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History of the PlayStation 2
In 2000, Sony released the PlayStation 2. It is the console that continues to be played by avid gamers and casual fans alike. As the world began to prepare for the highly anticipated next-generation consoles (what are now the PlayStation 3, the XBOX 360 and the Nintendo Wii), Sony surprised gamers with an updated version of the original PlayStation 2, the Slimline. The PlayStation 2 Slim comes with one DUALSHOCK analog controller, a composite A/V cord (other audio/visual connectivity options are available separately), a AC adaptor and power cord, and a one-year warranty. The PlayStation 2 Slim has some definite advantages over its older sibling, while other neglected features left gamers wanting more.
Features Comparison
In a side-by-side technical comparison with the PlayStation 2 Original, the PlayStation 2 Slim shows some significant improvements. The Slim is smaller and weighs less, coming in at 31.7 ounces instead of the Original's 4.9 pounds. The Original system comes only in black while the Slim is available in black or silver. Discs load into a front slide-out tray on the Original but the Slim features a top-loading tray. Online gaming is possible on both systems, but only the PlayStation 2 Slim offers a 56k-modem jack, which can take a standard telephone cord, plus an Ethernet connection. Also, the Slim sports additional device connectivity options, specifically one connection to LAN networks, one phone line connection and a new power source.
Improvements
The PlayStation 2 Slim is one quarter of the size of its predecessor, making it more portable as well as sleek in appearance. However, the enhancements with which Sony imbued the PlayStation 2 Slim do not stop at the system's external covering. The most notable improvement is the fact that the PlayStation 2 Original's clunky online adaptor, which was sold separately from the system, has been replaced with multiple integrated online connections. The Slim boasts a 56k internal modem as well as a network connection and even an Ethernet port for extra-fast network gaming.
Also, Sony tinkered with the PlayStation 2's power sources and were able to remove the Original's fan, making the Slim far quieter. The PlayStation 2 Slim's disc drives provide enhanced functionality and playback as well, resulting in better on-screen visuals for both games and DVDs.
Problems
The PlayStation 2 Slim is not without its less desirable qualities, unfortunately. While both the Original and the Slim only have docks for two controllers--and, as a result, two players--users of the Original were able to purchase a multi-tap. This gadget allowed up to four players to use a single system. With the PlayStation 2 Slim, however, the original multi-tap does not fit the smaller design. Other questioned improvements include the pop-up disc loading tray on top of the system, which many gamers do not like, as well as the fact that the Original's internal hard drive was removed. Not only is the Slim's memory process altered, but the newer version of the console requires special memory cards that cannot be interchanged with the Original.
Favorite Features Retained
Although the PlayStation 2 Slim is not as perfect as fans might like, the updated console still retains the most valued features of the Original. Not only does the Slim play all PlayStation 2 games, but it can also play DVDs, home-burned DVDs and audio CDs. The Slim is still backwards compatible, meaning that gamers can use it to play games from the first Sony console, the PlayStation. The PlayStation 2 Slim offers all of gamers' favorite aspects of the beloved PlayStation 2 Original as well as a few key upgrades.