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Redesigned PlayStation 2 Console Preview

Posted by Zonk on from the shiny-tiny-playstation dept.

Anonymous Gamer writes "GameSpot has a new hands-on preview of Sony's redesigned PlayStation 2 system. It's one-fourth the size of the old PS2 and only weighs two pounds. It looks like Sony's new system will be the iPod of game consoles this holiday season."

54 comments

  1. But alas by antifoidulus · · Score: 2, Interesting

    it doesn't run Linux(no hd possible!)

    --
    Monstar L
    1. Re:But alas by pizza_milkshake · · Score: 1

      you don't need a harddrive to run linux

    2. Re:But alas by antifoidulus · · Score: 1

      Heh, I was referring to the ps2 linux kit. Do you know of a live boot cd that ru ns on a playstation?

      --
      Monstar L
    3. Re:But alas by GreyWolf3000 · · Score: 0
      If the network card supported PXE booting, then you could boot without a live cd either.

      I just don't know if it does or not

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      Slashdot: Where people pretend to be twice as smart as they really are by behaving like children.
    4. Re:But alas by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

      Actually, it does run Linux. A hard drive is not required to use the PS2 Linux Kit because the kernel (or any other executable you install) is loaded from the memory card. There are at least two projects on playstation2-linux.com that include tutorials on how to boot via NFS root.

      A friend of mine has already used the Linux Kit to boot homebrew software stored on the memory card.

  2. Yeah, except by hollismb · · Score: 1

    It still looks just like a regular PS2, only smaller. I've personally thought that odd assymetrical design was pretty ugly.

    1. Re:Yeah, except by astrokid · · Score: 1

      It's now a top loader, outputs DVDs progressively and has the network adaptor built in.

      --

      Chewie does not get a medal. Come on, George. Can a Wookie get a medal?
    2. Re:Yeah, except by Jacius · · Score: 1

      "It's not ugly... it's advanced!"

      Really though, this is just the thing to get people to spend more money on the PS2 before they release the PS3. I was planning on getting one anyway, just for Katamari Damacy... now I'll be compelled to spend more so I can get a new one, instead of an old used one! Way to go, Sony!

      -Jacius

  3. Is it portable? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful
    "It looks like Sony's new system will be the iPod of game consoles this holiday season."

    Is it portable?

    No?

    Then how the fuck is it going to be the "ipod of game consoles?"

    What a stupid comparison.

    1. Re:Is it portable? by cttforsale · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I think they are calling it "the cool looking must have tech toy despite the value proposition it offers"

    2. Re:Is it portable? by Qzukk · · Score: 1

      It may not be portable originally, but how long do you think it will be before someone makes a clamp on LCD and battery pack just like the psone got shortly after its launch?

      --
      If I have been able to see further than others, it is because I bought a pair of binoculars.
    3. Re:Is it portable? by Dizzle · · Score: 1

      I don't know about playing a portable ps2 for 5 minutes, but I'm wagering no one finds it too important.

      --
      -Dizzle
      "I most likely AM so interested in myself."
  4. car mod by prankfurter · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The new PS2 would be ideal for modding a car. its small and it runs off of dc (the transformer is external..) :-)

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    -Dan
  5. well by igzat · · Score: 1, Interesting

    I have to wonder how long until a mod-chip that will work with this newer, smaller system comes out. I estimate between 2-3 months, could be sooner. Those pirated are pretty efficent. LOL

    --

    Free Desk

  6. What is the ipod comment for? by (SM)+Spacemonkey · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Are you saying its going to sell the most? Or its the smallest of the three consoles? Or the best design? Or the one everyone thinks cool?

    The ipod comment seems a little redundant.

  7. iPod of games consoles? by SimianOverlord · · Score: 3, Funny

    So the Playstation 2 will only be bought by faux-scruffy posers?

    --
    Meine Schwester ist sehr, sehr reizvoll - Nietzsche
  8. My thoughts.. by McKinney83 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    If you don't already have a ps2, this is worth looking into.

    The only reason I could see someone who already has a ps2 getting this new one would be if theirs was first generation and dying. The new size is sweet and I don't think the no hdd thing will be a huge issue, plus you can't go wrong with the built in IR (for the dvd remote).

    The other difference is the top-loader. It's a great idea, and now people don't have to worry about their drives breaking (as often, at least) but for people who value vertical room more than horizontal (tv stands, etc.) it may be more of a hassle.

