Sony today announced the $99 Playstation 2:
Sony Computer Entertainment Japan (SCEJ), a division of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) responsible for business operations in Japan, today announced a newly designed PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system (SCPH-90000), which will become available in Japan on November 22nd, 2007 at a recommended retail price of 16,000 yen (including tax). The newly designed PlayStation 2 will come in three color variations of “Charcoal Black”, “Ceramic White” and “Satin Silver”. Vertical Stand for PlayStation 2 will also become available on November 22nd, 2007 in the same three colors at a recommended retail price of 1,500 yen (including tax).
While inheriting the functions of the current PlayStation 2, the internal design architecture of the new system has been completely overhauled, resulting lighter in weight. The newly designed PlayStation 2 will have a built-in AC adapter, further improving users’ convenience to enjoy various entertainment contents anywhere at home.
In the 8th year from its launch in 2000, PlayStation 2 continues to be strongly supported by a wide demographic of users around the world. Reaching the remarkable milestone of 120 millionth sales in shorter period than the original PlayStation did, the world of PlayStation 2 further expands as more new and attractive software titles are to be released this coming holiday season and beyond.
Sony confirms new PS2 in Europe for New Year
Lighter model with internal power supply
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that it will be introducing a new model PlayStation 2 to the market in the new year.
Already scheduled for release in Japan later this month, the new model comes with an integrated power supply and is lighter due to revised internal architecture.
The redesigned unit will come in three colours – Charcoal Black, Ceramic White and Satin Silver, with matching vertical stands sold separately.
Despite rumours, the new unit will not be any cheaper in Japan than the current model, retailing for JPY 16,000, and it looks likely the same business model will apply in the European market.
Last month Sony celebrated the seventh birthday of the 120 million-selling console, revealing that more than a billion units of software had been sold for the machine since it launched in 2000.
The PlayStation 2 currently has a recommended retail price of GBP 94.99 / EUR 129.99 in Europe.
With the newly designed PlayStation 2, together with the lineup of forthcoming new game titles, SCEJ will continue to expand the market and create a new world of computer entertainment.
The new model of PS2 will be the same price as the existing model and will be available in the SCEE territories in early 2008. Specific launch dates to be announced at a future date.