Playstation 2 Shopping FAQ

The PS Two is considerably smaller and a slimmer version of the PS2. Despite its smaller size, the PS Two retains the basic functionality of the PS2 including the ability to play "Playstation 1" games.

Differences between PS2 and PS Two consoles

Features of the PS Two:

• Slimmer, more compact design (almost a quarter of the original PS2 size).
• Complete overhaul of the internal achitecture for a 75% reduction in volume.
• Much lighter (half the weight) and more portable than the PS2.
• Integrated Ethernet port for online gaming.

It's true! In August 2004, Sony has further slashed the price of the Playstation 2 console to now only $149(!). This Playstation 2 price drop means that the PS2 console is now only $149! Many Playstation 2 online retailers are already showing the new low price. The Xbox price has also been reduced to $149.99.

One DUALSHOCK 2 analog controller, one PlayStation AV Cable (RCA), and a power plug.

Yes. The PS2 memory card is not included when you buy the PS2 console. It is vital to save game data, eg. saved characters, special weapons, saved levels, high scores, or custom controller settings. Unlike the Xbox console which has a built-in harddrive, the PS2 does not have any other means to store your current game status or settings. We recommend original Sony and Madcatz memory cards. Please note that Playstation (PSX/Psone) memory cards can NOT be used for Playstation 2 games. However, they can (and must) be used for Playstation (PSX/Psone) games being played in the PS2, as the PS2 console is backwards compatible (whereas the PS2 memory card is not). In short: You can only save PSX games to a PSX memory card, and PS2 games to a PS2 memory card.

Yes - it is a built-in functionality, no additional hardware required. However, controlling the DVD operation with the normal controller is cumbersome, to say the least. It is recommendable to buy an infrared PS2 DVD remote control. The Sony DVD remote control kit actually updates the DVD driver, providing enhanced DVD functions. Also note, the PS2 cannot play VCDs. It plays DVD games and movies, CD games (Playstation 2 and Playstation 1), and audio CDs. If you wish to play DVDs from other countries, refer to our DVD region codes information

Yes. If you purchase an additional Playstation 2 controller, you can play with a friend. Most games support at least 2 players, and the PS2 consoles has 2 controller ports. If you want to make use of the multiplayer capabilities of many games (allowing 4 or more players), you need to purchase the "PS2 Multitap adapter", which enables up to 4 players to play at the same time. With 2 multitaps, up to 8 players can play simultaneously. Many sports games and also some shooting games support 4 and more players, such as the fantastic Time Splitters and Madden 2002.

Yes. The I-Link cable from Innovation allows you and a friend to play GT3 and other PS2 link compatible games like Armored Core 2 and Unreal Tournament. Simply connect your consoles for full-screen head-to-head competition!

The PlayStation 2 features optical digital outputs for Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound capabilities. However, the PS2 does not have an onboard Dolby Digital or DTS decoder. To get the complete 5.1 channel surround sound you will need an amplifier or stereo receiver equipped with either a Dolby Digital or DTS decoder, and of course you need an optical digital cable (also referred to as Toslink).

To get the most out of your Sony Playstation 2 console in terms of graphics and sound, we recommend Sony Home Theater products from sonystyle.com. If you want to save money, check out the featured brandnew Home Theatre Systems at the auction site, ubid.com.

Yes. The Playstation 2 consoles features standard USB sockets, and you can connect USB keybords or a USB mouse to the PS2. Of course this only makes sense with games that support it, such as Unreal Tournament and Half-Life. Yours truly used his Macintosh USB keyboard and mouse with great effect with "Half-Life", which is much more fun being played with keyboard and mouse instead of the standard controller. :-)

Yes you can, but you will be restricted to playing games destined for that country. This is also relevant if you want to order games from other countries such as Japan or from Europe. Read about PAL and NTSC and other compatibility issues here.

Short answer: No. Long answer: Yes, if you modify the console with a mod chip such as the Messiah mod chip, which defeats the regional lock-out protection scheme. A modification of this kind will also enable to play games and DVDs of any region. Click here to learn about DVD region codes. In the UK, a popular product called Region-X is available that enables UK Playstation consoles to play any DVD.

Sony will unveil online gaming for the PlayStation 2 (PS2) games console in the US in August 2002. The PS2 does not have built-in network capabilities but does have high-speed expansion ports designed for such a purpose. Sony said it will sell a PS2 network adapter for $39.99 beginning that month, allowing for both low and high-speed Internet connections. PlayStation BB (broadband) will also give users access to internet browsing, e-mail and instant messaging services, mp3 music file access and video streams.

Apparently video game pirates from China have developed a modification device called Playstation 2 Messiah Mod Chip that keeps their business of counterfeit PS2 games well alive. Originally available only for PAL, but now also for American NTSC machines, the chip defies the copy protection and the country lockout, making it possible to play backup copies and also games destined for other countries. Apparently restrictions in the DVD playback are also removed. In the UK, Sony has cracked down on manufacturers of such devices. In other countries, the legality of such devices is a gray zone, because common mod chips such as the NEO2 need another device (Gameshark, aka Action Replay) to work.

Although a great number of fantastic games exist for the PS2, the answer to this question is surprisingly simple. A must-have that EVERYONE can and will(!) enjoy is Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3. It is fun for everyone with unbeatable long-term and replay value. If you like to be scared, the horror game Silent Hill 2 is a fantastic choice, especially now as its price has been reduced. In terms of graphics and fast and furious (and very stylish!) gameplay, nothing beats Devil May Cry. We already mentioned the driving game Gran Turismo 3, which is simply the best racing game on any system, period. For mature gamers (not for kids!!), we recommend Grand Theft Auto 3, State of Emergency and Medal of Honor: Frontline. Sports fans can't go wrong with Madden 2002. If you like your games long, epic and cinematic, we recommend Final Fantasy X and Metal Gear Solid 2. For younger players, "Jak and Daxter" is an excellent choice.

We recommend to have a look at the Top 20 action games for PS2 here so you know what's popular.