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The '''PlayStation 2''' (often shortened to '''PS2''') is a [[History of video game consoles (sixth generation)|sixth-generation]] [[video game console]] manufactured by [[Sony]]. The successor to the [[PlayStation]], and the predecessor to the [[PlayStation 3]], the PlayStation 2 forms part of the [[PlayStation (brand)|PlayStation series]] of video game consoles. Its development was announced in March [[1999 in video gaming|1999]] and it was released [[2000 in video gaming|a year later]] in [[Video_game_industry#Japanese_video_game_industry_practices|Japan]]. Its primary competitors were [[Sega]]'s [[Dreamcast]], [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox]], and [[Nintendo]]'s [[GameCube]].
The '''PlayStation 2''' (often shortened to '''PS2''') is a [[History of video game consoles (sixth generation)|sixth-generation]] [[video game console]] manufactured by [[Sony]]. The successor to the [[PlayStation]], and the predecessor to the [[PlayStation 3]], the PlayStation 2 forms part of the [[PlayStation (brand)|PlayStation series]] of video game consoles. Its development was announced in March [[1999 in video gaming|1999]] and it was released [[2000 in video gaming|a year later]] in [[Video_game_industry#Japanese_video_game_industry_practices|Japan]]. Its primary competitors were [[Sega]]'s [[Dreamcast]], [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox]], and [[Nintendo]]'s [[GameCube]].


The PS2 is the [[List of best-selling game consoles|best-selling console]] to date, having reached over 136 million units sell-in as of the end of December 2008<ref name="SonyQ12009" /> and a software library projected to exceed 1,900 games in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sony: 250 PS2 "Greatest Hits" |url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/sony-250-ps2-greatest-hits |first=Kris |last=Graft |publisher=Edge |date=March 31, 2008 |accessdate=April 29, 2009 }}</ref> Two games are scheduled to be released in [[List of video games in development#2010|2010]], giving the PS2 a marketable life of over 10 years, thus continuing the sixth generation.
The PS2 is the [[List of best-selling game consoles|best-selling console]] to date, having reached over 136 million units sell-in as of the end of December 2008<ref name="SonyQ12009" /> and a software library projected to exceed 1,900 games in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sony: 250 PS2 "Greatest Hits" |url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/sony-250-ps2-greatest-hits |first=Kris |last=Graft |publisher=Edge |date=March 31, 2008 |accessdate=April 29, 2009 }}</ref> At least one game is scheduled to be released in [[List of video games in development#2010|2010]], giving the PS2 a marketable life of over 10 years, thus continuing the sixth generation.


==History==
==History==

Revision as of 14:01, 7 August 2009

"PS2" redirects here. For other uses, see PS2 (disambiguation).
PlayStation 2
Official PlayStation 2 logo
A PlayStation 2 in the original design
ManufacturerSony Computer Entertainment
Product familyPlayStation
TypeVideo game console
GenerationSixth generation era (128-bit era)
Lifespan[1]
Units shipped136 million (as of December 31, 2008)[2]
MediaDVD, CD
CPU64-bit[3][4] "Emotion Engine" clocked at 294.912 MHz (launch), 299 MHz (newer models)
StoragePlaystation and Playstation 2 Memory cards and optional hard drive
Graphics"Graphics Synthesizer" clocked at 147.456 MHz
Controller inputDualShock 2
ConnectivityEthernet/modem adapter
Online servicesDynamic Network Authentication System
Best-selling gameGrand Theft Auto: San Andreas: 17.33 million sold (as of February, 2009)[5]
Backward
compatibility		PlayStation
PredecessorPlayStation
SuccessorPlayStation 3

The PlayStation 2 (often shortened to PS2) is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony. The successor to the PlayStation, and the predecessor to the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 2 forms part of the PlayStation series of video game consoles. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was released a year later in Japan. Its primary competitors were Sega's Dreamcast, Microsoft's Xbox, and Nintendo's GameCube.

The PS2 is the best-selling console to date, having reached over 136 million units sell-in as of the end of December 2008[2] and a software library projected to exceed 1,900 games in 2009.[6] At least one game is scheduled to be released in 2010, giving the PS2 a marketable life of over 10 years, thus continuing the sixth generation.

History

Only a few million people had obtained consoles by the end of 2000 due to manufacturing delays.[7] Directly after its release, it was difficult to find PS2 units on retailer shelves.[8] Another option was purchasing the console online through auction websites such as eBay, where people paid over one thousand dollars for a PS2.[9] The PS2 initially sold well partly on the basis of the strength of the PlayStation brand and the console's backward compatibility, selling over 980,000 units by March 5, 2000, one day after launch, in Japan.[10] This allowed the PS2 to tap the large install base established by the PlayStation — another major selling point over the competition. Later, Sony added new development kits for game developers and more PS2 units for consumers.

A notable piece of advertising for the PS2 launch was accompanied by the popular "PS9" television commercial. 9 was to be the epitome of development, toward which the PS2 was the next step. The ad also presaged the development of the PlayStation Portable[citation needed] (first released in Japan on December 12, 2004).

Many analysts predicted a close three-way matchup between the PS2 and competitors Microsoft's Xbox and the Nintendo GameCube (GameCube being the cheapest of the three consoles and had an open market of games); however, the release of several blockbuster games during the 2001 holiday season maintained sales momentum and held off the PS2's rivals.[11]

Although Sony, unlike Sega with its Dreamcast, placed little emphasis on online gaming during its first years[citation needed], that changed upon the launch of the online-capable Xbox. Sony adapted in late 2002 to compete with Microsoft, with several online first–party titles released alongside it, such as SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs to demonstrate its active support for Internet play. Sony also advertised heavily, and its online model had the support of Electronic Arts. Although Sony and Nintendo both started out late, and although both followed a decentralized model of online gaming where the responsibility is up to the developer to provide the servers, Sony's attempt made online gaming a major selling point of the PS2.

In September 2004, in time for the launch of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Sony revealed a new, slimmer PS2 (see Hardware revisions). In preparation for the launch of the new model (SCPH-70000), Sony stopped making the older model (SCPH-5000x) to let the distribution channel empty its stock of the units.[citation needed] After an apparent manufacturing issue caused some initial slowdown in producing the new unit, Sony reportedly underestimated demand, caused in part by shortages between the time the old units were cleared out and the new units were ready. The issue was compounded in Britain when a Russian oil tanker became stuck in the Suez Canal, blocking a ship from China carrying PS2s bound for the UK. During one week in November, British sales totalled 6,000 units — compared to 70,000 units a few weeks prior.[12] There were shortages in more than 1700 stores in North America on the day before Christmas.[13]

On November 29, 2005, the PS2 became the fastest game console to reach 100 million units shipped, accomplishing the feat within 5 years and 9 months from its launch. This achievement occurred faster than its predecessor, the PlayStation, which took 9 years and 6 months to reach the same benchmark.[14]

Sony has announced that starting April 1, 2009 the PS2 would be retailing at the new price of $99.99.[15]

The PS2 will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2010 and continue selling until 2012.

Hardware and software compatibility

OEM PlayStation 2 8 MB Memory Card.
See also: List of PlayStation 2 games, List of PlayStation games incompatible with PlayStation 2, List of PlayStation 2 CD-ROM games, List of PlayStation 2 DVD-9 games, List of PlayStation 2 games with HD support, and Chronology of PlayStation 2 games

In addition to PS2 software, the PS2 can read both CDs and DVDs and is backward compatible with PlayStation games. The PS2 also supports PlayStation memory cards (for PlayStation game saves only) and controllers, although the memory cards only work with PS1 games and the controllers may not support all functions (such as analog buttons) for PS2 games.

The PlayStation 2's DualShock 2 controller is cosmetically similar to the original DualShock.

The PS2's DualShock 2 controller is essentially an upgraded PlayStation DualShock; analog face, shoulder and D-pad buttons replaced the digital buttons of the original. Like its predecessor, the DualShock 2 controller has force feedback, which is commonly called the "vibration" function. The standard PlayStation 2 memory card has an 8MB capacity and uses Sony's MagicGate encryption. This requirement prevented the production of memory cards by third parties who did not purchase a license for the MagicGate encryption. Memory cards without encryption can be used to store PlayStation game saves, but PlayStation games would be unable to read from or write to the card - such a card could only be used as a backup.

The console also features USB and IEEE 1394 expansion ports. Compatibility with USB and IEEE 1394 devices is dependent on the software supporting the device. For example, the PS2 BIOS will not boot an ISO image from a USB flash drive or operate a USB printer, as the machine's operating system does not include this functionality. By contrast, Gran Turismo 4 is programmed to save screenshots to a USB mass storage device and print images on certain USB printers. A PlayStation 2 HDD can be installed in an expansion bay on the back of the console, with some exceptions (see Hardware revisions below).

PlayStation 2 infrared remote control

Online

See also: List of PlayStation 2 network games

With the purchase of a separate unit called the Network Adapter (which is built into the slimline model), some PS2 games support online multiplayer. Instead of having a unified, subscription-based online service like Xbox Live, online multiplayer on the PS2 is split between publishers and run on third-party servers. Most recent PS2 online games have been developed to exclusively support broadband Internet access. Xbox Live similarly requires a broadband Internet connection.

All online PS2 games released in and after 2003 are protected by the Dynamic Network Authentication System (DNAS). The purpose of this system is to prevent piracy and online cheating. DNAS will prevent games from being played online if they are determined to be pirated copies or if they have been modified. However, methods have been developed to get around this protection by modifying key files in the modified game.

Also, some unofficial modifications have been made on the PS2 software allowing it to be used as a fully-functional web browser or messenger when connecting to a certain network. The PS2 can also run Linux.

Hardware revisions

The PS2 has undergone many revisions, some only of internal construction and others involving substantial external changes. These are colloquially known among PS2 hardware hackers as V0, V1, V2, etc., up to V15b[16] (as of 2008).

The PS2 is primarily differentiated between models featuring the original case design and "slimline" models, which were introduced at the end of 2004.

Original case design

The original PlayStation 2 design.

Three of the original PS2 launch models (SCPH-10000, SCPH-15000, and SCPH-18000) were only sold in Japan, and lacked the expansion bay (Dev9) of current PS2 models. These models included a PCMCIA slot instead of the Dev9 port of newer models. A PCMCIA-to-Dev9 adapter was later made available for these models[citation needed]. SCPH-10000 and SCPH-15000 did not have a built-in DVD movie playback and instead relied on encrypted playback software that was copied to a memory card from an included CD-ROM (normally, the PS2 will only execute encrypted software from its memory card, but see PS2 Independence Exploit). V3 had a substantially different internal structure from the subsequent revisions, featuring several interconnected printed circuit boards. As of V4 everything was unified into one board, except the power supply. V5 introduced minor internal changes, and the only difference between V6 (sometimes called V5.1) and V5 is the orientation of the Power/Reset switch board connector, which was reversed to prevent the use of no-solder modchips. V7 and V8 included only minor revisions to V6. Assembly of the PS2 moved to the People's Republic of China during the development of V9 (model numbers SCPH-50000 and SCPH-50001). The upgraded console added an infrared port for the optional DVD remote control, removed the IEEE 1394 port, added the capability to read DVD-RW and DVD+RW discs, added progressive-scan output of DVD movies, and added a quieter fan. V10 and V11 were only minor revisions to V9.

The PS2 standard color is matte black. Several different variations in color have been produced in different quantities and regions, including ceramic white, light yellow, metallic blue (aqua), metallic silver, navy (star blue), opaque blue (astral blue), opaque black (midnight black), pearl white, Sakura purple, satin gold, satin silver, snow white, super red, and transparent blue (ocean blue).[17][18][19][20]

The small PlayStation logo on the front of the disc tray could be rotated ninety degrees, in order for the logo to be the right way up in both vertical and horizontal console orientations.

Slimline

The redesigned slimline PlayStation 2.
The redesigned slimline PlayStation 2 in silver.

In September 2004, Sony unveiled its third major hardware revision (V12, model number SCPH-70000). Available in November 2004, it is smaller, thinner, and quieter than the older versions and includes a built-in Ethernet port (in some markets it also has an integrated modem). Due to its thinner profile, it does not contain the 3.5" expansion bay and therefore does not support the internal hard disk drive. It also lacks an internal power supply, similar to the GameCube, and has a modified Multitap expansion. The removal of the expansion bay has been criticized as a limitation due to the existence of titles such as Final Fantasy XI, which require the use of the HDD. The official PS2 Linux also requires an expansion bay to function. Currently only the modified Multitap is sold in stores, meaning that owners of older PS2s must find a used or non-Sony Multitap in order to have 4 or 8 players during a single game. Third-party connectors can be soldered into the unit giving hard drive support, however IDE connections were completely removed in the V14 revision, thereby eliminating this option. Certain mod chips enable the use of a USB hard drive or other mass storage device.

