The New PStwo is checked out

October 16th, 2004, 13:31 Posted By: wraggster

With four years in the life of the PS2 behind us we were expecting to see a lot more quality games and maybe some more online options, but to see a complete overhaul of the system was a complete surprise. But that's what really happened at the Tokyo game Show and unfortunately the tiny new versions were all under plexiglass and all we could do is stare at them and wonder if they really worked. Well, we don't wonder any more because we got one in the office and after every editor had to come and hold the thing we checked out to see what was new.[br][br]The first and most overwhelming thing about the new PS2 (aka the PStwo) is that it's tiny. Not just small or svelte or wearing some slimming outfit, but the new shape is a small fraction of its former self. Measuring in at 1"x9"x6" the PStwo can easily be overwhelmed by a graphic novel and can be stacked right next to some games with anyone barely noticing. As soon as we put it down on Tal's desk for an impromptu photo shoot everyone dragged out every other console they could find for a comparison. Aside from the PSone, the new PStwo is one of the smallest consoles in recent history.[br][br]The second big change is that the PStwo no longer has a tray that slides out. With a flip-top lid games can be placed in from the top and there's no more worries about the motor for the sliding tray wearing out in the future. This is a slick feature, but it has a couple of consequences which are fine for when the console is on top, but otherwise it's a little tricky. For one thing the console can't be buried beneath books, other games, or any other paraphernalia that might be lying around the house. The other problem is that when the PStwo is in the vertical position it's a little more difficult to get the games onto the spindle since they need to be pushed in instead of being dropped in like before. Getting a stand or setting the PStwo up against a solid object will be unavoidable. [br] [br]To get down to fighting weight and then past that to Ally McBeal status the PStwo has had to make a couple of change along the way. The AC adaptor is now external like the GameCube with a cord similar to the original PS2's (except for the tip that's a figure 8 like the Xbox's) that feeds into the adaptor that then connects to the PStwo. Another big change is that there is no longer a big gaping hole for the HDD since the PStwo has no HDD support. This is a bummer, but unless gamers are playing Final Fantasy XI or want to play the upcoming downloadable levels of SOCOM II this shouldn't be a problem. [br] [br]One of the changes makes the machine smaller and more powerful in the same step. The Network Adaptor has now been internalized and there is an Ethernet port as well as a dial-up jack that is on the back. Say goodbye to the bulky addition on the back of the old PS2 and hello to the possibility of some quick and easy transport for a gaming machine that can jump in on a LAN game at a friend's house. While it's sad and unfortunate and frustrating that Gran Turismo 4 will not be online the game will be LAN-enabled and with the PStwo it will be at least an option to go to another spot and set up a network game.

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