    --
    Winner of The Second Annual Montgomery Burns Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence.
    1. Re:My thoughts.. by ivan256 · · Score: 1

      Actually, I'm thinking of getting one even though my regular PS2 has been working great since the initial release. I want one just beacuse there's no fan in it and it's supposedly much quieter. The original PS2 is way too noisy.

    2. Re:My thoughts.. by Fred+Or+Alive · · Score: 2, Informative

      There's a still a fan, but a less noisy one. The disc drive probably doesn't sound like an Acorn Archimedies's floppy drive either. :-)

      Could be worse, you could own an Xbox, mine makes a really annoying noise from it's fan (I think), I feel like seeing if I can replace it. Apparently as time goes on, the Xboxes construction is getting cheaper and cheaper, and it's getting noisier becuase of it.

      --
      10 PRINT "LOOK AROUND YOU ";
      20 GOTO 10
    3. Re:My thoughts.. by KDR_11k · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Any word on the reliability compared to a standard model? And did Sony only mean HDD games with "some games might not run on this new version" or does that include more games?

      --
      Justice is the sheep getting arrested while an impartial judge declares the vote void.
    4. Re:My thoughts.. by vbrtrmn · · Score: 1

      No HDD == Less Compatability

      IMHO

      There's no new hardware, so I don't see how they could make PS2^2 specific games.

      --
      it's a sig, wtf?
  9. * Drool * by Fred+Or+Alive · · Score: 1

    I really like the look of this new PS2, especially as being a European the lack of a hard drive doesn't matter as we're not getting one anyway. About the only thing I was worried about was a possible lack of IR remote sensor, but seeing as it has one, that's cool. Plus it's black, not silver (I hate the current trend for tacky looking silver AV stuff).

    Now if I only had any money.

    Although I somehow think it might look a bit weird next to my Xbox, Mega Drive mk. 1 (Genesis) and Sega Saturn, I seen to keep on getting the big consoles. ;-)

    --
    10 PRINT "LOOK AROUND YOU ";
    20 GOTO 10
  10. swap? by 69sofine · · Score: 0

    won't the top loading make swap tricks a lot easier?

    1. Re:swap? by TechniMyoko · · Score: 1

      You have to dismantle the system to get to the switch though

  11. Does size really matter? by llevity · · Score: 3, Interesting
    The new PS2's biggest feature appears to be its size. Okay, it's smaller. So what? It's not portable. I'm not going to carry it around in my pocket with 15' of A/V cables and power cords trailing behind me in case I happen to end up somewhere with a TV to hook it up to. The only reasonable thing I've seen so far is that it'd be ideal to install in your car, if that's your thing.

    By the same token, lots of people had a problem with the Xbox because of its size. Why?

    We're not talking Univac sized room filling machines. Stick the sucker on a shelf, or next to your TV on the floor, and forget about it. Why does anyone care about size?

    Personally, I'd love to see them all come in a standard size. If they were the same dimensions of a DVD player, or VCR, I could stack them all on top of each other. Considering aesthetic design seems to be so important to someone, that'll never happen though.

    1. Re:Does size really matter? by FinestLittleSpace · · Score: 0, Redundant

      Agree, mod parent up.

    2. Re:Does size really matter? by Drakonite · · Score: 2, Insightful
      "By the same token, lots of people had a problem with the Xbox because of its size. Why?

      "Personally, I'd love to see them all come in a standard size. If they were the same dimensions of a DVD player, or VCR, I could stack them all on top of each other."

      I think you answered your own question. The size of the xbox sucks because it takes up too much room and doesn't fit where most other things will.

      Maybe I'm just more special than you are, but I see having components small enough so I can actually fit them in the relatively small space I can spare for them as a GoodThing(TM). An xbox is too wide for me to "Stick the sucker on a shelf" on my entertainment center, and I take too much care of my stuff to put it "next to your TV on the floor, and forget about it." where it's going to get kicked around and stepped on.

      Not trying to be argumentitive, but you did ask ;)

      I do agree the smaller PS2 isn't a big deal though... Sure, I wouldn't mind having one, but it's nothing special.

      --
      Shoot Pixels, Not People!
    3. Re:Does size really matter? by bugbread · · Score: 1

      Ditto on all counts. Going from left to right in my room, I have the veranda door right next to a DVD cabinet next to my TV and TV stand next to a bookcase next to a closet door. My stereo and consoles are under the TV. That's the only place they could go without putting the XBox in my closet or another room or something else utterly impractical. The XBox isn't too big (it fits), but I do have to say it's a pretty tight fit putting the XBox, PS2, and amp under the TV. If the unit was a bit smaller, I could put the controller away instead of always leaving it on the floor of my living room.