Comparison of the slimline PlayStation 2 design with the PlayStation 2, with an Eye Toy on top.
Slimline PS2 with its connectors labeled in the front.

There are some disputes on the numbering for this PS2 version, [citation needed] since there are actually two sub-versions of the SCPH-70000.[21] One of them includes the old EE and GS chips, and the other contains the newer unified EE+GS chip, but otherwise they are identical. Since the V12 version had already been established for this model, there were some disputes regarding these sub-versions. Two propositions were to name the old model (with separate EE and GS chips) V11.5 and the newer model V12, and to name the old model V12 and the newer model V13. Currently, most people use V12 for both models, or V12 for the old model and V13 for the newer one.

The V12 model was first released in black, but a silver edition is available in the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, United Arab Emirates and other GCC Countries, France, Italy, South Africa, and most recently, North America. It is unknown whether or not this will follow the color schemes of the older model, although a limited edition console that is pink in colour has become available since March 2007.

Silver slimline PS2 with its connectors labeled in the back

V12 (or V13) was succeeded by V14 (SCPH-75001 and SCPH-75002), which contains integrated EE and GS chips, and different ASICs compared to previous revisions, with some chips having a copyright date of 2005, compared to 2000 or 2001 for earlier models. It also has a different lens and some compatibility issues with a different number of PlayStation games and even some PS2 games.

In the beginning of 2005 it was found that some black slimline console power transformers bought between November and December 2004 were faulty and could overheat. The units were recalled by Sony, with the company supplying a replacement model made in 2005.

Later hardware revisions had better compatibility with PlayStation games (Metal Gear Solid: VR Missions operates on most silver models); however, the new Japanese slim models have more issues with playing PlayStation games than the first PS2 revisions. [citation needed]

The mainboard of the silver slimline PS2 (model SCPH-79000).

In 2006, Sony released new hardware revisions (V15, model numbers SCPH-77001a and SCPH-77001b). It was first released in Japan on September 15, 2006, including the Silver edition. After its release in Japan, it was then released in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world. The new revision uses an integrated, unified EE+GS chip, a redesigned ASIC, a different laser lens, an updated BIOS, and updated drivers.

In July 2007, Sony started shipping a revision of the slimline PlayStation 2 (SCPH-79000) featuring a reduced weight of 600 grams compared to 900 grams of the SCPH-77001, achieved through a reduction in parts. The unit also uses a smaller motherboard as well as a custom ASIC which houses the Emotion Engine, Graphics Synthesizer, and the RDRAM. The AC adaptor's weight was also reduced to 250 grams from the 350 grams in the previous revision.[22]

Another refinement of the slimline PlayStation 2 (SCPH-90000) was released in Japan on November 22, 2007[23], and in the US and EU in late 2008[citation needed], with an overhauled internal design that incorporates the power supply into the console itself, with a further reduced total weight of 720 grams. SCPH-90000 series consoles manufactured after March 2008 incorporate a revised BIOS, which disables an exploit present in all older models that allowed homebrew applications to be launched from a memory card.

PSX

Main article: PSX (DVR)

Sony also manufactured a consumer device called the PSX that can be used as a digital video recorder and DVD burner in addition to playing PS2 games. The device was released in Japan on December 13, 2003 and though a U.S. release date was never set, it can be found for sale in some of the Sony Style shops located in the U.S. The PSX was poorly received in both areas, some major features were absent from the first revisions of the hardware and experienced very weak sales in spite of major price drops. The system is considered a rarity and is now selling for around $500 on eBay.[24]

Sales

Region Units sold First available
Japan 21 million (as of October 1, 2008)[25] March 4, 2000
North America 50 million (as of December 2008)[26] October 26, 2000
Europe 48 million (as of May 6, 2008)[27] November 24, 2000
Worldwide 136 million (as of December 31, 2008)[2]

On November 29, 2005, the PlayStation 2 became the fastest game console to reach 100 million units shipped, accomplishing the feat within 5 years and 9 months from its launch. This achievement occurred faster than its predecessor, the PlayStation, which took 9 years and 6 months to reach the same benchmark.[14]

