Sony PlayStation 2
Manufacturer: Sony Part number: 97011
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The elder statesman of next generation consoles, the PlayStation 2 has the luxury of a year's head start and many solid games.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock Get free shipping on orders over $25! | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/22/2012 |
 | | In stock Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by e | as of 05/22/2012 |
CNET editors' review
Sony PlayStation 2 price range: $16.90 - $45.98
- Reviewed by: Darren Gladstone
- Reviewed on: 11/20/2001
The good: Sleek; lots of good games; DVD movie playback.
The bad: Still waiting for hard drive peripheral; Xbox's graphic capabilites are superior; only two controller ports.
The bottom line: The elder statesman of next generation consoles, the PlayStation 2 has the luxury of a year's head start and many solid games.
Editors' Note: This product has been replaced by an updated, slimmer PlayStation 2 design, as well as the newer PlayStation 3.
With a year's head start on Microsoft's Xbox and Nintendo's GameCube, the PS2 platform has one big advantage over the competition: a greater selection of quality games, though the gap is quickly narrowing, particularly with the Xbox. On top of that, it doubles as a DVD player right out of the box and offers online gaming to both broadband and dial-up users via its Online Adaptor accessory. So while it may not be the newest or the most powerful system, it's certainly a safe bet.
Home-theater flexibility
The PlayStation 2 can stand on its side or lie flat to fit any space. And once it is installed into your home theater, you'll be treated to a reasonably sharp picture and high-quality sound. The PlayStation 2, like every other console, has a composite A/V cord in the box, which you use to connect the console to your TV. However, S-Video and component-video connectors are also available separately if you'd like to improve the picture quality. For surround-sound audio, there's a built-in optical digital audio jack. With recent graphics library updates, the PS2 will soon support HDTV resolutions and 16:9 wide-screen setting as the Xbox does. One of the first games to take advantage of this higher resolution: Namco's Tekken 4, which looks utterly amazing. Its graphics are even a worthy rival to those of the Xbox's Dead or Alive 3.
When compared directly to the Xbox, the PS2's 128-bit Emotion Engine yields in-game graphics with more jagged edges. People playing on an ordinary TV aren't too likely to notice those flaws. But if you compare the two systems on a high-resolution, HD-ready set, the edges in Xbox games look significantly smoother. In some ways, even the little Nintendo GameCube graphically surpasses the PS2. Luigi's Mansion and Rogue Leader look exceedingly crisp on the 'Cube, and the animation in Batman Vengeance is smoother than it is in the PS2 version.
Movie time
As noted, the PS2 can play DVDs out of the box. The GameCube's disc drive won't accommodate five-inch discs, and the Xbox requires the purchase of a DVD kit to unlock its DVD-playing potential. But while Sony makes some fine DVD players, the PS2 is not a very good DVD movie machine. The video image quality is passable, but it has almost no picture adjustments and only rudimentary playback controls. A $20 DVD remote-control kit adds many of the missing playback features.
Beyond home-theater integration, you'll find two USB plugs and one IEEE 1394 (a.k.a. FireWire and iLink) port on the front, as well as a port on the back for plugging in the Online Adaptor. Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec lets you connect up to six PS2s to an IEEE 1394 hub for head-to-head racing. There are also plans to support digital cameras, keyboards, and mice. We plugged in a USB keyboard, and it worked fine to input our registration info for online play. However, we can't say that all USB keybaords are compatible.
On a critical note, the PS2 has only two controller ports, while the Xbox and the GameCube have four. You'll need to spend additional money on a four-player Multitap to get all your friends in the game. We also would've liked to see a Memory Stick slot on the front, considering this is a Sony product. Memory Sticks can hold much more data and cost less per megabyte than the PS2 memory cards that you need to buy separately.
Expansion options
While the online service has finally launched, we're still waiting for the impending arrival of the optional hard drive. The company still won't say when it will be available, but its addition would allow for significantly more storage space for updates to existing games. For example, you could download whole new levels for adventure and action games.
