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September, 1999


September 30, 1999
- 12:20 PM EST
Geisen has put a two articles on PS2, its from TGS. Heres some stuff from them:
Q: When will Tekken 4 be released?
Kawamura: We're working on it, but we're still in planning.

The $64,000 question: Why 39,800 yen?
Staying at or below the 50,000-yen mark (software included): That's the prime motivation for SCE's decision to market the PS2 at 39,800 yen, a figure that longtime PlayStation owners will remember as the initial price of the PS. Although the price is consistent with the original PS, the PS2 arrives bundled with a memory car

Article 1
Article 2

Online Movies
Gamespot posted some info on online-movies for the PS2:
"Working in partnership with Cablevision Systems, SCE will use digital networks to distribute an interactive cable-TV broadcasting system. The output will take the form of a video-on-demand service, offering connection to the internet. This will enable gamers to go online and head-to-head with other remote users."
Full story

Onimusha Pics
Capcom posted a few pics from their upcoming PS2 game Onimusha
The game is slated for 2000 summer release.
Click here for the official page with the pics

Billiard Master 2 pics
Core scored some pics of ASKs PS2 game Billiard Master 2.
Go here to check them out

They also have some info and new pics on Konamis DrumMania
Check it out

September 29, 1999
- 1:25 PM EST
X-box humor
Yeah, this ain't PS2, but really funny :)
Here's two:
If you modify your racecar configuration you have to reboot your game console for the changes to take effect.

You lost your ability to pause a DVD since installing service pack 3.

Full list here

Videogames.com posted some info and pics on Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee which now is confirmed for the PS2.
Heres a snip:
We didn't go real-time 3D on the current systems because we never want to give up high image quality and lifelike animations. We want our characters to look like they come from lush lands of Oddworld, not from the land of low polys. Munch's Oddysee will be in real-time 3D, but it will do it in ways that have not been done yet, and it will look awesome.
Full story

PSX.IGN has posted some new Ridge Racer pics.
Go here to check them out

New PS2 game from Koei
Gamefan posted some (very little) info on a new strategy game coming from Koei for the PS2. It is supposed to be a lauch game.
Full story

September 28, 1999
- 1:00 PM EST
Another Armored Core 2 movie!
Get it (4.9MB)

X-Box Targets PS2?
Found this story over at FGN today. Pretty interesting. Although my feeling is that X-box will fail badly, but you never know.
Heres a snip:
"The way we're going [with Dreamcast] is very different. We are not a digital home network entertainment center company. The [X-Box] is aimed at a different market, at a higher cost. It's targeting PlayStation2."
Full story

Kiddie games for PS2
Heres some interesting news for you parents out there.
Sound Source Interactive Inc today announced that it has signed a five year worldwide exclusive agreement with The Harvey Entertainment Company to develop and publish Casper games and edutainment titles for the Sony Playstation.
The agreement includes PS2, so expect some games for the PS2 too.

Yesterday GA posted a few pics of a new game coming for the PS2.
It is a Pinball game, developed by japanese developer Astoll and the name of the game is American Arcade.
Heres the pics:
Pic #1
Pic #2
Pic #3
Pic #4

On a side note, OutCast II is coming to PS2.
Have no idea what kind of game Outcast is?
Click here for a review of Outcast I for the PC



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September 24, 1999
- 2:00 PM EST
New Eternal Ring Pics!!
Check them out. They look awesome.
Pic #1
Pic #2
Pic #3
Pic #4
Pic #5
Pic #6

ImaginAuthor technology at PS2 developers conference in Japan
I found a nice press release today about ImaginOn's ImaginAuthor technology.
Here's some bits from it:
"In discussing the software developers reaction to ImaginAuthor, Schwartz emphasized that, "Developers weren't aware that this kind of seamless n-way branching technology, with built-in Internet access, even existed, let alone was available for their use in entertainment products. ImaginAuthor changes the rules for interactive software development for a high bandwidth environment," he asserted. "Developers no longer need to rely on one ending for a title. Players should be able to choose from a lot of varied outcomes, depending on the decisions they make in real time interaction. We believe ImaginAuthor is the only technology of its kind that allows for an endless -- hence the phrase 'n-branching' -- number of outcomes."
With an Ethernet connection to a broadband network such as digital cable, PlayStation2 users will be able to download data-intensive computer entertainment content to hard disc drives to be provided by Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc"