The PS2 has sold 136 million sell-in units worldwide as of December 31, 2008, according to Sony.[2] In Europe, the PS2 has sold 48 million units as of May 6, 2008, according to Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.[27] In North America, the PS2 has sold 50 million units as of December 2008.[26] In Japan, the PS2 has sold 21,454,325 units as of October 1, 2008, according to Famitsu/Enterbrain.[25]

In Europe, the PS2 sold 6 million units in 2006 and 3.8 million in 2007, according to estimates by Electronic Arts.[28][29] In 2007, the PS2 sold 3.97 million units in the US according to the NPD Group[30][31] and 816,419 units in Japan according to Enterbrain.[32] In 2008, the PS2 sold 480,664 units in Japan, according to Enterbrain.[32][33]

Accessories

Main articles: DualShock, PlayStation 2 HDD, EyeToy, PlayStation 2 Headset, and Logitech

The PlayStation 2's DualShock 2 controller is largely identical to the PlayStation's DualShock, with the same basic functionality; however, it includes analog pressure sensitivity on the face, shoulder and D-pad buttons, is lighter and includes two more levels of vibration. The L2 and R2 buttons are also significantly larger. The fact that the design did not change pleased some consumers who were already used to the DualShock controller.[citation needed]

The EyeToy digital camera sitting atop a Slimline PS2.
File:Resident evil 4 chainsaw controller.jpg
Resident Evil 4 chainsaw controller compatible with the PlayStation 2.

Optional hardware includes DualShock or DualShock 2 controllers, a PS2 DVD remote control, an internal or external HDD, a network adapter, horizontal and vertical stands, PlayStation or PS2 memory cards, light guns (GunCon), fishing rod and reel controllers. Also available are various cables and interconnects, including the Multitap for PlayStation or PS2, S-Video, RGB, SCART, VGA (for progressive scan games and PS2 Linux only), component and composite video cables, an RF modulator, a USB camera (EyeToy), dance pads for Dance Dance Revolution, In the Groove, and Pump It Up titles, Konami microphones for use with the Karaoke Revolution games, dual microphones (sold with and used exclusively for SingStar games), various "guitar" controllers (for the Guitar Freaks series and Guitar Hero series), the drum set controller (sold in a box set (or by itself) with a "guitar" controller and a USB microphone for use with Rock Band), Onimusha 3 katana controller, Resident Evil 4 chainsaw controller, a USB keyboard and mouse, and a headset. Unlike the PlayStation, which required the use of an official Sony PlayStation mouse to play mouse-compatible games, the few PS2 games with mouse support work with standard PC-compatible USB mice. Early versions of the PS2 could be networked via an iLink port, though this had little game support and was dropped. The original PS2 multitap cannot be plugged into the newer slim models (as the multitap connects to the memory card slot as well as the controller slot and the memory card slot on the slimline is shallower). New slim-design multitaps are manufactured for these models, however third-party adapters also exist to permit original multitaps to be used. Some third party manufacturers have created devices that allow disabled people to access the PS2 through ordinary switches etc. One such device is the PS2-SAP from LEPMIS, another is for example the JPemulator.

Homebrew development

Main article: Linux for PlayStation 2

Sony released a version of the Linux operating system for the PS2 in a package that also includes a keyboard, mouse, Ethernet adapter and HDD. Currently, Sony's online store states that the Linux kit is no longer for sale in North America. However as of July 2005, the European version was still available. The kit boots by installing a proprietary interface, the run-time environment, which is on a region-coded DVD, so the European and North America kits only work with a PS2 from their respective regions.

In Europe and Australia, the PS2 comes with a free Yabasic interpreter on the bundled demo disc. This allows simple programs to be created for the PS2 by the end-user. This was included in a failed attempt to circumvent a UK tax by defining the console as a "computer" if it contained certain software.[citation needed]

A port of the NetBSD project and BlackRhino GNU/Linux, an alternative Debian-based distribution, are also available for the PS2.

Using homebrew programs (e.g. 'SMS Media Player'[34]) it is possible to listen to various audio file formats (MP3, Ogg Vorbis, AAC, FLAC, AC3), and watch various video formats (DivX/XviD, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4-ASP in AVI Container) using the console. Media can be played from any device connected to the console i.e. external USB/Firewire thumb drive/hard disk (FAT32 only), the internal hard disk on early revision consoles, optical CD-R(W)/DVD±R(W) disks (modded systems or patched disks), or network shares (Windows Network or PS2 host: protocol).

