DVD, DVD-RStill holding its own in terms of graphics and performance compared to the Xbox and GameCube, the PS2 is the undisputed winner in the most important of categories--library of games. There are hundreds of titles available for the PS2--thousands if you include all the PlayStation One games that the machine can handle.

Now Sony?s introduced a new slimmer version of the PlayStation 2 to get a few more miles out of the aging console until the next generation comes out. In addition to being one-third as thick and half as heavy (you can easily slide the slim PS2 into most any nook or cranny on your entertainment center), the slim PS2 also includes an integrated Ethernet port.

Of course, some sacrifices had to be made to get the slim PS2 down to size. There?s no hard drive bay, and there are only two controller ports (the Multi-Tap accessory for the original PS2 won?t fit). The new slim PS2 is a great option if you?re considering pimping your ride and adding a game console to your car or if you carry your PS2 around with you often.

Backward compatibility with the original PlayStation games is a big reason for Sony users to stick with the PS2. The PS2 uses the original PlayStation?s CPU as its I/O processor. We played about a half-dozen PlayStation games on the PS2, and all played and looked pretty much the same as they did on our original PlayStation, though several seemed to be a bit more responsive on the PS2.

The PlayStation 2 can use older PlayStation memory cards, but they work only with older PlayStation games. New cards are available that work with the PS2's new memory format. The dual-shock controller also serves to control DVD playback--the drive in the PS2 handles standard DVD movies as well as games. Sony has built a lot of functionality into the PS2.

There?s a bay for a hard disk drive (no hard drive bay in the slim version) and two USB ports for connectivity. The PS2 is the most dated of the big three consoles, but it?s still a terrific piece of equipment and a Best Buy.

Pro: Beautiful graphics; DVD drive plays standard DVD movies as well as games; can run older PlayStation games.
Cons: Slim version doesn?t have room for hard drive.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Sony Computer Entertainment America
919 East Hillsdale Blvd.
Foster, City CA 94404
http://www.sony.com

Ratings:
Overall Value: 8
Performance: 8
Ease of Use: 8
Documentation: 7

Warranty
1 year