PS2 went on a diet and looks better than ever
Written: Dec 18 '04 (Updated Dec 18 '04)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Slim, looks good, and plays all the originals and backwards compatible with PS1
Cons: flimsy lid, no HDD support, need a different multi-tap, top loading tray limits space saving
The Bottom Line: If you don't already own a playstation2 or want to replace a broken one, this is it. If you already own one, it plays the same so purchase with caution.
|
|
|
| conformr's Full Review: Sony PlayStation 2 Slimline Console |
I've played games on the original playstation2 for years over at a friend's house and the original was great. It had a great selection of games and the controller looks and feels great in the hand just like the original playstation dual shock.
I took a look at the flyers that came into the mail and saw a slim playstation2 on sale and it was much cheaper than when my friend bought his original bulky one. I picked it up from the store and I was pleasantly surprised. The console has everything that the original has plus the addition of a network adapter. The box included manuals, cables, and one controller but no vertical stand. I booted up the new playstation just to see what it was like without any games and the major difference between the old and new are clear. This console is quiet. A lot more quiet than the original. I could hear the hum from the fan of the original 5-6 feet away. The new playstation2 is so quiet I had to get up to about a foot before I can hear it.
Like the original, all games look like the original and nothing interms of gameplay have changed. I purchased an S-Video cable and tested it on my friend's original and my own and both are much clearer than using the RCA cables that are included with the machine. Both exhibit the same clarity and speed. However, the load times seem slightly faster than the original.
The single controller that came for the console is exactly the same as the original and uses the same memory card. The hardware is virtually the same but packed into a small space about the size of a dvd case but a little bigger and thicker. If you've owned an original playstation2 but broke down, you will not be able to use the original power supply and multi-tap. The old RCA cable to connect to the TV still works with the new ps2, however. You can still purchase a new multitap for the new ps2 though.
The reason why this console needs a new power supply is because it takes less energy than the old ps2. while the performance remains about the same, the new ps2 has optimized hardware that requires less energy. It means that this ps2 will play with virtually no different than the original. If you do not own a ps2 or your old one broke, this is meant to take those two places.
This ps2 can basically replace the dvd player and the original because it can play movies with virtually the same quality as those dedicated to running only movies. There's even an optical out to connect to receivers for even more sound clarity. Sony's site says that it plays back DVD +/-R so it may even play back burnt movies. I haven't tested it myself yet with burned dvds but I have played regular dvds and they play just fine. You can even purchase a remote for the ps2 and you don't need to add an IR (infrared) sensor attachment because there is one just under the power button. the remote is great for watching dvds.
Being so small has a few drawbacks nevertheless. It lacks hard drive support so final fantasy XI players will complain about that. I personally have no complains about the lack of hard drive support. As far as I can see, the only game that requires an HDD is FFXI and I don't play it. I've heard rumors that the ps2 overheats because it's size contraints does not allow good ventilation. I have had no problem playing xenosaga for a few hours. the console may be warm to the touch but does not overheat at all.
The other draw back is the top loading dvd tray. It is the old style playstation lid and it feels flimsy. Having this flimsy top is to save space of the motors opening the tray from the original. What the top lid is is basically a piece of thin plastic with small rods to push on to the closed switches to tell the ps2 that the lid is closed, nothing more. My only wish would be that the lid would be a bit more sturdy and have a less cheap feel to it.
the last draw back to it's size is that you cannot stand it vertically without the stand. The original was wide enough that it could stand and even had rubber feet. But this new slim ps2 cannot stand at all without the vertical stand. it could stand on it's own without anything attached to it, but with a controller, it will fall undoubtedly. Even if the stand were purchased, it would be inconvenient to stand it because it is top loading. it may be slim but it cannot be put into small spaces because there needs to be room for the lid to open. Of course, this can all be overlooked if you don't mind the ps2 on it's horizontal. If you do decide to purchase a stand, however, the ps2 logo can be rotated like the original so it is always right-side up regardless if it is standing or on it's horizontal.
In the end, if you haven't owned a playstation2 or want to replace a broken one, this is the one to buy. most of it's problems are very minor and the added feature of the network adapter saves the money of having to buy another one for the original. For those who already own the original playstation, this would not be much different than the one already owned and is not recommended.
This console came with the following:
1x ps2 console
1x controller
1x RCA cable
1X power supply and cable
1x manual registration card
You'll have to buy a separate memory card.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
conformr
|
|
Reviews written: 17
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.