      And, just like the parent, I don't think the smaller PS2 is a huge deal either. I wouldn't mind having one, but I'm not going to pay for one when I have a perfectly good normal size PS2 that I've managed to fit. I'm not trying to be argumentative either, but just answering the question.

      Phrased otherwise: being smaller isn't a great big deal, but it sure isn't a bad thing.

    4. Re:Does size really matter? by pommiekiwifruit · · Score: 1

      Will it take up less space if it is top-loading? That means you can't stack stuff on it.

    5. Re:Does size really matter? by fwitness · · Score: 1

      Yeah, I already stack stuff on mine, but it's going to die soon, and I'm getting this replacement. Now I'll stack the PS2 on something else, since it fits nicely anywhere.

      --
      -- I have fans? Wow.
    6. Re:Does size really matter? by StingRayGun · · Score: 1

      You know one of the main reasons I snagged a GC instead of an xbox or a PS2 was size. I always buy stuff that is designed well and like that Nofrendo put some thought into the design, and reduced the size. But, in the end it diddn't matter all that much. By bros xbox fits in his living room just like my GC does...

      So, the point is, while size for consoles doesn't matter in a reason-logic-practicle sense... it does sell systems!

      P.S. - It was nice to have that handle when goign to lan parties.. oh wait there were no lan parties for GC!

  12. That's nice and all.... by rsilvergun · · Score: 2, Interesting

    but still no price cut? I guess they don't need to (still). Oh well, I'm glad to see the tray loader gone, one less motor to break and all. Then again that only applies if they built the thing as well as the first PS2.

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  13. Finally! by pat_trick · · Score: 4, Funny

    I waited for her to drop in price, and now that she's lost a few pounds and has a slimmer profile, I can see myself spending the money to buy her. ...no, I'm talking about the new PStwo you sicko.

  14. BAH! Another New Multitap? by Grym · · Score: 2, Informative

    ...Unfortunately, older (SCPH-10090) Multitap adapters are not compatible with the new PS2 because the memory-card and controller-port placements don't match the port layouts on the older system.

    Anybody ever notice that Sony is a bunch of bastards when it comes to multitaps? The things are like $30 (God knows why) and are ALWAYS incompatible with previous versions.

    -Grym

  15. Just buy a used ps2 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    As this one isnt compatible with HDLoader.

    1. Re:Just buy a used ps2 by musicman2059 · · Score: 0, Troll

      But who needs the HDLoader anyways? A PS2 memory card already has tons of space on it. The only other use would be for Final Fantasy XI, but who needs FF11 except the "Fanboys of Cloud?"

      --
      When you need great justice, take off every zig.
    2. Re:Just buy a used ps2 by ZX-3 · · Score: 2, Informative

      HDLoader is not the PS2 hard drive, it is a boot disc for use with the hard drive. HDLoader is used to rip and play images of DVD-based games, which greatly reduces load times. It does not allow you to store game saves on the hard drive, either.

    3. Re:Just buy a used ps2 by musicman2059 · · Score: 1

      Woo, someone call me an idiot.

      --
      When you need great justice, take off every zig.
  16. Business Trips by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Awesome! Now I can buy a home console that is small enough to put in a small bag and take on business trips! Sony really knows how to innovate.

    Take that, Microsoft and Nintendo!

    1. Re:Business Trips by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Eh? The GameCube's size, as designed from the beginning, is already incredibly small. I've brought mine on countless trips over the past couple of years.

      But if your idea of innovation is shrinking existing technology down so you can re-buy it, instead of getting it right the first time, I don't think I can help correct your opinion.

  17. So... by MMaestro · · Score: 1
    It looks like Sony's new system will be the iPod of game consoles this holiday season

    So its portable, runs on a long lasting battery time and has loads of awesome accessories? No? Screw that then, I'll just buy one of the older model used PS2s for dirt cheap when everyone starts selling them back. (And now you know why stores like EBGames virtually try to give away the old PS1 models.)

  18. Re:Overexposure Is Hurting America by VendingMenace · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Does anyone have any clue as to what the parent was talking about??

    We are not helping Apple -- yet we are part of Jobs' strategy?!?!?! I guess this implies that Jobs goal is to bring down apple. Oh man, just wait till the board hears about this one! Are they going to be pissed or what!