Full Press Release

Armored Core 2 Movie
Found this baby at Armored Core 2's developer From Software's site.
Movie

More movies:
Tekken Tag Tournament
Gran Turismo 2000 #1
Gran Turismo 2000 #2

Seven PS2 games from Square!
Found this very interesting info at :
"Square told journalists in Tokyo that, contrary to online reports, it currently has seven games in development for PlayStation2 last week, but remained tight-lipped on Final Fantasy products for Sony's super-console
Square is to announce a host of its upcoming titles in Yokohama, Japan, on November 23. According to reports this morning, the ber-developer intends to lottery 10,000 tickets to the event. "


GameSpot UK has thrown up a PS2 FAQ. So if you dont know very much about the system already, check it out here.

Trickstyle running on PlayStation2
posted a story about the Trickstyle launch (for DC) in London yesterday. But there were some PS2 talk too:)
Take a bite at this:
"It seems as though Criterion will have to pull out all the stops for the PlayStation2 Trickstyle. Basically, the polygon count goes through the roof when you move over to PlayStation2, offered one insider. The characters in the PlayStation2 version will literally be three times as detailed as in the Dreamcast game.




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September 23, 1999
- 4:45 PM EST
Sony's Kutaragi Speaks About PSX 2 Network
Found this story at PSX Nation, was posted there yesterday but I missed it.
Anyway here's a bit from it:
"Kutaragi admitted that it would be impossible to offer this service to all households in 2001. But he said that it would be possible to provide this service to 4-5 million households in the initial stage.
The firm has yet to work out details of the design of the hard disk. But an informed source said that SCE intends to make it a unit with more than 50GB."

Check it out

- 11:35 AM EST
PS2 Wipeout in the works!
Yes, that's right boys and girls. Psygnosis confirmed that they are working on a Wipeout game for the PS2. No word on expected realese date.

New PS2 game: Getaway
Gamespot posted some info on a new PS2 game called Getaway.
Here's a bit:
"The game will be called Getaway and will feature game mechanics not entirely unlike those seen in the recent smash hit Driver. The game will be set in London, putting you, as a genuine criminal on the job, in the driving seat of classic motors like Jags."
Full story

Site stuff
We need preview writers for the site. As you can see we're pretty low on them right now.
So if you're good at writing and want to help out then mail .

TTT info
It appears the Tekken Tag Tournament demo shown at GTS was completed in 3 weeks! This Namco representatives said in an interview this week in Tokyo.
Also, TTT seems to be slated for release with the PS2 next March, though it might be delayed into the summer.
Cant wait to get my hands on this tile :)
Thanks to Core for the information.

SCEI & NEC in bed?
Seems like Toshiba has problems to produce a necessary number of Direct Rambus chips for the PS2.
Core put this up:
"SCEI has reportedly approached NEC about possibly supplying the chips, although it's currently unknown if they've reached a formal agreement."
Click here for full story

New movies
The Bouncer
Dark Cloud
Tekken Tag Tournament
Gradius #1
Gradius #2
Onimusha #1
Onimusha #2
Reiselied #1
Reiselied #2
Ridge Racer #1
Ridge Racer #2
Ridge Racer #3


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September 22, 1999
- 12:05 PM EST
A3D for PSX2
I found this cool info at our affiliate PSX2 HQ:
"Aureal was recently approved by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. as a Tool and Middleware Vendor to provide the A3D 3.0 Software Development Kit to Sony "PlayStation II" software developers to aid in the development of advanced audio and advanced 3D positional audio on the "PlayStation II" platform.
Sony announced this information today at the Next Generation PlayStation Software Developer Seminar at the SCEI headquarters in Tokyo, Japan.
Aureal's A3D 3.0 technology has not yet been formally announced, but most likely will be at their retail launch party this Thursday, 23 September 1999."