The PS2 has a great and ever widening stable of games available, including such PS2-exclusive titles as Grand Theft Auto Vice City. That, along with a competitive $199 price tag (the same as the Xbox and only $50 more than the GameCube) and a robust-looking online option, makes this a compelling purchase. Just bear in mind that the Xbox offers more horsepower and features, most notably a built-in 8GB hard drive. But if your biggest priority right now is the widest selection of games rather than hardware bells and whistles, the PlayStation 2 is still a solid choice.
User reviews
-
-
Old but definitly gold
by ChaosBahamut on March 30, 2005
Pros: Largest library of games, huge 3rd party support, DVD features right out the box, familiar controller
Cons: being the oldest means that X-Box and Gamecube have better graphics, heavily criticized for being released 1st
Summary: $149.99 isn't exactly chump change, but this is one system that will go places. For those of you who say the X-Box has better graphics overall, which it ...
Summary: $149.99 isn't exactly chump change, but this is one system that will go places. For those of you who say the X-Box has better graphics overall, which it does, remember that the PS2 was released 1 year earlier. Like the controller and how familiar it is. (if it ain't broken don't fix it, but do add some new stuff if needed) And, unlike the X-Box, it can play DVDs right out the box. Still, DVD remote highly recommended. As for the 2 controller port part, not really much of an issue for me as I'm pretty much a loner. Overall, get it. Graphics are still solid, as proven by games like MGS3.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Ps2 is the Gamers game system
Pros: DVD playback with no add on needed. First rate games, lots of titles that can not be found on other systems. When you buy a game sysyem you buy it to play games, most other arguments for ownership are secondary. I am one of those people who own multiple g
Cons: The PS2 while a good console, does have many faults that may make some look at other platforms. First off the graphics on the system while very good, lag behind the other systems. The lack of a built in hard drive and the absence of onboard network adapto
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
PS2 v. XBOX
Pros: The PS2 is better looking than the XBox and has a larger selection of titles. Additionally, it supports DVD out of the box.
Cons: The PS2 costs $149 out of the box, plus $99 for a HDD, plus $30 for a multitap, plus $15 for a memory card, plus $30 for a network adapter. After all these purchases, you would have a product that is close to an Xbox but still inferior (because of perfor
5 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Best Gaming Console
by Spectral_Snake on November 21, 2006
Pros: Huge Gaming Library
Cons: No Network enterface
Summary: The playstation 2 console is Ultmately the best Console out with the addition of the slimline version this version lacks the network adapter.Has huge game library.
Summary: The playstation 2 console is Ultmately the best Console out with the addition of the slimline version this version lacks the network adapter.Has huge game library.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Playstation 2 is fantastic, but falls short hardware-wise.
by jgzeidan on June 25, 2005
Pros: amazing lineup of games; has best means of control; sleek design; backed by great marketing; very popular; appeals to every audience; online play; multimedia features; backward compatible
Cons: Hardware not very well built; visuals not on par with Xbox; hard to develop games for; supports only two players; online play not as good as Xbox's service;
Summary: Sony once again offers a great console that has the full package. The Playstation 2 has a phenominal lineup of games that are bound to appeal to any gamer, core ...
Summary: Sony once again offers a great console that has the full package. The Playstation 2 has a phenominal lineup of games that are bound to appeal to any gamer, core of mainstream. It offers many multimedia features along with online support, but these features just aren't as well done as Microsoft's Xbox, which seemingly trumps all the PS2's features. But despite some harware issues, there is no doubt the Playstation 2 will provide you with endless entertainment, which is what it's for.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
has the most (and best) library of games.backwards capability with PS1 games.
by ryu on March 10, 2005
Pros: great games. has the most support from game developers.
Cons: weakest graphics.
Summary: the PS2 is most definitly not the most powerful video game system out, nor does it have the best graphics, it simply has the best games. devil may cry 3, ...