Homebrew programs can be launched directly from a memory card on unmodified consoles by using certain software that takes advantage of a long known and used exploit, dealing with the boot part of the EE/IOP process (Independence). A recent development (May 2008) allows homebrew programs to be launched without a trigger disc such as is needed in the older exploit, which also allows use of homebrew on unmodded systems with a dead disc drive (Free McBoot), however installation of the exploit to each individual memory card (copying does NOT work) requires an already exploited/modded system in order to launch the installer, this newer exploit will not work on the very newest PS2s (SCPH-9000x model with BIOS 2.30 and up) but will work on ALL models prior to that, including slimlines.

Homebrew programs can be used to play patched backups of original PS2 DVD games on unmodified consoles, and to install retail discs to an installed hard drive on older models (ESR, HDLoader, USBAdvance). This is illegal in many countries.

Homebrew emulators of older computer and gaming systems have been developed for the PS2[35]. Using these homebrew programs the PS2 can emulate the; Atari 2600, Atari 5200, BBC Micro, Commodore 64, Game Boy, Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System, MSX, Neo Geo, Nintendo Entertainment System, TurboGrafx-16, and Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

Technical specifications

The specifications of the PlayStation 2 console are as follows, with hardware revisions:

Emotion Engine CPU
Graphics Synthesizer GPU
Graphics Synthesizer as on SCPH39000.
File:CXD9833GB.png
Older EE+GS that does not incorporate system memory (Found in Older Charcoal Black Slim PS2s. (SCPH-70001).
File:Neweegs.JPG
ASIC that incorporates the EE, GS, and system memory (found in silver slim PS2s. Model SCPH-79000).
The I/O Processor, containing a MIPS R3000-based CPU used in the PlayStation 1 and I/O logic
  • CPU: 64-bit[3][4] "Emotion Engine" clocked at 294.912 MHz (299 MHz on newer versions), 10.5 million transistors
    • System Memory: 32 MB(32 × 220 bytes) Direct Rambus or RDRAM
    • Memory bus Bandwidth: 3.2 gigabytes per second
    • Main processor: MIPS R5900 CPU core, 64 bit, little endian (mipsel).
    • Coprocessor: FPU (Floating Point Multiply Accumulator × 1, Floating Point Divider × 1)
    • Vector Units: VU0 and VU1 (Floating Point Multiply Accumulator × 9, Floating Point Divider × 1), 32-bit, at 150 MHz.
      • VU0 typically used for polygon transformations optionally (under parallel or serial connection), physics and other gameplay based things
        • Parallel performs transformations in parallel in the same moment
        • Serial (series) performs transformations in a series of steps or stages coherent to the design of each VU
          • Stage 1: VU0 does perspective and cam, boning, animations and movement laws per triangle
          • Stage 2: VU1 does colors, lights and effects per triangle)
      • VU1 typically used for polygon transformations, lighting and other visual based calculations
        • Texture matrix able for 2 units (UV/ST)[36]
    • Floating Point Performance: 6.2 gigaFLOPS (single precision 32-bit floating point)
      • FPU 0.64 gigaFLOPS
      • VU0 2.44 gigaFLOPS
      • VU1 3.08 gigaFLOPS (with Internal 0.64 gigaFLOP EFU)
    • 3D CG Geometric transformation(VU0+VU1 parallel): 66 million polygons per second
      • 3D CG Geometric transformations under curved surfaces: 16 million polygons per second