- 11:27 AM EST
DVD-article follow up
Remember the DVD article I told you guys about a few days ago?
Well, DVD Future posted a follow up on it since they got tons of feedback from readers.
Here's a qoute from the new article:
"Probably the number one question I received was regarding the PS2 playing dual-layered discs. About a week before the PS2 was officially revealed, a rumour began circulating that Sony would keep the PS2 from encroaching on their stand-alone player market by crippling it, and not allowing it to play dual-layered discs. This rumour has been incredibly persistent, but Sony has stated for the record that the Playstation2 is not crippled in any way when it comes to DVD movies. To put it another way, dual-layered discs play just fine."
Check it out

A few new movies
Videogames.com posted a few new movies, check them out:
Gran Turismo 2000 #1
Gran Turismo 2000 #2
Koudelka #1
Koudelka #2
Koudelka #3
X-Fire #1
X-Fire #2

Misc stuff:
Gamespot UK wrote up an little article on the PS2.
Heres some of it:
"So was it worth the wait? Should Sega feel threatened? Am I excited by the new machine?
Yes, yes - oh yes! (I think it hit the Spot!)"

Full article

Videogames.com has posted a 3 page preview of Tekken Tag Tournament. Take a bite at this:
"In addition to calling for a tag partner, the tag button can be used to deliver a new kind of throw, called a tag throw. When executed, tag throws let you throw your opponent to the edge of the screen where your second character leaps in to add a hit. Some characters, when partnered up with each other, have special tag throws that they execute. One such throw occurs while you are playing as Armor King and King - it looks like a wrestling-styled lariat/clothesline throw. Certain characters, when partnered up, have more than just special tag throws; they have special character intro animations."
Check it out

Core Magazine posted a TGS Wrap-up, including PS2 games.
Heres a bit from what they say about XFIRE for the PS2:
"One of the newer games revealed for the PlayStation2, it truly makes you wonder whether companies are trying to merely gain attention for their titles by making them for the PS2. Essentially a military action title, the game was extremely similar to the Tomb Raider series. Considering the game is only 30% complete, the graphics looked rather boring and the text scrolled pretty slow."
See the whole article

Core also posted an article on PS2 Production & SMIF Pods:
"SCEI announced this morning that they're planning to incorporate the SMIF (Standard Manufacturing Interface) pod system into their production of the PlayStation2 graphic engine"
Full story

This has nothing to do with PS2, but this is so dumb I had to post it.
I found an article where Nintendo faces Pokemon lawsuit ok so you want to know the reason?
The suit, from a San Diego law firm representing six and seven year-old kids, alleges that the random contents of the Pokemon expansion packs means that some buyers are getting access to rarer, and more valuable monsters, making it, in effect, a lottery.


While we talk about N64, IGN64 has a Q&A section. They got this question from a reader:
So spit it out, which is your preliminary pick of the next-gen systems??
Heres a bit of the answer:
"1) Truthfully, honestly, all Nintendo loyalty aside, I will say this:
Sony seems to have every card ready for PS2. The machine is undeniably awesome and it may very well Solidify Sony's position as the majority ruler of the next-generation market."

If you wanna see it go here and scroll down to the last question.

PSX.ING has put up some info on Dark Cloud along with a few pics.
A taste of it:
"What makes Dark Cloud so intriguing isn't the graphics, which look as good as those seen on a Dreamcast or high-end PC. The hook here is the game's Georama system, which enables players to create their own town using several onscreen tools. The central character's 'plot in life' if you will is to build up his island, creating a village, complete with houses, hills, churches, temples, volcanoes, streams, and even a choice of weather."
Click here for full article

And more interesting they put up some info on Eternal Ring
A snip of it:
"What was particularly noticeable in this demo is the level of rich and varied textures, from the ancient looking castle walls, the cavernous rock surfaces, and the solid gleam of the knights armor, all of which were completely unpixelated, gorgeous examples of Sonys new and powerful system."
Check it out


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September 21, 1999
- 5:30 PM EST
Site stuff
Just wanted to welcome you all.
We just opened up, 9/9/99. Nice date eh? ;)

We have some excellent Fourms here at
PS(X <--- hmm, that X, what shall we do about that... it officially is PS2 now, nahh, we keep it)2 Central. But not very many use it....
If you post it they will come, or something like that...ehh... so check it out.

Also, don't miss Tom's editorial posted yesterday. If you missed it just follow this link.

Well, that's all.
Thanks for visiting and enjoy your stay!

