Find: Games - Movies - Music - Free Stuff! - Electronics - Computers Mailbag Archives Call A Doctor! Q: I heard some news that nearly gave me a heart attack! Is it true that the Playstation 2 will not make the proposed one million but half of that to the United States, and does that mean that I won't be able to get one on launch day? I was really looking forward to getting one and I have had the money saved for about four months now. And what outlet/store chains will be getting the PS2? Deeply Depressed, Drew! A: I don't want to be the one that gives you that heart attack, but the rumors are true. There will 500,000 units available at launch, and an additional 100,000 every week thereafter. Places like Wal-Mart, K Mart, Best Buy, and Target will all be getting units. Your best bet at getting one will be to wait in line at one of those places. Couch Potato Q: Can the dvd feature work with a universal remote? Also is the dvd remote that can be reserved now also a controller for Playstation2? A: No, you cannot use a standard universal remote on the PS2 because you must plug a receiver into the controller slot. The remote that is being pre-sold is just a remote control. Head off to the mall Q: hi. i was wondering if you could answer me a question. I pre ordered my ps2 at electroinics boutiqe in april do you think i will get it when it comes out ? A: If you pay it off ASAP you will probably get one. You'll want to do this real soon. Can I? Q: I was just wondering can you save Playstation 1 games on the Playstation 2 memory card or do you need a Playstation 1 memory card? Thanx A: You can use either card. You cannot use a psx card to save a PS2 game though. Recycle Q: hey does every single controller for the playstation like joysticks asc pads and driving controllers work on the psx2? A: Sony has only guaranteed that their controllers will work, they promise nothing about anybody elses. I think that most of them will work fine, I've got a few that seem to work well. Blast From the Past Q: Hi!!!!!!!!! Aaron I'm Jimmy I don't know if u remember me, I was the one that ask u why it was so dificult to develop game for ps2 lol, but that's not my q. ok I have been asking this q to DR like for three weeks and they heven't answered me. Do I need the Hdd from Sony to play online games on the ps2? Thanx Aaron P.S. I like PSX2Central!! Great Site!!! A: I do remember your previous question. Theoretically, you could go online and play games without a hard drive; you just need a broadband modem, and the adapter that is yet to be released. I think there will be some games that require you to have a hard drive, but I don't think all online games will require it. This is all speculation, so you never know. More Launch Day Worries Q: Is There any way to go ahead and purchase a PS2 so when they come out i wont have to worry trying to get one if so will you tell me the web site or where I can order it I live in the U.S A: You cannot pre-order it at any Internet site or store, and get it on launch day. You can wait in line at Best Buy or Wal-Mart and try though. That's about all the help I can offer. I Wonder If... Q: When the Playstation 2 was first introduced I had read that it had PC game capability, but then when i read your mailbag you said no. Can someone please give me a straight answer???!!! I would really appreciate it!! A: It cannot play PC games. This is 100% true. I've never read anything that said it could, but I have gotten one or two questions about it. I'm guessing there was some rumor going around about that, but I can assure you it does not. Movie Help Q: I'm trying to download some game movie previews and it is asking me for a password does this mean It can't be downloaded? A: Bjorn and I both tried them, and although they were slow they worked fine. Are you at work, or behind some sort of firewall that requires you to enter a password before downloading? Some places restrict what you can download so you don't get a virus. We will soon change to a new server so the files should be faster to download after the switch. Language barrier Q: I just bought a PSX2 but its manual is written in Japanese. I was wondering where i could secure an english manual. Maybe you guys have an possibly e-mail it to me. Thanks A: I don't know where you could find a complete manual for the system in English. Ign.com has a good walkthrough in their guide section that shows you how to do quite a bit. You must register with ign, but that is free. Go to the guide section, scroll to the bottom of the page where the alphabetical listings are look through the one with letter