Sony PlayStation 2 (slim form factor)
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: SCPH-70012 CB
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Sony's slimmed-down, network-ready PS2 is a welcome update to the world's most popular video game console.
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CNET editors' take
Sony PlayStation 2 (slim form factor)
price range: $129.99
Sony's slimmed-down, network-ready PS2 is a welcome update to the world's most popular video game console.
The good: Huge library of games; svelte design; built-in networking/modem ports and remote sensor; doubles as a CD/DVD player; free online gaming with select titles.
The bad: Top-loading disc tray; only two controller ports; no hard disk expansion option; Xbox's graphics capabilities are superior.
The bottom line: Sony's slimmed-down, network-ready PS2 is a welcome update to the world's most popular video game console.
With dimensions of 1.1 inches tall by 23 inches wide by 6 inches deep, the revamped PlayStation 2 is downright tiny. In fact, it's less than a quarter of the size of the original console. Sure, Sony cheated by off-loading some of the system's bulk to an external power transformer (a laptop-style power-brick AC adapter), but the superslim miniconsole still represents an impressive feat of miniaturization. Another design compromise: the new PS2 is a top-loader. The disc bay pops open like a Discman, and you snap the disc onto a spindle. (Like the old PS2, the new one can be set up horizontally or vertically, though the latter configuration needs a special stand.) It looks a bit cheesy and requires extra headroom, but the spring-loaded disc door won't fail as easily as the motorized tray found in your DVD player.
The unit's front panel is barely wide enough to include all the necessities: two Memory Card slots, two controller ports, two USB ports, and power and disc-eject buttons. Unlike the Xbox and the GameCube, even after the redesign the PS2 requires an add-on adapter if you want to use four controllers at the same time. (And since the older PS2 Multitap is one of the only accessories that won't work with the redesigned console, multiplayer fans will have to spring for a new one.) The front panel also includes a dedicated infrared receiver. This allows you to control the PS2's CD/DVD functionality using any one of several available remotes without losing one of the controller ports to an IR-receiver dongle, as was necessary with the first-gen PlayStation 2.
The new PS2 includes built-in support for online games (including Madden NFL 2005, SOCOM II, and Burnout 3, just to name a few) in the form of a 56Kbps modem jack and an Ethernet port. Older PS2s can achieve the same effect by snapping on Sony's Online Adaptor accessory, but having the online-gaming hardware built in makes things that much easier. Unlike the Xbox, the PlayStation 2 supports dial-up connections (though not all online games work with them), and Sony doesn't charge a monthly fee. The downside is that the PS2's online-gaming experience is a more scattershot affair, requiring title-by-title configuration rather than using a more elegant, unified interface such as Xbox Live's. Another annoyance: you'll need to purchase a PS2 Memory Card to store the network configuration found on the included installation disc.
Other than its built-in online functionality and reduced size, the new model is all but identical to its older brother. It includes a single game controller and plays virtually every PlayStation 2 title (and is backwards compatible with nearly the entire catalog of original PlayStation games as well). It also plays DVD movies, including home-burned discs of +R/RW and -R/RW varieties, and standard audio CDs; its optical audio output handles Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound. The included A/V adapter will suffice for most TVs, but video purists will want to upgrade to an S-Video or component-video adapter (sold separately). The biggest compatibility issue with the new PS2 is that its slim body can't accommodate the hard disk add-on that works with older consoles. Fortunately, the consequences are currently limited to just one game: the Final Fantasy XI title with which it's bundled.
So, is it worth upgrading to the new PS2? For owners of existing Sony consoles, the answer is a resounding no; they can just add the Online Adaptor to level the online playing field. Nevertheless, this superslim unit replaces Nintendo's GameCube as the most-portable home-gaming console. And for Xbox or GameCube purists looking to take a bite of the forbidden fruit of PS2 exclusives (read: Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas), it's a compelling option. But it still lags behind the identically priced Xbox in terms of graphics power and HDTV support. As soon as Sony matches its lithe dimensions with an equivalently trim base price--$129 sounds good, $99 even better--the revamped PS2 will be an easier recommendation.
User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 151 reviews
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What was the reviewer talking about?
by neocarrillo on April 2, 2005
Pros: Slim and small, huge library of games, online built in
Cons: None it does what it can.
Summary: I hate the review for the ps2 on cnet. It's stupid, look the new ps2 is smaller than any console and doesn't overheat. Anyway the ps2 has a ...
Summary: I hate the review for the ps2 on cnet. It's stupid, look the new ps2 is smaller than any console and doesn't overheat. Anyway the ps2 has a huge library of games since it came out in 2000 not only that it has hundreds of games from ps1. I don't know about you but I was one of 100 million that had a ps1 and I have lots of classic ps1 games.