- 11:40 AM EST
PS2 Final Fantasy game to be network compatible!
Square has announced that FF for PS2 will be network compatible.
The game will take use of Sony's network system, and/or phone lines. Square says that data transfers will definitely make the game much more interesting.
Sounds very interesting :)

Imagineer Inks Deal with Rage for PS2 Software
Geisen posted some info on WWR, take a bite:
"Rage's Wild Wild Racing will rely on PS2's high speed number-crunching to calculate the physics of all elements in the game. This includes the motions of cars (of course), but also the headlights and even dust. The game will feature standard race game modes such as Championship and Time Attack. There will also be an Adventure Mode in which you blaze over uncharted terrain."
Go here for full story

New movies
Tons of new movies have been released on the net. I gathered a few of them:
The Bouncer #1
The Bouncer #2
Dark Cloud #1
Dark Cloud #2
Eternal Ring
EX3 The Street Fighter #1
EX3 The Street Fighter #2
EX3 The Street Fighter #3
Gran Turismo 2000
Tekken Tag Tournament #1
Tekken Tag Tournament #2
Tekken Tag Tournament #3
Tekken Tag Tournament #4
Tekken Tag Tournament #5
Densha De Go!
Story of Popolocrois 3
PS2 Ad

Impressions..
Core Magazine has put up some first impressions of TGS including PS2 games.
Here's the links which contains PS2 impression:
TGS: First Impressions - Part I
TGS: First Impressions - Part II
TGS: First Impressions - Part III

PSX.IGN.COM has put up some cool info on The Bouncer.
Here's a snip:
"If you're alone, you can select one of four characters, and then assign the three others to the computer and then your four-person team can romp around the city beating the stuffing out of the baddies. But if you have one, or up to three other people who want to play, then they can all play -- simultaneously."
Check it out

They also put up some new PS2 Onimusha details:
"In addition to the central ninja character's main weapon, he can use an item called the Demon Head that works as both a weapon and a shield. More weapons, including several blades, knives, and possible projectiles are apparently being worked on."
Check out the whole article

They continue by giving out some info on Konami's Gradius.
Here's a bite:
"But perhaps the most phenomenal of showing of them all was the movie of Gradius. It's astounding. The CG video looks breathtaking and better than any quality movies on previous systems by a long shot. This is the stuff of the cinema, the kind of graphic CG only seen in movies up to this point in time. Of course, movies should do just that - instantly immerse you with visuals to set the mood for the game, and the movies of Gradius succeeded wildly at it."
Check it out

Last but not least they put up some info on Konami's First RPG: Reisilied.
Click here to find out


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September 20, 1999
- 5:00 PM EST
Densha De Go!
Gaming-Age scored some new PS2 shots of a game called Densha De Go!
It is a train driving simulator developed by Taito.
Here's the goods:
Densha De Go! pic 1
Densha De Go! pic 2

- 1:44 PM EST
Trickstyle for PlayStation2 confirmed
Acclaims DC title Trickstyle is coming for PS2 too. It is not known if it just will be a port over from the DC to the PS2 or if they will enhance it. Hopefully they will:)
So what kind of game is it?
A piture says more than 1000 words, right?
So below is 5 screenshot from the DC version.
Screenshot #1
Screenshot #2
Screenshot #3
Screenshot #4
Screenshot #5

- 11:25 AM EST
Dark Cloud Movies
Videogames.com relased 2 Dark Cloud movies.
Movie #1
Movie #2

- 10:45 AM EST
Sony to Distribute Digital Movies
FGN updated with some cool info. Here's a bit:
"The move also plans to use PlayStation2 as a receiver for movies sent over cable TV lines in 2001. PlayStation2 will be equipped with a terminal that links cable TV to the Internet."
Check it out

- 7:50 AM EST
PS2 editorial
Tom Lane (psx2central.com staff member) has put up an editorial about the PS2.
A bit of it:
"The point is that every new generation of hardware in the past has introduced a major leap in technology that has led to sufficient shifts in the way we play games. Upon viewing the preliminary movies of Gran Turismo 2000 and Tekken Tag Tournament, I wondered if this was about to change. Both games look absolutely incredible, but they don't seem to introduce anything that I would consider revolutionary. They are simply rehashes of what we have already seen with nicer finishes on them. This lack of revolution has been my major gripe against Dreamcast and something that I was relying on Sony to change."
Check it out

Some TGS stuff
Gaming Age has updated with some TGS stuff:
TGS: Namco Shows Ridge Racer Impressions
They also posted some images from TGS including three Kessen screenshots:
Check it out