Summary: the PS2 is most definitly not the most powerful video game system out, nor does it have the best graphics, it simply has the best games. devil may cry 3, grand theft auto:san adreas, metal gear solid 3, kingdom hearts 2, grand turismo 4, are just to name a few must have titles for the system. not to mention the must have "classics" that u can now by for $20 dollars or cheaper. xbox has the power and online ability. gamecube has mario, metriod, resident evil and zelda (which are must haves also). i love all 3 systems equally because all are great in their on way but, if i had to choose one, it would have to be the PS2 because it games are the games i play the most.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Quality over Quantity
Pros: Lets face it, its quality not quantity that we want. Keep your flashy graphics X-Box, real gammers want a history of outstanding titles and a quality of game play that is greater then the pictures them selves. The PS2 is easily your best choice for a larg
Cons: Mulity Player... Half the fun of video games is enjoying them with other people... Lots of poeple. Having only two controller ports and a limited selection of high calibur multiplayer games; the PS2 falls short of other consols (such as the X-Box) in term
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Its about the games
Pros: I am a gamer not a console loyalist... The PS2 has the best library of games bar none and online play is free!!!
Cons: Graphics are begining to appear a bit dated...
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Open your eyes
by neocarrillo on April 2, 2005
Pros: Huge library of games, exclusives, the best period
Cons: Other than the online service it's perfect
Summary: I hate when people say xbox is better then ps2 cause it ain't. First off people forget the ps2 put dvd's on the map, yes dvd's would ...
Summary: I hate when people say xbox is better then ps2 cause it ain't. First off people forget the ps2 put dvd's on the map, yes dvd's would have eventually been where it is today day but would have taken alot longer. Ps2 has a big user base, so a dvd player was in almost every household thanks to ps2's dvd playback function.
Another thing people forget when they compare graphics is that the ps2 was made to go against the dreamcast which was the only next generation system out at the time. Sony didn't know about the xbox specs, so how your gonna slam sony for something that they had no control over. The ps2 is backwards compatible which you can play all the classic ps1 games on it.
Also it's a fact that xbox 2 won't have backwards compatibility, so if you want to play halo or halo 2 you need your old xbox. Xbox has a hard drive but it took developers a while before they used it for something other then game saves. It's also a fact that by micorsoft putting the hard drive they lost millions of dollars on xbox.
Another thing is that ps2 has all the best exclusive games while xbox has a few multiplatform games and halo.
Where else can you play gta (first), gran turismo, god of war game and also soul calibur 3. The last game on that list is a good example, soul calibur 2 came out on ps2, xbox and gamecube, the reason why soul calibur 3 is a ps2 exclusive is because the other 2 systems didn't provide enough sales for it. Everyone on xbox is just playing halo 2 and gamecube is a kiddie system.
Xbox may have the better online service but you know what they charge for it and when the ps3 hits and has a new and improved online service for free everyone will hop to ps3. My point is the ps2 is a 10 not in graphics but in games and that's what counts. Xbox can have halo but tell me what there gonna do when there's no more halo, they'll fall. You can ask any game reviewer and any real gamer and they will tell you the only thing keeping xbox afloat is HALO.
So guys and gals don't get an xbox because it has better graphics but instead look at it's games and gameplay and you'll see there's nothing there. The ps2 is on top because of great games even though it doesn't have the power of a pc (xbox). The fact is that xbox with all it's power was never able to top an inferior system, not because sony had a year jump (remember dreamcast had a 2 year jump and fell to ps2) but because it's the best gaming platform.2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Greatest console of all time !!!
by horace81 on January 21, 2007
Pros: Games, controller everything about it
Cons: nothing can be found with this system
Summary: Top of the line greatest baby !!!