P, and you will see one titled Playstation2. It will tell you how to set your menus to English, among many other things. On the go Q: I've heard of a portable playstation that will cost about $100 and it plays both PSX games and PS2 games. I heard that it was coming out in Toys R Us but I'm not sure when. Do u know when it's coming out, how much exactly, and If I have mixed information or whatever?? Also, do u know a web site that will give me some information, thanx... A: The system you are referring to is the PSone. It does not play PS2 games though. It is a smaller version of the original Playstation, about the size of a DVD case, and a little taller. It will only play psx games, and it is not truly portable. A small LCD screen is planned for it, but it has to be plugged into a socket as of right now. I believe it comes out on the 19th of September and will cost $100. This is the same guy. Just a follow up e-mail. Q: You are sure it will only PSX games and not PS2 games??? Are they going to come out with a different one that plays both then? Also what kind of "socket" do I have to plug it in to??? A: I'm quite confident it only plays Psx games. Why would it be $100 if it could play PS2 games? It also comes out a month and a half before the PS2. It plugs into a regular wall socket. I've attached a picture. The phone is not included, and at this time it will be used in Japan only. I can't remember Q: Is the highest memory card going to be the 8meg or will there be a different one? A: For now the highest will be 8meg. As with every other system someone will come out with a larger one. I have 10 or so games saved on mine right now and it's not full, so you shouldn't have to buy them as often as you did with the psx. Issues Q: About how much will The PSX2 memory card cost? I like to beat on my brother to is there a problem with it? A: It's ok to beat on your brother, just not with a memory card. They cost $34, so you might want to use a piece of wood or something else cheap. My first hate mail Q: I THINK ALL U GUYS ARE IDIOTS, AND U KNOW NOTING ABOUT NASCAR OR RACING SOI DONT THINK U NEED TO PUT " PULLING AND EARNHARDT" WHILE HE GETS SPUN OUT. SO STOP WITH THE DUMB LITTLE SAYINGS BECAUSE U KNOW NOTHING ABOUT NASCAR. A: Sweet, my first real hate mail. The odd thing is I can't find that reference anywhere on the site. Maybe someone can help me out? Ask and ye shall receive Q: Why dont you put anything about Dreamland Chronicles:Freedom Ridge And also do you know when armada 2 is coming to the psx2. A: Any time there is a preview that you want to see and we don't have it, drop me an e-mail and either Shawn or I will get on it. According to Metro3D's website Armada's Revenge is due out in Fall of 2000. Go here to see our Dreamland Chronicles preview. I want my DVD Q: Do you know how or who or where to get a copy of the Version 1.00 DVD drivers? I checked my Version 1.01 utilities disc and it's about 624MB so it's pretty much burnable. Is there anyway that I can get a copy from someone that has it??? I'd pay just about anything for Region 1 DVDs to work. A: You can buy a Memory card with the 1.00 driver at Buyrite.net, or Videogamedepot.com will format your card for $5 if you send it in.You must have the SCPH -10000 PS2 for it to work. If you have the SCPH-15000 PS2 it will not play region1 DVD's no matter what you do. Q: Is halo still coming to playstation 2 even though microsoft bought out bungie? A: According to Bungie's website, Halo is still "coming to a platform near you". There is not much more information than that on the site, so nobody is quite sure. Halo is going to be on the Macintosh as well as the PC and X-box, but I doubt it will be released for the PS2. Q: Hello, my name is Patrick. Do know any places that you can still put down pre-orders for Playstation2? A: As far as I know, none of the major sites are accepting pre-orders for launch day. You might try Buyrite.net, or Videogamedepot.com. If you have no luck there, your best bet is to get out to Wal-Mart, and get in line on launch day. Q: Hi, I'm from the U.K., when the playstation 2 is released in America it'll cost $299 something like that, and I was looking on the news and it showed Sony PS2 and they've been complaining that there will be around 6 million PS2 units and if I go to america it'll cost me 200 and thats not a bad price or if I buy it from Japan it'll cost me 244 and when it's released over in UK it'll cost 300 and there'll only be 100 000 PS2 units in the UK so it'll make consumers rush for a PS2 and make them spend more money when they don't have to worry