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September 19, 1999
- 7:05 AM EST
New Ridge Racer and GT2000 movies!
Straight from TGS. Check them out:
GT 2000 Movie #1
GT 2000 Movie #2
Ridge Racer Movie #1
Ridge Racer Movie #2
Ridge Racer Movie #3
Thanks to: Gamer's Republic


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September 18, 1999
- 8:55 PM EST
DVD and PS2 article
DVD Future has put up a nice article on the PS2 and it's DVD feature.
Here's a snip:
"It features the ability to play any DVD movie, and it supports both Dolby Digital and DTS sound. Picture quality should be fantastic, as the Emotion Engine (the central processor) in the Playstation2 is much faster than any of the MPEG2 decompression chips currently included in stand-alone DVD players. It should be able to decompress a film with incredible picture quality, and run upstairs to get you a coffee while you watch."
Check out the full article!


- 5:40 PM EST
More TGS... :)
Core Magazine continue covering TGS.
Heres the new stuff they kicked up:
TGS: Dark Cloud Update + Pics
TGS: A6 Update + Pics
TGS: Kessen Update + Pics
TGS: Den-Sen Update + Pics

Also, Videogames.com has put up some nice reading:
Tokyo Game Show: Day Two

- 11:33 AM EST
SCEI CEO Speaks
Core Magazine has a story up where SCEI CEO talks about the PS2, heres a quote:
"Shortly thereafter Kutaragi-san addressed the price issue directly. Stating that 39,800 yen was the optimum price for the system, so players could purchase at least one title at launch and keep the entire package including system and game beneath 50,000 yen. The presentation concluded with a brief speech regarding the future. Kutaragi-san stated that unlike the original PS, PlayStation2 will 'last much longer than five years in the market.' He then spoke openly regarding Sony's dedication to the future including online capability and the addition of new features through 'ilink' in 2001."

Check the full story out at: http://www.coremagazine.com/news/849.php3

More screenshots!
Yes, even more screenshots are available on the net.
It is Videogames.com that have them up. So just follow the links for the goods.
TGS: New Screens of PS2 Bouncer
TGS: New PS2 Tekken Tag Screens
TGS: Gran Turismo 2000 Screens
TGS: Eternal Ring on PlayStation2 + Screens
More Screens From EX3
TGS: PlayStation2 X-Fire Screens

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September 17, 1999
- 9:35 PM EST
More TGS
New TGS info just keeps coming:) This is the third update today.
Gamefan has posted tons of info from TGS, do NOT miss it!
Here's a quote from one of their stories about Tekken Tag Tournament:
"There was a street level full of neon signs and other minute details, but the coolest graphical effects were the puddles of water on the pavement which reflected the surroundings, as well as the fighters themselves... simply awesome. Their shadows were also very realistic, twisting and turning according to the placement of the light source.
Above all of the eye candy, Tekken Tag played really well and yet again, I have to stress that this game is still really, really early. Namco's still got almost eight months left to finish it!"


Here are the links to the cool stuff:
TGS: Sony Computer Entertainment's Booth
TGS: Namco Shows Off On PlayStation 2
TGS: Impressions From The Show Floor

http://psx.ign.com/ has som first impressions up on the PS2 games.
Check them out.

Also, Videogames.com has put up some PS2 TGS stuff that you don't want to miss.
Check it out.

And if you want to see the show live go here.
It is Sony that is broadcasting from their booth.

- 3:50 PM EST
Konami making Silent Hill 2 for PS2
Konami is planning many games for the PS2, two of them are Silent Hill 2 and a new Contra title.
Also, words are out that the Castlevania game from Konami for the DC might be scrapped.
Thanks to for the info.

- 7:50 AM EST
TGS 99 and more
A few more screenshot of Squares The Bouncer is up. They are from the movies posted yesterday, but are in much better quality than the movies.
Geisen played it a bit. First they thought it was FMV!!
Check the pics out.
Picture 1
Picture 2

Capcom has decided to move their latest survival horror title, Onimusha: The Demon Warrior, to the PS2.
Check the news out here

Videogames.com has popped up some info on Ninja Gaiden for the PS2.
Here's a quote:
"We also asked what Team Ninja thought of the PlayStation2 hardware, and the response was enthusiastic. The team members love the hardware and its many possibilities. In fact, they claim that it's easier to develop for than the Dreamcast."
Check it out here

