Sony Re-Releases the Slimline PS2, Forgets to Make Real Changes

Well, aesthetically, at least.

But hasn’t that always been the major draw of a re-released system: what will it look like? The original Nintendo was one of the first systems I remember undergoing a drastic change in appearance: a simple gray box with a front loading cartridge drawer upgraded to a sleeker, more compact top-loading system. And while the heart of the re-design may have been to address design flaws with the original “toaster,”, the new look was what really drew awe.

It was an experience I would later reminisce when Sony first introduced the new Slimline models of the PS2. However, not much seems to be left to address with the current PS2. So what issue has Sony tackled this time around?

Apparently, cost is the issue. Slimming up the unit a bit further, along with cutting parts and incorporating the AC adaptor directly into the unit, has allowed Sony to cut production costs of the Slimline. And in doing so, fatten their bank account. Smart move, considering Sony has lost over 3 billion on the PS3 to date. Aside from that, little else has been changed in the design of the system, aside from a slightly sleeker look.

It has lead to rumors of a price drop, though others insist that the price will remain at the current $129.99, based off of announcements for other countries. One such announcement last November for the Japanese market left the price at 16,000 yen ($140), and recently announced prices for Europe and India suggest the same. Either way, Sony has yet to make an official statement regarding a US market price. I suppose we’ll have to wait until the system actually hits store shelves to get a definitive answer.
While it’s fine to see Sony trying to hold onto its aging cash-cow a little longer, the minimal changes made don’t inspire me enough to purchase the PS2 again. Nor would I think it enough to convince most current Slimline PS2 owners to do so, either. But given the library of games currently available as well as upcoming titles, the PS2 still has life in it. Entry-level gamers, or folks who are looking to finally upgrade their gaming systems from the early 1990’s, can expect to find a great value waiting for them.