The Playstation2

The Basics

Manufacturer : Sony Computer Entertainment America
Release date : October 26, 2000
Comes with : One controller, AV multi cable, and power cord
Number of controller ports : Two
Online support : Pending (see below)

Pros/Cons

Pros :
-Backward compatible (plays most PlayStation games)
-Plays DVD movies
-Strong third-party support

Cons :
-High price point
-Many key titles still pending
-Broadband adaptor and hard drive not included

Specs

CPU : 128-bit Emotion Engine at 294.912MHz
Main Memory : 32MB Direct RDRAM
Graphics : Graphics synthesizer at 147.456MHz, embedded cache VRAM--4MB
Sound : SPU2 with 48 channels plus software, sound memory--2MB
Input/Output Processor : CPU Core--PlayStation CPU+ at 33.8688MHz or 36.864MHz (selectable)
Media : CD-ROM and DVD-ROM
Disc Speed : 24x CD-ROM, 4x DVD-ROM

Past

In 1994, Sony burst into the video game industry in Japan, and almost a year later, it released the PlayStation in the United States. The system was a dark-horse entry into the hardware market, but since then it's become the undeniable industry leader. Sony's dominance hasn't made it complacent, though. The PlayStation's successor, aptly named the PlayStation 2, is spearheading the company's bid to not only further Sony's console-game market dominance, but also to expand into new areas such as DVD and online entertainment.

The PlayStation 2 represents an enormous technological leap over the capabilities of its predecessor. Foremost, the system's ability to process 3D graphics is unmatched in current consoles. At the heart of the PS2 is the Emotion Engine, perhaps the first console CPU to be named with marketing in mind. Such public relations effort isn't wasted, however--the Emotion Engine is an impressive piece of silicon. The PS2's other components are equally powerful. The system uses either CD or DVD media for its games (and yes, you can watch DVD movies on it). The PS2 is backward compatible with existing PlayStation games, and it can even improve them slightly (by filtering textures and speeding up load times). Anyone who buys a PlayStation 2 will instantly have a library of thousands of inexpensive games at his or her disposal. In addition, PlayStation 2 owners can use their old PlayStation peripherals, including controllers, and various other devices, with their new PS2. Sony has certainly designed its latest system with the gaming enthusiast in mind.

Sony finally unleashed its PlayStation 2 at 12:00am on October 26, 2000, in the process orchestrating one of the most-hyped product launches of the year and triggering a landslide of coverage in the mainstream news media. Supplies were limited, and the units that did make it to store shelves were snatched up immediately by desperate consumers. Literally overnight, the PlayStation 2 became one of the hottest Christmas properties of the year, and up until mid 2001, locating a system was still a hit-and-miss proposition. Sony launched the system with an whopping 26 games, though the overall quality of the initial lineup has been the topic of debate among gaming aficionados. However, games such as Twisted Metal: Black, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, Red Faction, and NBA Street have arrived since then and are quite impressive.

Future

Heavyweight games like Final Fantasy X, Metal Gear Solid 2, and Devil May Cry will surely generate interest in the PlayStation 2 for those who chose not to adopt it early either because of its price or its relatively small game library.

Various expansion ports have also been included for future peripherals and devices, and Sony has already announced plans for broadband connectivity and a hard drive. The broadband adapter will retail for $39.95 in November. For more on the adapter, go here.

And while the Japanese PS2 model will require an external hard drive, the American unit has an internal hard drive bay. Sony must figure that this sort of constant revisionism, through hardware changes, add-ons, and software updates, will keep its system competitive when more-powerful systems debut further down the road. In fact, the PS2 may be the first system to shed the constraints of a video game console and become a full-fledged "set-top box."

this info taken from :this site