[Comment on todays news]

September 16, 1999
- 6:55 AM EST
More movies and pics

A few movies of Squares PS2 game The Bouncer has been relased. Download them and check them out, they look awesome!
Movie1
Movie2
Movie3
Movie4
[Comment on the movies here]

Also Videogames.com has put up even more PS2 game screenshots.
Here's the links:
Gran Turismo 2000 and Unicon screens
New PS2 Tekken Tag Screens

September 15, 1999
- 7:10 PM EST
Misc. stuff

In case you missed it, Videogames.com has put up tons of new PS2 game screenshots.
Here's the links:
EX3 The Street Fighter
Screns Page1
Screns Page2
Screns Page3
Screns Page4


I found some nice Q&A with Sony over at Absolute Playstation International
Here's a bit:

"Q. Sony planned to produce .018 micron chips but rumors have been circulating that .025 will be produced instead until yield rates improve. Is this true?

A. Phil Harrison: That is not true. We are currently mass producing the .018 micron chips. "

Go check them out here.

September 14, 1999
- 7:45 AM EST
Impressions of the games

has put up some impressions of the games shown yesterday:

"Tekken Tag Tournament (Namco)
I saw three stages: Eddy Gordo's, Paul Pheonix, and Ogre's. The detail was almost too much and kind of unnecessary except it had your jaw hit the ground so fast you almost K.O.d.

Eddy's stage featured individual blades of grass for the Capoeira master to dance through. In the background there were a bunch of five or so supporters dancing around. Before the fight the camera showed us the extent of this beach area, with fully 3D palm trees, and a shore that appeared to go on for miles."

Go check them out here:



Check our earlier update today to get the movies of Tekken Tag Tournament

Videogames.com also has a few impression of the games.
Here's the links:
Tekken Tag Tournament
Street Fighter EX3
Gran Turismo 2000
The Bouncer
Popolocrois III
Kessen
DrumMania
Den-Sen
A-Train 6
Eternal Ring


- 2:40 AM EST
Tekken Tag Tournament Movies!

Here are 6 movies that looks awesome of Tekken Tag Tournament:

Movie1
Movie2
Movie3
Movie4
Movie5
Movie6

Thanks to Fighters.net

September 13, 1999
- 08:05 AM EST
Playstation 2 Unveiled!!




Click for a larger picture








check below for more pics and info
Press release:

TOKYO, September 13, 1999 -- Heralding in a new age of digital entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. today announced the launch details of its revolutionary computer entertainment system, PlayStation2. Building on the success of the worldwide best-selling PlayStation game console with hardware shipments exceeding 60 million units, PlayStation2 is designed to bring together movies, music and games to form a new world of computer entertainment.

PlayStation2 will launch in Japan on March 4th, 2000 with an unprecedented initial weeks shipment of one million units. Supporting both the audio CD and DVD-Video formats, PlayStation2 offers consumers a wide range of music and video entertainment options. The new system is backwards compatible with the original PlayStation, bridging the gap between the two systems while legitimizing consumers' investment in their existing PlayStation software libraries.

Sony Computer Entertainment announced the following details of the new system:

Product Name: PlayStation2
Suggested Retail Price (Japan) Yen 39,800 ($370 US)
Available: March 4th, 2000
Accessories included: "Dual Shock"2 analog controller
High capacity 8MB Memory Card
PlayStation2 Demo Disc
AV Multi cable
AC power cord
Dimensions: 301mm (W) X 178mm (D) X 78mm (D)
12" x 7" x 3"

Weight: 2.1Kg(4lbs 10oz)
Media: PlayStation2 CD-ROM, DVD-ROM
PlayStation CD-ROM

Formats supported: Audio CD, DVD-Video

Interfaces: Controller port (2)
Memory Card slot (2)
AV Multicable output (1)
Optical digital output (1)
USB port (2)
i.Link (IEEE1394) (1)
Type III PCMCIA card slot (1)

"PlayStation2 is charting a path toward the future of networked digital entertainment," said Ken Kutaragi, President and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. "Just as the PlayStation brought interactive gaming to an unprecedented mass market, PlayStation2's combination of breathtaking digital graphics, superb sound and DVD video will open the doors to a new computer entertainment experience in the home."

