History

The black, sleek look of the PS2 makes it look very appealing.

The PlayStation 2 was first introduced to the world in March of 2000 in Japan. Gamers in the U.S. had to wait until October of that year for the American launch. In a bold move by Sony, not only was the PS2 the first console that could play standard DVD movies, but it was also the first modern console that was backward-compatible with games and peripherals of the previous generation. That is, it can play most PlayStation games. Sony also decided to keep the controller design largely unchanged, retaining the look of the original PlayStation's while adding some new analog button functionality.

Hardware

Specifications

• CPU: MIPS R5900, 295 MHz
• GPU: Graphics Synthesizer, 150 MHz
• RAM: 32 MB

Besides its main processor, the PS2 also utilizes a MIPS R3000 processor, which just happens to be the CPU of the original PlayStation. Thanks to this inclusion, your PS2 will be able to play practically all PlayStation games. Another unique feature is the ability for the console to be played in both a vertical and horizontal orientation. Note that some users have reported various problems when using the system vertically, though.

Media Besides PS2 games, your console can play, almost without exception, all original PlayStation games, DVD movies, and audio CDs. Japanese gamers had to load the DVD player software onto a memory card, and then that card had to be inserted into the console for DVDs to play. Luckily, on Western machines the DVD software is hard-wired into the system, so the DVD player will automatically kick in when a movie disc is inserted.

Input/Output

On the rear of the PS2, we have a power port, a proprietary Multi A/V port (which is exactly the same as the A/V port featured in the original PlayStation), and an expansion bay. There's also an optical audio out, for those who have the hardware to enjoy surround sound.

The Multi A/V port actually outputs composite video, S-video, component video, and RGB video all at once. However, component and RGB share the same pins on the connector, and a software setting toggles between the two. In most cases, you'll have no reason to mess with this, but it's a nice feature for the ultra hardcore gamers. Some games may support progressive scan or widescreen mode, which will work on any PS2. However, only the upcoming PS2 model SCPH-50000 will support progressive scan during DVD movie playback.

On the front, we have the standard complement of two controller ports and two memory card ports. Original PlayStation controllers and memory cards will work in the PS2, but you won't be able to use an original PlayStation memory card with a PS2 game. Similarly, you will not be able to use a PS2 memory card with an original PlayStation game. On the other hand, if you have a bunch of PlayStation save files that you don't utilize often and would like to archive, it is possible to copy several cards' worth onto a single PS2 memory card with plenty of room to spare. Remember, though, that these saves will have to be copied back onto an original PlayStation memory card before they can be used again.

Also on the front, you can find two USB ports and one S400 i.Link port (otherwise known as FireWire). The USB ports are generally used for other kinds of peripherals and controllers, and the i.Link port is used for system link play with games like Gran Turismo 3. It's important to remember that even though we have the USB and FireWire connectors, it doesn't mean that you can just plug in things that fit and expect them to do something. For any USB or FireWire device to work on the PS2, it has to be specifically supported by the software or game that you're running.

Bundles

PlayStation 2

MSRP $179.99

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This is the basic PS2 package. Included with the console is one Dual Shock 2 controller, a power cable, and a set of A/V cables that support composite video.

PlayStation 2 Online Pack

MSRP $199.99

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This bundle includes everything you get with the regular PS2 package, plus the PS2 Network Adaptor. If you purchase this, you'll save $20 over buying the console and Network Adaptor separately.

PlayStation 2 Limited Edition Console

Bling-Bling!

MSRP $314.99

Buy It Now

This special PS2 is available only from Sony's online site. You have a choice of five colors: astral blue, metallic silver, super red, light yellow and snow white. What's the deal with the crazy price? Well, besides the limited manufacture quantity, the high-quality paint job on these babies is more like what you would find on a car than a plastic game-playing machine.