It's been at least an hour since Sony has released a new PlayStation 3 SKU, so our friends at Joystiq took the time to take a breath. In that moment, they came up with a handy -- and somewhat startling -- chart that explains which PS3 model has what, including Cell chip size (the more efficient and quieter 65nm vs the older 90nm), USB port count, pack-in freebies, and which ones have PS2 backwards compatibility. It's charts like that remind us that no currently-shipping PS3 comes with HD video cables or PS2 backward compatibility, for better or worse. Hit the read link for the breakdown, and start your fanboy engines.

This makes sense on very many levels, but at the same time we've gotta think those long-suffering PS3 owners will be a bit "hacked off" by Sony's announcement of a motion-tracking sword game headed for... the PS2. The PS2's market saturation (every man, woman and child on earth has at least two), and the EyeToy's general success (10.5 million units sold) make the combo the perfect trojan horse for fighting the good fight against Wii world domination. Sony's using new (sort of) color tracking technology to beef up the EyeToy's motion tracking that will let it detect and track brightly colored objects, instead of just motion, for two new EyeToy: Play games due for the holidays this year. The one we've really got our eye on is the kiddie-oriented Hero which is a first person perspective sword fighting game that comes complete with a fluorescent toy sword for battling kinda-almost-evil antagonists. Of course, none of this would be disappointing in the slightest if Sony would just work PS2 backwards compatibility into its fully capable PS3, and hey, maybe they'll surprise us. Nudge, comma, nudge. Wink. Wink.

[Thanks, Seth B]

According to a report in the Economic Times, Sony will be introducing a slimmer (well, "slimer" if you want the direct quote), sleeker, and "more suave" version of the PS2 in Indian and European markets come Fall. If you believe what you read, the new system will include a built-in power supply, will make its debut by Diwali (which falls on October 28th), and will keep the current sticker price of Rs 6,990 (or about $162). The article also claims that Sony will bring its PlayStation Network to India by the end of the year, which should make a lot of competition hungry gamers very happy. Sony reps say that the move is driven by the belief that, "Console gaming is in its nascent stage in India," adding, "We have no plans to phase out PS2 anytime soon." The PS2: you just can't kill it!

[Via Joystiq]

Proving once again that old gadgets die hard (some, at least) Sony Japan is introducing fancy new paint jobs for two of its oldest -- and most successful -- products. Come July 3rd, the venerable PS2 will be hitting shelves with a new job, a new outlook on life, and a "red cinnabar" paint job. The refreshed system will run you about ¥16,000 (or around $153). Meanwhile, that metallic blue PSP we've seen is making its way to Japanese gamers on July 17th, sans Madden '09, for ¥23,800 (or $227) for the Value Pack, or ¥29,800 (or $284) for the a decked out bundle including a 1seg tuner, 1GB Memory Stick, and handsome matching carrying case. Check out a closeup of the handheld after the break.

[Via Impress]

Read - PS2 "red cinnabar" press release
Read - PSP "metallic blue" press release

When it comes to sussing out info on Guitar Hero IV, we've seen blurry images and scanned pictures, but now Activision is getting all official on us with a Fall release date and complete feature list. So here's what we know: Guitar Hero: World Tour (as it's called) will include a drum kit with cymbals, a new guitar controller, and a microphone. In terms of game modes, look for a Music Studio music creator that will let you compose, record, edit, and share your own music -- fear that -- and an 8-player "Battle of the Bands" should keep things interesting both on and offline. They're calling it "The Guitar Hero experience reinvented" and we can't argue with that, at least until the game actually comes out in Fall 2008 for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, and PS2. Peep the official trailer and Lenny Kravitz ubiquity after the break.

[Via Boy Genius]

We've seen plenty of attempts to use game console hardware as MIDI controllers, but they've usually involved complicated hacks and strange software kludges, so we're pretty curious to see if Curious Inventor's Midiator actually works as promised. The nondescript black box is supposed to map virtually any PS2 controller -- including wireless models and partial support for Guitar Hero axes -- to various standard MIDI controls, including use of the analog sticks as pitch bends and modulators. Not only that, but if you don't feel like buying the assembled kit for $79, you can get the schematics for free, and if you're handy with a soldering iron, you can even earn some cash by adding requested features like pressure-sensitivity and direct USB support to the unit. Check it all out at the read link, and make sure to cruise past the break for the sweet demo video.

[Via MAKE]

It doesn't look like Activision and Harmonix are ever going to make nice and implement broad hardware compatibility for Rock Band and Guitar Hero controllers, but if you've got a sizable investment in PS2 gear, The Ant Commandos' new converter might let you ignore all the nastiness and keep rockin' anyway. TAC's Universal PS2-to-PS3 Converter is compatible with PS3 Rock Band and PS2 / PS3 GHIII, and it works with basically every PS2 axe you can think of, wired and wireless. Not bad for just $20, but c'mon, guys, let's just make this stuff work for real, alright?

We're still rocking a first-gen PSP, so we're not too broken up over headphone wires, but now that the PSP Slim can output game video to a TV, this little Bluetooth hack by N3M515 over at Instructables is just the ticket -- and it'll add in some wireless action to your PS2 in the deal. Basically you'll need to sacrifice a PS2 headset adapter, a Bluetooth transmitter / receiver kit, and some basic soldering skills, but when you're done you'll be ready to frag out headset-style -- and it'll even work with PS2 games on the PS3. Check it all out at the read link.

[Thanks, Shane]

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.