      • 3D CG Geometric transformations at peak bones/movements/effects(textures)/lights(VU0+VU1): 15-20 million polygons per second (dependent on if series or parallel T&L)
      • Actual real-world polygons (per frame):500-650k at 30fps, 250-325k at 60fps
    • Compressed Image Decoder: MPEG-2
    • I/O Processor interconnection: Remote Procedure Call over a serial link, DMA controller for bulk transfer
    • Cache memory: Instruction: 16 KB(16 × 210 bytes), Data: 8 KB + 16 KB (ScrP)
  • Graphics processing unit: "Graphics Synthesizer" clocked at 147 MHz
    • Pixel pipelines: 16
    • Video output resolution: variable from 256x224 to 1280x1024 pixels
    • 4 MB (4 × 220 bytes) Embedded DRAM video memory bandwidth at 48 gigabytes per second (main system 32 MB can be dedicated into VRAM for off-screen materials)
      • Texture buffer bandwidth: 9.6 GB/s
      • Frame buffer bandwidth: 38.4 GB/s
    • DRAM Bus width: 2560-bit (composed of three independent buses: 1024-bit write, 1024-bit read, 512-bit read/write)
    • Pixel Configuration: RGB: Alpha:Z Buffer (24:8, 15:1 for RGB, 16, 24, or 32-bit Z buffer)
    • Dedicated connection to: Main CPU and VU1
    • Overall Pixel fillrate: 16x147 = 2.352 Gpixel/s (rounded to 2.4 Gpixel/s)
      • Pixel fillrate: with no texture, flat shaded 2.4(75,000,000 32pixel raster triangles)
      • Pixel fillrate: with 1 full texture(Diffuse Map), Gouraud shaded 1.2 (37,750,000 32-bit pixel raster triangles)
      • Pixel fillrate: with 2 full textures(Diffuse map + specular or alpha or other), Gouraud shaded 0.6 (18,750,000 32-bit pixel raster triangles)
    • GS effects: AAx2 (poly sorting required)[37], Bilinear, Trilinear, Multi-pass, Palletizing (4-bit = 6:1 ratio, 8-bit = 4:1)
    • Multi-pass rendering ability
      • Four passes = 300 Mpixel/s (300 Mpixels/s divided by 32 pixels = 9,375,000 triangles/s lost every four passes)[38]
  • Audio: "SPU1+SPU2" (SPU1 is actually the CPU clocked at 8 MHz)
  • I/O Processor
    • CPU Core: Original PlayStation CPU (MIPS R3000A clocked at 33.8688 MHz or 37.5 MHz)
    • Automatically underclocked to 33.8688 MHz to achieve hardware backwards compatibility with original Playstation format games.
    • Sub Bus: 32-bit
    • Connection to: SPU and CD/DVD controller.
  • Interfaces:
    • 2 proprietary PlayStation controller ports (250 kHz clock for PS1 and 500 kHz for PS2 controllers)
    • 2 proprietary Memory Card slots using MagicGate encryption (250 kHz for PS1 cards, up to 2 MHz for PS2 cards)
    • Expansion Bay (PCMCIA on early models for PCMCIA Network Adaptor and External Hard Disk Drive) DEV9 port for Network Adaptor
    • Modem, Ethernet and Internal Hard Disk Drive (single IDE/ATA channel, possible to hook 2 devices to.)
    • FireWire (only in SCPH 10xxx – 3xxxx)
    • Infrared remote control port (SCPH 5000x and newer) — IEEE 1394 port removed and Infrared port added in SCPH-50000 and later hardware versions.
    • 2 USB 1.1 ports with an OHCI-compatible controller.
  • Disc Drive type: proprietary interface through a custom micro-controller + DSP chip. 24x speed (PlayStation 2 format CD-ROM, PlayStation format CD-ROM), 4x (Supported DVD formats) — Region-locked with anti-copy protection. Can't read "Gold Discs" i.e., normal CD-ROMs.
  • Supported Disc Media: PlayStation 2 format CD-ROM, PlayStation format CD-ROM, Compact Disc Audio, PlayStation 2 format DVD-ROM (4.7 GB)(some games on DVD9 8.5 GB), DVD Video (4.7 GB), DVD-9 (8.5 GB Double-Layer). Later models (starting with SCPH-50000) are DVD+RW, and DVD-RW compatible.

