PlayStation 2 (2000)
The PlayStation 2 is the successor to Sony’s hugely successful PlayStation/PSOne console. It is a 64-bit console that uses DVDs as its game format. Sony’s biggest selling point for the PS2 was that it played DVDs and was one of the cheapest DVD players at the time. This helped to boost PS2 sales and helped towards the PS2’s success. Around 2002 Sony began selling a Network Adapter for use of PlayStation Network on PS2 consoles. Sony marketed the Network adapter heavily to compete with Microsoft’s Xbox Live. One of the Key selling points of the Network Adapter was that use of the PlayStation Network is free compared to having to pay for Xbox Live. The PS2 also featured 2 USB 1.1 ports along with a mini firewire port on the front of the console. The PS2 also has an Expansion Bay at the back of the console which can be used for a Hard Disk Drive and the Network Adapter. Note that a Network Adapter is required for use of the Hard Drive. The official Hard Drive from Sony has a 40GB capacity. Bigger hard disks can be used but they require third party tools to be used. On early Japanese models of the PS2 have a PCMCIA slot on the back instead of the Expansion Bay. PS2’s come with a Dual Shock 2 controller as standard. The PS2 is also backwards compatible with all previous PlayStation software and PS1 memory cards are compatible with PlayStation software only when used with the PS2.
Technical Specs
CPU: 128-bit ‘Emotion Engine’
Clock Speed: clocked at 294 MHz
RAM: 32MB
DRAM: 4MB
GPU: Graphics Synthesiser running at 147MHz
DVD/CD Drive: 4x/24x
Accessories
Vertical Stand for PlayStation 2
The Vertical Stand allows you to sit your PS2 vertically on a stable base.
Memory Card (8MB) for PS2
The Memory Card is essential for any PS2 owner since you need it to save your progress in games.
Multitap for PlayStation 2
The multitap allows you to connect up to 4 controllers and memory cards to your PS2 console. You can also connect 8 controllers through the use of a seccond multitap.
Eye Toy USB Camera
The Eye Toy allows you to take pictures and move around to control the game.
DVD Remote Control for PlayStation 2
The DVD Remote can be used while watching DVD movies on your PS2 instead of fiddling with the controller during the film.
Buzz! Buzzers
The Buzz! Buzzers can be used for the Buzz! Series of quiz games. They come in either wired or wireless versions.
SingStar Microphone Pack
The SingStar Microphone Pack is used in the SingStar Series of games.
Also compatible with: