demo PS2 in the video is totally opened up. Let's see this on a fresh console straight from the box, shall we? Check the full video after the break.

One of the main impediments keeping many people from modding their own consoles is their lack of handiness with a soldering gun -- not to mention the whole voided warranty thing -- but now a new product is said to be on the horizon that moots both these points in a single blow, the 'Vast' advanced custom memory card for PlayStation 2. According to MaxConsole, which claims to have a dialog going with the developers, Vast "essentially exploits a flaw in the PS2 memory card system" to give you the same functionality derived from a hard-wired mod chip sans the need for a single power tool. The only real "proof" we have of this product so far is the above screenshot, which MaxConsole tells us was captured from the card's proprietary operating system; if this is all on the level, we should know more before the scheduled launch, which is said to be a mere two weeks away.

Itching for anything Guitar Hero-related to tide your over until the third iteration hits? If you just so happen to have two unwanted PS1 controllers, a whammy bar, a few screws, a motion sensor, some wood (or similar), cutting instruments, and whole slew of other random tools (seriously, it's a lengthy list), you've got a tremendous challenge ahead. An admittedly stouthearted and presumably resolute individual managed to not only create a fully-functional PS2 Guitar Hero controller from a fairly impressive list of scrap parts, but he actually took the time to assemble a how-to guide for anyone else with enough knowledge and vacation time to do the same. Put simply, this DIY endeavor ranks pretty high up there on the complexity meter, but if you think you've got what it takes, let this be the dare that gets you started. Check out the video of the axe in action after the break.

[Via HackNMod, thanks Joe]

Unlike Microsoft, which dropped the original Xbox in favor of the Xbox 360 in manner similar to Paris Hilton dropping her old cellphone, Sony has continued to maintain the PlayStation 2. Somehow, Sony has managed to make a new iteration of the PS2 that decreases the console's weight by almost a third: they've trimmed the console itself down to 600 grams from 900 grams, and the power adapter to 250 grams from 350 grams. The external design of the console is unchanged, but the lower weight and the new components should decrease production and shipping costs. Not bad for an old console that continues to sell well (and sell for more than the value of its components, at that).

Looking back at the decapitated goat scandal that was Sony's press event for God of War II, which hit British tabloids and gaming news last month, the freshly slaughtered skin may have been the least offensive part.

If you frequented any gaming sites in the last few weeks, chances are you saw more pixilated pictures of flesh than you would have in a commercial for Girls Gone Wild. Unfortunately, not all the skin was of the girl variety – most of the pixilated flesh belonged to a freshly slaughtered goat that made an appearance at an event held in Greece to promote the recent launch of the game God of War II.

Among the festivities back in March, guests were challenged invited to win a PS3 by reaching into what looked like the most pathetic pit of snakes and eat a traditional Greek dish fashioned after goat intestines while topless women paraded around the joint. The goat had been purchased from a butcher prior to the event and though a spokesperson claimed the goat had not been slaughtered for the event, many were left skeptical considering goats aren't typically decapitated in such a manner. A video of the event surfaced, complete with commentary and cliché flame graphics.