about stock to MUCH because there are 6 million, and there are hardly no pre-orders left and when they've gone out of stock I'll have to wait till new years day or easter, why is SONY making us UK fans rush for a PS2 and I think SONY are ripping OFF there consumers ? so tell me why please. A: SCEE president, Chris Deering, had this to say about the high price of the PS2. Deering said the PS2's 299 price tag was higher than it had hoped, and that the performance of the Euro was responsible. But Deering promised a price cut could be on the cards: "If the exchange rate changes dramatically by early next year, then we can pass on the result - we'll always do it. "As soon as we can get costs down we pass it on - we want to sell more PlayStations, we want more people out there who are able to buy software," he said. I have not heard any official word on the number of units being shipped at launch, but 100,000 seems a bit low. You guys in Europe always seem to get screwed at console launches. Q: I just have one question and the question is : Why is so difficult to develop games to the ps2? thanks for your attention A: Hmmm. This seems to be one of the biggest questions surrounding the PS2. The fact is that some developers say it is tough to program for, and others are having little to no problem. The general consensus is that the first time programming for any system is difficult. It is just like learning to use any new tool. Say you are a painter and you have painted houses with only 1 brush and 4 colors, there is only so much you can do with those tools. All of the sudden, someone gives you 8 different sized brushes, 20 colors of paint, and a bigger house. Its going to take you a while to do what you used to do, but its going to look much better, it just takes time to take advantage of all your new tools. Q: hello i was wondering if you could give me your thoughts on big SSX for ps2? thanks man. A: Now that everyone seems to have put out a snowboarding game, I'm a little tired of snowboarding titles, but it looks like SSX is not your average snowboarding title. Of course it looks good, but EA has added some new wrinkles to the genre. Snowboarding in a pinball type environment, or through a city, is sure to make this title stand out from what is sure to be a crowded field. I have not gotten any hands on time with the game, but the movies look very impressive, and I am looking forward to this title. Q: What happened to the download section? When will it be back? A: Bjorn assures me that the Download section will be up in the next week or two. Q: Do you need the vertical stand to stand the Playstation2 up? How does the disc stay in there? Doesnt it fall out? A: You dont need a vertical stand to stand your PS2 up; it is surprisingly sturdy without it. As for the disc falling out, there is a small lip in the bottom of the tray that helps hold it in there. If you have the tray open, and bump it the disc will fall halfway out, but it will stay in the tray. Q: Can you play US games on the Japanese psx2? A: Nope. If you put in any US release in the system it tells you to put in a Playstation or Playstation2 game. There are supposedly mods out there that will allow you do this, but I have not heard how well they work. Q: i own a dremcast. and i was wandering,since the dreamcast is a 128bit what is the playstation 2. how is it different. i was so amazed with the dreamcast i just can't realize any thing better. i mean, the dreamcast could be a little better here and there, but i just dont see the difference i cant seem to find how they can make anything better. i know the ps2 has a dvd but who cares its not that big of a deal. all i wanted to know was what is the difference in the game play is? A: As of right now there is not a whole lot of difference in how PS2 games look compared to Dreamcast games. As time goes on I feel that the PS2 will pull away, and put out some amazing visuals that are simply not possible on the Dreamcast. As far as gameplay goes, playing the PS2 feels a lot like playing the original Playstation. Part of this is because the control is basically the same, and part is because so many of the games are sequels to Playstation titles. The big difference is of course the graphics, and the speed. There is little to no slowdown in any of the titles I have played, and I would expect this to only get better. Q: Hey were you in a wrestling fed called EUW? A: Nope, but I do enjoy smacking my brother around on the trampoline in the backyard. Its True. Q: I was wondering is primal image in English or Japanese. A: It is almost entirely in