    And as far as creating a bulls-eye for M$ or RIAA wtf are you talking about?

    1) ipod is SOO rediculously sucessfull that if it hasn't already gotten M$ attention they would have to be completley oblivious to everything going on the world. To belive that more hype will suddenly make M$ sit up and take notice is just idiotic. I assure you they are already aware of all the money they ipod is bringing in and have considered what they want to do about it already.

    2) The ipod is prety much created and designed whith the RIAA taken into account, so i would suspect that they have little to worry about from that quarter.

    yeah, so besides that fact that at no time durring the parents irratic ramblings did he even come close to making anthing that could be construde as a coherent point. Those few things that *might* be interpreted as arguemnts seem kinda moronic.

    (i can't tell, and i being to mean here?)

    Seriously -- oh and one more thing, how would overexposure of the ipod hurt AMERICA?!

    I give up...

  19. How silly by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    If my 1st gen PS2 was dying, I'd say screw you Sony, why should I give you money for low quality shit? (My PS2 is dying and my PS1 died too). If the PS2 dies, I am never buying another Sony product again. I've already replaced (failed) Sony things in my house with the wares from others like Samsung (monitor), Panasonic (TV), Olympus (camera), camcorder (Pentax) and DVD player (Pioneer). Won't ever be looking back.

  20. Re:Overexposure Is Hurting America by DLWormwood · · Score: 1
    Does anyone have any clue as to what the parent was talking about??

    I was complaining that the article had a gratuitous "iPod" reference in it. I though I was being funny by recasting it as a parody of Jon Stewart's recent performance on Crossfire, but I guess the /. peanut gallery wasn't in a mood to appreciate satire today...

    --
    Those who complain about affect & effect on /. should be disemvoweled
  21. Where's the disassembly? by Andy_R · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Functionally it's just the same machine again, the interest here is in how much they've been able to reduce the component count, so I'm disappointed not to see the guts of the new machine on show.

    If the machine is effectively a single 'PS2 chip' plus support and interfaces, then it would be a very strong pointer to the PS3 having the same chip in it for backwards compatibility.

    --
    A pizza of radius z and thickness a has a volume of pi z z a
  22. Preview? by nicksthings · · Score: 1

    You know, usually previews are for things that haven't been released yet. Seeing as how this has been available (at least in the US) since last week, it seems particularly pointless to have a preview of it. But yeah. It's tiny and it comes in a cute, white box. Yay.

  23. Re:Overexposure Is Hurting America by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Don't fret. I thought it was funny. Maybe others will pick it up and turn it into the new trolling meme.

  24. Preview? by Inoshiro · · Score: 1

    They've been out in Canadian markets since, oh, last week. If you want to spend 200$ CDN for the same thing you probably already have, just head over the border to an EB, FutureShop, or Toys'R'Us and get one.

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  25. Re:BAH! Another New Multitap? by EightMillion · · Score: 1

    Seems to me that with hacksaw and some electrical tape, a person could make the old multitap work with the new PS2. All you would have to do would be to put the controller plugin and the memory card plugin on separate cords like sony should have done in the first place.

  26. Sweet by Bambi+Dee · · Score: 1

    Or, at least, elegantly unobtrusive. I didn't like any console designs I can remember except for the original VCS which looked rather like a piece of furniture (love the metal switches). On the opposite side of the offensiveness scale there's the XBox. While I've not seen one with my own eyes, it looks like a perfect blend of "macho" and "cheap". And the Gamecube, while not downright ugly, is just not the right shade of tacky. The PS2 is the only console that has both Rez and ICO, right? Damn. Now I almost thought of getting one.

  27. Its already out how can it be a preview by james_r_boyer · · Score: 0

    Its not really a preview since a lot of people (Including me already have them)

  28. This will be my second console of the current gen. by cttforsale · · Score: 1

    I've had a Nin. G.cube for ~2 years, and its had every game I could want, spare one type of genre. Multi-player action RPG (that doesn't require a gamboy). My wife loves Baldur's Gate DA. I do too. We've played it through a couple of times. But then, no DA2 for the cube! No Champions of Norrath! Then D&D Heroes became an XBox exclusive! NUTZ.

  29. NFS from the Mem Card? by fwitness · · Score: 1

    This would be perfect for my current multimedia PS2 Linux set, any links to how this is done?

    --
    -- I have fans? Wow.