Emulation

See also: PCSX2

See also

References

  1. ^ Sony: 120 million PS2s sold - News at GameSpot
  2. ^ a b c d "PlayStation 2, The World's Most Popular Computer Entertainment System, Now More Affordable Than Ever At $99.99" (PDF). Sony Computer Entertainment. 2009-03-31. Retrieved 2009-03-31.
  3. ^ a b John L. Hennessy and David A. Patterson. "Computer Architecture: A Quantitative Approach, Third Edition". ISBN 1-55860-724-2
  4. ^ a b Keith Diefendorff. "Sony's Emotionally Charged Chip". Microprocessor Report, Volume 13, Number 5, April 19, 1999. Microdesign Resources.
  5. ^ Guinness World Records (ed.). Guinness World Records 2009 Gamer's Edition. p. 108-109. ISBN 1904994459. GTA: San Andreas is the best-selling PlayStation 2 game of all time, with a massive 17.33 million copies sold. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  6. ^ Graft, Kris (March 31, 2008). "Sony: 250 PS2 "Greatest Hits"". Edge. Retrieved April 29, 2009.
  7. ^ "PS2 history". gamesindustry.biz. 2006-11-22. Retrieved 2007-09-25.
  8. ^ "PlayStation 2 Timeline". GameSpy. pp. p. 2-3. Retrieved 2007-12-19. {{cite web}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
  9. ^ "PlayStation 2 Timeline". GameSpy. p. 3. Retrieved 2007-12-19.
  10. ^ "PlayStation 2 Timeline". GameSpy. p. 2. Retrieved 2007-12-19.
  11. ^ Chris Morris (May 14, 2002). "Sony slashes PlayStation prices: Preemptive move undercuts competition and could spark video game price war". CNN.
  12. ^ Valerie Elliott (December 9, 2004). "Merry Christmas, your PlayStation 2 is stuck in Suez". Times Online. News International.
  13. ^ "2004 Holiday Sales Results Call". GameStop. Retrieved 2006-09-09.
  14. ^ a b "PlayStation 2 Breaks Record as the Fastest Computer Entertainment Platform to Reach Cumulative Shipment of 100 Million Units" (PDF) (Press release). Sony Computer Entertainment. 2005-11-30. Retrieved 2008-06-08.
  15. ^ Keston, Lou (March 31, 2009). "Sony cuts price of older PlayStations to $100". Business Week. Retrieved March 31, 2009.
  16. ^ "PS2 Revision Identification". Mod-Chip.com.
  17. ^ Calvert, Justin (2003-11-04). "PS2 price drop, new colors for Japan". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
  18. ^ Fahey, Rob (2004-03-09). "Sony launches new PS2 colours in Japan". gamesindustry.biz. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
  19. ^ A list of all console colors and console Limited Editions. Consolecolors.com
  20. ^ Martyn Williams (October 14, 2001). "Sony: New hues on PlayStation 2". CNN. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
  21. ^ Mod-Chip.Com - Your Primary Source Of Modchips For Your Console
  22. ^ Gantayat, Anoop (2007-06-08). "PS2 Gets Lighter". IGN.com. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
  23. ^ PLAYSTATION2 (SCPH-90000 SERIES) comes in a new design and in three color variations | Press releases｜Sony Computer Entertainment Inc
  24. ^ Fahey, Rob (2004-09-06). "Japanese retailers slash PSX prices as sales remain slow". gamesindustry.biz. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
  25. ^ a b James Brightman (2008-10-20). "Xbox 360 Growth in Japan Has Topped All Platforms from March to September". GameDaily. AOL. Retrieved 2008-10-25.
  26. ^ a b John Koller (January 15, 2009). "PS2 Sells Over 50 Million Units in North America, Breaks Console Sales Record". PlayStation.Blog. Retrieved January 17, 2009.
  27. ^ a b Ellie Gibson (2008-05-06). "PS3 has outsold Xbox 360 in Europe". Eurogamer. Retrieved 2008-10-25.
  28. ^ Electronic Arts (2008-01-31). "Supplemental Segment Information" (PDF). Thomson Financial. p. 4. Retrieved 2008-02-09.
  29. ^ David Jenkins (2008-02-01). "EA Reveals European Hardware Estimates". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2008-02-09.
  30. ^ James Brightman (2008-01-17). "NPD: U.S. Video Game Industry Totals $17.94 Billion, Halo 3 Tops All". GameDaily. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
  31. ^ Brandon Boyer (2008-01-18). "NPD: 2007 U.S. Game Industry Growth Up 43% To $17.9 Billion". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
  32. ^ a b "Japanese 2008 Market Report". Market for Home Computing and Video Games. 2009-01-09. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
  33. ^ "2008年国内ゲーム市場規模は約5826億1000万円（エンターブレイン調べ）". Famitsu (in Japanese). Enterbrain. 2009-01-05. Retrieved 2009-01-15.
  34. ^ Simple Media System for Playstation 2 - http://home.casema.nl/eugene_plotnikov/
  35. ^ PS2 Emulators - http://www.sksapps.com/index.php?page=emus.html
  36. ^ Power of PS2 (See data handling)
  37. ^ Power of PS2 (See GS effects)
  38. ^ PS2 Programming Optimisations
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