It is true that compared to xbox and gamecube in graphics it's getting old. I look at it this way ps2 was being made to battle dreamcast (R.I.P.). They didn't know about xbox cause everyone thought it was a rumor or it was gonna play pc games only. So microsoft and nintendo had plenty of time to make their gpu's.
You know what though ps2 is approaching 100 million aswell, not bad for a system that has inferior graphics huh. Anyway ps2 is the best console for what counts, games. Xbox and gamecube can have the better graphics but at the end of the day it's all about the games and that's why ps2 is number 1 worldwide.
Exclusives like grand theft auto whose controversy just increases the sales of it and ps2, gran turismo and many more is what drives the success of ps2. I hope my review helps people see the bigger picture between ps2 and the competition.11 out of 20 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Extensive Game Selection; Overall: Great Entertainment Machine
by LiQuiD_FuSioN on March 30, 2005
Pros: Extensive Game Library, Plays PS1 Games, DVD Capabilities
Cons: Low Detail Graphics, Load Times are Long
Summary: The PS2 swept the gaming world when it came out. It was the first system to push the envelope for higher 3D performance and it remained one of the top ...
Summary: The PS2 swept the gaming world when it came out. It was the first system to push the envelope for higher 3D performance and it remained one of the top consoles for a half the decade. Since the PS2 has been around for a long time, no real updates have been made,.. the Gamecube and XBox reign supreme in visual quality because they were releasesd afterwards.
Still, the PS2 offers tons of hits, like GT4, the whole Grand Theft Auto series, and the Final Fantasy franchise which lured me in to buying the PS2 in the first place!
The PS2 gets my "7" because it's good for the time being, because Sony is planning on releasing the PS3 in the future. The new models are now slimmed down, which makes this a cooler purchase.
If you're demanding higher detailed graphics, and have the money, choose the new Xbox at the moment. If you want some quick entertainment and want a huge collection of games, get the PS2. It's a matter of choice!4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nice Option To PSP or Upcoming PS3
by akr249 on June 26, 2005
Pros: Slim Design, Huge Library, Built In Ethernet, Enhanced Graphics, Use As DVD Player, Cheaper Price
Cons: Only Two Controller Ports (Again), No Wireless or Bluetooth, Graphics Still Trail XBox
Summary: Going away to college I needed a gaming system that had A. Affordability B. Portability C. Plenty of Titles Available. With the advent of the PSP, it would seem that ...
Summary: Going away to college I needed a gaming system that had A. Affordability B. Portability C. Plenty of Titles Available. With the advent of the PSP, it would seem that the "Slim" PS2 would be come non existent, however the PSP's price ($250) for a college student and ability to play on a TV monitor have its drawbacks. I'm not saying the new "Slim" PS2 can stack up stat or feature wise to the PSP or even the upcoming PS3, however it is a great system for the money, especially for the gamer in need of space and price.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A perfect platform for any gamer
by Maxwell De Long on November 5, 2006
Pros: Great selection of titles, backward compatability with Playstation games
Cons: Not able to play HDD enabled games
Summary: The PS2 is an intuitive and breathtaking console with a killer price. Its small form makes it perfect for the dorm room or the person with minimalist tastes. A huge ...
Summary: The PS2 is an intuitive and breathtaking console with a killer price. Its small form makes it perfect for the dorm room or the person with minimalist tastes. A huge library of games makes it a fun system for all people to play. Though the graphics may look dated by 2006 standards, those of us who look beyond the graphics to the gameplay and the true essence of the game are seldom dissapointed.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Game System Wonder
by Soraheart on July 5, 2006
Pros: graphics, speed, reputation from company and system, has had stronghold on gaming market for 6 years, disc drive
Cons: load time, controller amount
Summary: The playstation 2, has brought us some of sony's greatest moments, modeled some of the best mascots, and is pretty darn' fun!
The Play Station 2 offers many likeable ...Summary: The playstation 2, has brought us some of sony's greatest moments, modeled some of the best mascots, and is pretty darn' fun!