Summary: Top of the line greatest baby !!!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sony
- Part number: 97011
- Description: If you want the very best in interactive home entertainment, then there really is no other choice than PlayStation 2. Fun, accessible, sociable and inclusive, PlayStation 2 offers an unparalleled range of audio-visual experiences and is an essential addition to your existing home entertainment set up. Bring your living room alive with some of the greatest multiplayer games known to man, experience the astonishing picture quality of DVD and more, all on a single, simple, plug-and-play unit. PlayStation 2 plays host to the largest and most varied range of video games ever assembled. No matter what type of game you prefer, from sports to shoot 'em-ups, from driving to role-playing, PlayStation 2 delivers it all. You won't find exclusive titles like Gran Turismo, Grand Theft Auto, Tekken, Ratchet & Clank or The Getaway on any other console, so whether you're a hardcore gamer, or just fancy a quick blast now and then, PlayStation 2 really is the only entertainment system that matters. If you're upgrading from PS one, you'll be pleased to know that the PlayStation 2 will play all of your existing PS one games, so you already have a good headstart on building up your collection. Some of the more recent PS one games even benefit from enhanced visuals and audio when played through the PlayStation 2. But it's not all about games; PlayStation 2 is also a fully-fledged DVD player out of the box. Give all of your favorite films a new lease of life with all the benefits of the format: incredible sound and picture quality, bonus features and special additions. Additionally, you can even listen to all of your audio CDs on the PS2, and if your existing home setup includes Dolby Digital Surround Sound, you've got all of the connections you need to hook your PS2 up straight away. Make PlayStation 2 the center of your home entertainment system and you'll wonder how you ever survived without it.
General
- Type Game console
- Media Type DVD
- CPU 2 x Toshiba & Sony Emotion Engine - 294.9 MHz
- RAM 32 MB RDRAM (RAMBUS)
- Video Memory 4 MB
- Sound Stereo
- Width 11.9 in
- Depth 7.2 in
- Height 3.1 in
- Weight 4.9 lbs
Game Controller
- Type DualShock 2 - Wired
- Controls Dual analog sticks,
Left trigger,
Start button,
Right trigger,
Circle key,
Triangle key,
Square key,
Cross key,
Select button,
Directional buttons,
Analog button
Video Output
- Max Resolution (external) 1280 x 1024
Connections
- Connector Type 2 x Game controller ( 9 pin in line ),
2 x USB ( 4 pin USB Type A ),
1 x PlayStation 2 AV output,
1 x SPDIF output ( TOSLINK ) - Slot(s) 2 x Memory
Accessories
- Sony DualShock 2 Analog Controller (Black) (31208825)19.96 - 24.99
- Genius TwinWheel F1 - wheel and pedals set - wired (32243329)29.47 - 37.99
- Genius TwinWheel FF - wheel and pedals set - wired (32074725)89.99
- Intec Wireless A/V selector (PlayStation 2) (32641732)5.95
- Logitech Cordless Action Controller for PS2 (30921401)88.99
- Logitech Driving Force GT (PS3) (32959166)97.99 - 149.99
- Logitech Driving Force Pro (PS2) (30558134)
- Mad Catz Arizona Cardinals Wireless Control Pad Pro - game pad - wireless (32401967)25.00
- Mad Catz RetroCON game pad - wired (31205028)79.98
- Psyclone PS2 Wired Hammer Guitar PSE1979a - guitar controller (32677528)54.55
- Sony SingStar - microphone (33786025)12.95
- Motorola Gaming Headset X205 - headset (32060284)11.00
- Nyko flash memory module - 8 MB - Sony PlayStation Memory Card (30998600)3.99
- dreamGEAR PS2/PSone Marxman 2.4 GHz Wireless Gun - light gun - wireless (32162647)40.00
- Intec RFU Adaptor game console link cable (30726096)0.49
- Intec Horizontal 3D (30788897)98.96
- Sakar PS2-120 - game pad - wired (34005593)7.50
- CableWholesale.com Wired Controller - game pad - wired (35071736)19.07
- CableWholesale.com Playstation 3 Compatible Controller Adapter - game controller adapter - USB (35071813)17.05
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sony products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Sony
- Address:
16765 W. Bernardo Dr., San Diego, CA 92127 - Phone: 1-877-865-SONY
- Email: contact@sel.sony.com
- Fax: 941-768-7790