Japanese. It is also in the international language of suck. Q: Just wondering, are the world cups and leagues one player only? Like you,the Japanese makes things a little difficult. A: I didnt know that I made things so difficult, Im sorry. In the league and World Cup modes, you can only control one team, but you can play with two players on that one team. So it is a little bit of both. Q: Can I pre-order PS2 on your site? Thanks and God Bless A: No, you sure cant. Try Ebworld or ToysRus.com, but you probably arent going to get it on launch day. Q: Will playstation2 have better graphics then dolphin? A: Hard to say at this point in time. the doplhin wont come out untill mid 2001 so it should be somewhat more advanced. - mm Q: Is there any info you have heard about Gameday for the Psx2. A: Havent heard any confirmations and with 989 studios going thru the motions, we'll just have to wait and see. you can bet yer ass, madden 2001 will be around. - mm Q: Can you play psx2 games on psx? Do you know when more Final Fantasy games are coming out? A: ummmm, no FFIX will be out July 17 in Japan. Squaresoft has BIG plans for the future. - mm Q: When is psx2 coming out? are you 100% sure? are you sure it will not be delayed? A: It is out as of 3/4/00 in japan, sometime in september in the US. 99.95% sure, just like ivory. i really dont think it will be delayed, at least not the japan launch, ehhe. - mm Q: Can the japanese psx2 play old american psx games. A: Not without a mod chip or some sort of hacked memory card, and neither exist right now. - mm Q:How much is the PS2 really going to cost!!! please I must know the real price!!!!!!!!! please!! A: Wow, lay off the mountain dew. the estimated US release price is 299$, but that may go up or down, depending on how many PSX2's sony wants to sell and how much of the loss can they afford. - mm Q: I have some questions on the Playstation 2. 1.Will it be able to play PC games? 2.Can it be hooked up with a keyboard, mouse, and any other controller than a PS2 or PSX controller? 3.What will the cost be in U.S.? If you can answer these, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. A: 1.nope. never. why would you want it to. 2.Although it has firewire and USB hookups, only sony PSX2 approved equipment will work. 3.Hopefully 299$ or less. - mm Q: Do you know if it will be posible to use the ps2 as a dvd-rom unit of a PC using the USB port? A: ummmmmm, dont you have a TV? i would say no, plus DVD-rom drives are very cheap these days. - mm Q: Will sony sell a modem for the ps2, if so how much will it cost? A: A broadband [nic] modem will be available eventually. cost is unknown. - mm Q: Hi, i'am from germany so please forgive me for my bad english!!! k, i wanna buy a playstation 2!!! and i have 2 questions: first, is the playstation 2 able to play DVD's with every region code??? cause i wanne order the playstation 2 in the usa!!! to play earlier then my friends!!! and the second, can i play games from all over the world??? japanese and us versions??? when i buy a us playstation will i be able to run european DVD's and european games??? thx for your help!!! your site is very cool!!! A: What makes you think my english is any better? the japanese PSX2 is coded for region 2, the US psx2 will be coded for region 1. But check out this article, seems like there is a way to play all region movies... - mm Q: Will the psx2 have a built in dolby digital decoder? or will any external decoder be required? A: The PSX2 is AC3 certified. just plug a digital cable into a dolby digital receiver and youll be in 5.1 heaven. - mm Q: Can the playstation 2 play vcd? A: From the reports i read, no it does not. - mm Q: How many pressure points do the analog buttons have? A: The new Sony Dual Shock 2 has incorporated a new analog reader in all their buttons. This allows games to measure how 'hard' you are pressing a button. The analog reader can measure 256 different levels of pressure applied to any one button. This allows, for instance, how much accelerator to give a car in a racing game or how hard you punch someone in a fighting game. This should lead to some interesting games and control schemes in the future. /RW Q: How does the rumble feature in the Dual Shock 2 compare to the Dual Shock 1? A: All current reports note it as substantially the same as the Dual Shock 1. Sony has not annouced any improvements in area yet. /RW All products and names are registered trademarks to their respective company. This site is Copyright & Copy 1999-2000 . All Rights Reserved. This site and the this site's logo are trademarks of the authors.