The Play Station 2 offers many likeable features. For one, it has had a stronghold on the gaming market for over 5 years, although it's load time can be slow, the graphic quality can suprise you, especially if you are an Xbox user. The PS2 tooks it's step in the 6th generation of gaming, and allows intense gaming. Although, gaming is evolving rapidly, and since so the PS2 was created in 2000, where the Microsoft xbox and GCN (nintendo game cube or game cube network) was released a year later, and took a different hold. For example the Gamecube had alot of young gamers interested because of the high amount in E games where the PS2 does have, but not as many, which is not suprising for Nintendos stradegy, (a good one I might add) and the Xbox commonly known as a computer undercover, had better graphics. Although the PS2 has been prefeared by lots of RPG gamers, and action adventure sci-fi ones, and is the home for the Final Fantasy X, Kingdom Hearts, and more. I give this console an eight for it's sturdy gaming2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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There is a reason why they sold 100 Million
by Monkey-King69 on March 25, 2006
Pros: The de-facto console for this generation
Cons: Weak online
Summary: If you can only buy one system there is only one choice as to what to buy: PlayStation 2. While it maybe not have the best graphics, it has without ...
Summary: If you can only buy one system there is only one choice as to what to buy: PlayStation 2. While it maybe not have the best graphics, it has without a doubt the best library of games over all the genres. If you are wonder what system will "likely" get a particular game you can easily assume PS2 will get the game. The systems only flaw is ist online functionality. The lack of an "integrated" online service is unfortunate, but given taht only 20% of console owners currently have broadband though and ISP its is easy to see why such a function was a low priority this generation. With that said some of the most popular online games ever appeared on PS2, so it hard not to admit Sony did exactly what it needed to and no more.
Finally, if you are reading this you are likely in the market to buy a PSTwo, so I will just say go ahead. Unlike XBOX or GameCube, the Sony PSTwo will see continued support for the next few years. Even now the system is a worthwhile long term investment.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Reliable Machine Great Quality Games
by junn on September 18, 2005
Pros: Tons of Games in all Levels
Cons: Outdated Graphics
Summary: I have nothing against this fantastic console, just in the Graphics Department compare to its neighboring Xbox which has a lot of processing power,733 Mhz vs. 299 Mhz But ...
Summary: I have nothing against this fantastic console, just in the Graphics Department compare to its neighboring Xbox which has a lot of processing power,733 Mhz vs. 299 Mhz But when it comes to games PS2 has no competition at all !
See it for yourself visit your nearest video game stores : ) sometimes its not only the graphics count.
Bro. Junn2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent form-factor, Increased Warranty
Pros: Small, extremely quiet, left it on for 24hrs and no problems. Best of all it has a 1 year warranty. The old machine had only 90 days.
Cons: None
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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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its an awsome game system
Pros: I own the first edition and the second edition.(I liked the second edition better)its more portable than the others.
Cons: does not have an automatic saving system(you need to buy memory cards)
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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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downgrades
Pros: smaller, built-in ethernet
Cons: The last 2 times sony's rebuilt the PS2 they have taken things out of it. The first time they put a built-in reciever for DVD's and took out the i.link, now they took out the expansion bay, the automatic drive (now it flips), and the infrared reciever. Th
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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: SCPH-70012 CB
General
- Name Sony PlayStation 2
- Type Game console
- Width 9.1 in
- Depth 6 in
- Height 1.1 in
- Weight 2 lbs
- Enclosure Color Black
Game Console
- Color Support Color
- Media Type CD-ROM, DVD-ROM
Processor
- Type Toshiba & Sony Emotion Engine 294.9 MHz
- Instruction Set RISC
- Data Width 128 bit
- Floating Point Performance 6.2 GFLOPS
I/O Processor
- Clock Speed 36.8 MHz
- Data Width 32 bit
- Installed Memory Size 2 MB
- Supported Compression Standards MPEG2, JPEG, H.261, H.263+, H.263
Memory / Storage
- RAM Installed ( Max ) 32 MB RDRAM (RAMBUS) - Integrated
- Cache Memory 40 KB
- Storage DVD-ROM - Top-load
Display
- Type None.
Video
- Video Output - 128-bit - 2D/3D graphics acceleration
- Fill Rate 150 million pixels/sec
- Video Memory Installed ( Max ) Video adapter memory - 4 MB - Integrated
- Graphic Effects Texture lighting, Fog effects
- Max Resolution (external) 32-bit color / 1280 x 1024
Audio
- Sound Output Mode 32-bit / Stereo
- Sound Memory 2 MB
- Max Sample Rate 48 KHz
- MIDI Channels Qty 48
Communications
- Modem None
Input Device
- Type Game pad - External
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Pointing Device / Manipulator Game pad
- Features Pressure sensitivity, Vibration
Connections
- Connector Type 2 x USB ( 4 pin USB Type A ), 1 x PlayStation 2 AV output, 2 x Game controller, 1 x Phone line ( RJ-11 ), 1 x DC power input, 1 x SPDIF output ( TOSLINK ), 1 x Network ( RJ-45 )
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) 2 Memory, ( 2 )
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1, A/V cable
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Battery None
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
Manufacturer info
- Sony
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.sonystyle.com
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
