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Slim PS2 Problems

The PlayStation 2 PS2 video game console was released in 2000 by the Sony Corporation. In 2004, Sony released an updated version of the console that was slimmer in design and quieter than the original version. The slim console also featured an integrated Ethernet port for online connections, but eliminated several features and expansion options. In spite of these issues, the PS2 remains the best selling console as of Jan 2010 due to the vast library of games that are available for the system.

Expansion Bay Eliminated
- The slim PS2 can attribute it's smaller size to the elimination of the 3.5-inch expansion bay that was part of the original design. The elimination of the expansion bay means the console will no longer support an internal hard disk option. Some complex games such as Final Fantasy are no longer supported and other games are released with fewer features due to the lack of hard disk support. The PS2 version of the Smackdown vs. Raw 2010 wrestling game does not include the "highlight reel" and "entrance movie creation" tools that the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions include due to the lack of hard disk drive support.
Incompatible With Legacy Peripherals
- In addition to the lack of support for the original hard disk option, the slim PS2 does not support the original "multitap" peripheral. The "multitap" is used to attach multiple controllers to the console using a single expansion slot. Gamers who upgrade from the original console will need to invest in a new "multitap" to enable multi-player gaming. The eject button on the original DVD remote control is not compatible with the slim PS2.
Minimal Warranty Period
- The slim PS2 is a very fragile console due to it's small form factor and inexpensive component parts. The system only includes a 90-day warranty period that is the weakest among competing video game consoles.
Disk Read Errors
- Both the original and slim PS2 consoles are prone to disk read errors "dre's" due to the laser becoming out of alignment during continued usage. It is much more difficult to adjust the laser by hand due to the position of the laser and small form factor that the slim version uses.
Lack of Power
- The slim PS2 is the weakest among contemporary game consoles in terms of processing power, memory and graphic resolution. The gaming experience using the PS2 is less robust compared to the GameCube, PS3 and Xbox 360. The inexpensive price, huge library of game titles, and large user base make the slim PS2 extremely popular with game developers making contemporary game titles. Many owners of more powerful consoles complain that the PS2 limits the features that developers include with new titles due to their desire to continue to support this popular legacy game console.

PlayStation 2