The PlayStation2 computer entertainment system will be available in Asian markets in the Summer, 2000 and in Fall, 2000 in Europe and North America.

PlayStation(R)2 Basic Specifications and Features

CPU
System Clock Frequency
Main Memory
Memory Size
128 Bit "Emotion Engine"
294.912 MHz
Direct RDRAM
32MB
Graphics
Clock Frequency
Embedded Cache VRAM
"Graphics Synthesizer"
147.456MHz
4MB
Sound
Number of Voices
Sound Memory
SPU2
48ch plus software
2MB
IOP
CPU Core
Clock Frequency
IOP Memory
I/O Processor
PlayStation CPU+
33.8688MHz or 36.864MHz (Selectable)
2MB
Disc Device
Device Speed
CD-ROM and DVD-ROM
CD-ROM 24 times speed
DVD-ROM 4 times speed
End Press Release.

Sounds nice! DVD and all, but the price is high. It will probably drop when it is relased in the states.

A few more pics of the PS2:
- Flat view
- Different views
- Dev kit

Some pics Sony released along with the press releases:
- GT2000
- The Bouncer
- TEKKEN TAG TOURNAMENT
- Cloud
- Kessen
- List A
- List B

The controller sure looks like the regular Dual Shock, but it's not the same:
"With the exception of the "start" and "select" buttons, all the functions of the "Dual Shock"2 are analog, making for a wider variety of user operations and a more compelling interactive experience. The "Dual Shock"2 is also backward compatible with original "Dual Shock" analog controller. "

And the new memory card has a storage capacity of 8MB of data, and a data transfer rate up to 250 times faster than the current memory card. In the interests of data security for potential future network applications, the memory card incorporates the authentication and encryption security system, "MagicGate."

What about the games?
Click here for a list of games and deveolpers Sony released today.

"In Japan, where the system is set to debut on March 4, 2000, 89 publishers have signed license agreements to develop content for PlayStation2. 46 North American companies and 27 European companies have signed letters of intent in preparation for the overseas launch of PlayStation2 in Fall, 2000."

Sony also talked about networking features. Here's the press release:

TOKYO, September 13, 1999 -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. today announced that it will establish its revolutionary computer entertainment system, PlayStation(R)2, as a platform for Internet-based electronic distribution of digital content in 2001.

The PlayStation changed the business model for interactive content distribution through the use of CD-ROM as a delivery medium. CD-ROM provided shorter lead times resulting in better inventory and distribution management, removing many of the difficulties associated with mask-ROM cartridges. PlayStation2 offers a further improved packaged media distribution model by employing both CD-ROM and DVD-ROM.

In addition to packaged media, and recognizing the potential of broadband networks to offer the consumer a vast selection of content and the convenience of download capability, Sony Computer Entertainment will establish broadband based distribution of digital content, beginning with the PlayStation and PlayStation2 software libraries. With an Ethernet connection to a broadband network such as digital cable, PlayStation2 users will be able to download data-intensive computer entertainment content to hard-disc drives to be provided by Sony Computer Entertainment.

Sony Computer Entertainment will develop an electronic transaction system, including authentication and encryption technology, to support the e-distribution system. The company will also include in 2001 a PlayStation2 expansion module as a network adapter (PC card interface) and establish an e-distribution server.

Phew, that was a lot:)

September 9, 1999
- 10:30 AM EST
Welcome to Playstation 2 Central

The staff of PSX2 Central would like to welcome you to what is/will be the most complete and comprehensive source for the Playstation 2 on the internet. Both owners have had previous experience running successful internet gaming sites and know what it takes to make a web page succeed. Frequent updates, solid content, crisp look, and overall professionalism.

In the future when the Playstation 2 is released, PSX2 Central will shift gears and become more dedicated to cheats / hints / tricks. For now, however, our main focus will be on news stories and previews. And, since the original Playstation is far from dead (and since the PSX2 will be backwards compatible), we will even be covering the best and most recent PSX games.

For now, take a look around the site. We have a bunch of stuff to see, along with some previews and reviews. Also don't forget to check out our UBB forums, and vote in the poll! Again, we hope to make this site as fun and intertaining as possible, with of course the cold hard facts along with it. With your cooperation and help, together we can maintain the best Playstation 2 page on the internet... Have fun!

Regular updates will start Monday.

Regards,
The Playstation 2 Central Staff



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