PlayStation2

PlayStation2 Review

At the heart of the PlayStation2 is the 128-bit Emotion Engine processor, which brings lightning-fast gameplay and unprecedented graphics power to your TV screen. The awesome capabilities of this machine have lured not only hard-core and casual gamers alike, but also premier game developers who quickly are building a library of high-quality games for the system. Among the system's top launch titles are Madden NFL 2001, Tekken Tag Tournament, Time Splitters, and SSX: Snowboard Supercross.

A big advantage for owners of the original PlayStation is that they will not have to discard their existing game collection, because the PlayStation2 is designed to be compatible with most (although not all) software for the classic PlayStation game system.

The new PlayStation2 also doubles as a DVD player. If you get tired of playing the latest games, you can choose from thousands of digital-quality movies--many of which feature fancy extras that are unavailable on videotape, such as alternate audio tracks, unreleased bonus footage, and DVD-ROM games. In addition, the PlayStation2 can play your favorite audio CDs.

While the PlayStation2 delivers a slam-dunk entertainment experience directly out of the box, this system also is wired for the future with two USB ports, an i.Link (IEEE 1394/Firewire) interface, and a Type III PCMCIA expansion slot. As a result, the system soon will allow owners to access broadband Internet content directly on their TV sets. Sony eventually is expected to distribute music, games, and other cool content digitally--and directly--to PlayStation2 owners via the Internet. --Brett Atwood