TOKYO, September 21, 2004 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) announced today its plans for the global release of a new, redesigned PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system (SCPH-70000 CB) in time for the year-end peak-selling season. The new model will be in stores on November 3 in Japan, and by November 1 in Europe and North America.
While inheriting the basic functions and design philosophy of the current PlayStation 2 (SCPH-50000), the internal design architecture of the new model has been completely overhauled, resulting in a slimmer and more lightweight form. Internal volume has been reduced by 75 percent, overall weight has been halved, and thickness trimmed down to 2.8 cm (thickness of current model is 7.8cm). Its size is almost as small as a hardcover book, making it easier to carry around and enjoy games and DVD videos anytime, anywhere.
Equipped with an integrated Ethernet port for network gaming, the new PlayStation 2 sets new standards in the fusion of design and functionality and will enable the company to maintain market momentum as it expands its online console gaming community, the largest in North America with more than 1.4 million users. Approximately 40 percent (*1) of North American PlayStation 2 online gamers use dial-up connections and to satisfy this base, the North American model is equipped with both Ethernet and modem ports.
During the year-end peak-selling season about 80 online game titles are expected to be available in Japan, with 120 titles and 65 titles respectively in North America and Europe. With the launch of the new network-ready (*2) PlayStation 2, the company expects to continually expand the world of online gaming in this generation.
"The introduction of the new PlayStation 2 is part of our long-term vision for the platform," said Jack Tretton, executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "We are pleased to bring the sleek, redesigned product to market in time for the holiday season, and expect consumer enthusiasm for the new model to translate into robust sales. As the market leader, with an existing installed base of more than 27 million PlayStation 2 units in North America alone, we will continue to provide solutions that expand our consumer base and grow the category as a whole."
Gaining an overwhelming support from a wide range of users from all over the world, more than 72 million units of PlayStation 2 have been shipped as of today. Strongly supported by software developers and publishers, PlayStation 2 is indisputably the most popular computer entertainment system in the world and the new design will position it for even greater success over the next half of its life.
Product Outline (for Japan Model)
| Product Name | PlayStation®2 |
| Color | Charcoal Black |
| Product Code | SCPH-70000 CB |
| Release Date | November 3rd, 2004 (Wednesday) |
| Recommended Retail Price | Open Price |
| Dimensions | 230 mm (W) é—28 mm (H) é—152 mm (D) *internal volume about 23% of the current model |
| Weight | Approximately 900g *weight about 45% of the current model |
| Power requirements | DC 8.5V |
| Electrical current consumption | Approximately 5.3A (approximately 45W) |
| Compatible format | PlayStation format CD-ROM *the term "DVD-Video" is used to refer to DVD-R, DVD-RW (Video mode), DVD+R and DVD+RW discs. |
| Interfaces | Controller Port x 2 |
| Included | PlayStation 2 console x 1 |
USB connector x 2 
DC IN 8.5V connector x 1 Separately Sold Accessories (for Japan Model)
| Product Name | Vertical Stand (for PlayStation®2) |
| Product Code | SCPH-70110 CB |
| Color | Charcoal Black |
| Release Date | November 3 rd , 2004 (Wednesday) |
| Recommended Retail Price | 1,500 yen (1,575 yen tax inclusive) |
| Product Name | Multitap (for PlayStation®2) |
| Product Code | SCPH-70120 |
| Release Date | November 3 rd , 2004 (Wednesday) |
| Recommended Retail Price | 3,600 yen (3,780 yen tax inclusive) |
Product Outline (for North America/United States Models)
| Product Name | PlayStation®2 |
| Color | Charcoal Black |
| Product Code | SCPH-70011 CB (for North America) |
| Release Date | November 1st , 2004 (Monday) |
| Suggested Retail Price | 9.99 |
| Dimensions | Approximately 230 mm (W) é—28 mm (H) é—152 mm (D) *internal volume about 23% of the current model |
| Weight | Approximately 900g *weight about 45% of the current model |
| Power requirements | DC 8.5V |
| Electrical current consumption (power consumption) | Approximately 5.3A (approximately 45W) |
| Compatible format | PlayStation format CD-ROM * The term "DVD-Video" is used to refer to DVD-R, DVD-RW (Video mode), DVD+R and DVD+RW discs. |
| Interfaces | Controller Port x 2 |
| Included | PlayStation®2 console x 1 |
Separately Sold Accessories (for North America/United States Models)
| Product Name | Vertical Stand (for PlayStation®2) |
| Color | Charcoal Black |
| Product Code | SCPH-70110 UCB |
| Color | Charcoal Black |
| Release Date | November 1st , 2004 (Monday) |
| Product Name | Multitap (for PlayStation®2) |
| Product Code | SCPH-70120 U |
| Release Date | November 1st , 2004 (Monday) |
Product Outline (for Oceania, UK and Europe Models)
| Product Name | PlayStation®2 |
| Color | Charcoal Black |
| Product Code | SCPH-70002 CB (for Oceania) |
| Release Date | November 1 st , 2004 (Monday) |
| Recommended Retail Price | 149 Euros |
| Dimensions | Approximately 230 mm (W) é—28 mm (H) é—152 mm (D) *internal volume about 23% of the current model |
| Weight | Approximately 900g *weight about 45% of the current model |
| Power requirements | DC 8.5V |
| Electrical current consumption | Approximately 5.3A (approximately 45W) |
| Compatible format | PlayStation format CD-ROM * The term "DVD-Video" is used to refer to DVD-R, DVD-RW (Video mode), DVD+R and DVD+RW discs. |
| Interfaces | Controller Port x 2 |
| Included | PlayStation 2 console x 1 |
Separately Sold Accessories (for Oceania, UK and Europe Models)
| Product Name | Vertical Stand (for PlayStation®2) |
| Color | Charcoal Black |
| Product Code | SCPH-70110 ECB |
| Release Date | November 1 st , 2004 (Monday) |
| Product Name | Multitap (for PlayStation®2) |
| Product Code | SCPH-70120 E |
| Release Date | November 1st , 2004 (Monday) |
About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one game console, and the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is set to revolutionize the home entertainment market, offering the most compelling interactive content and the capability to be used as a network terminal in the coming broadband era.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
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Source: Playstation
