The PlayStation 2 enjoyed a lucrative period during its lifetime. The platform boasted a diverse line of genres across its library —from grind-fest role-playing games, and open-world games that pushed the system’s technical limitations, to full-blown hack-and-slash games — which persuaded the masses it was time to own a PS2.
Video games weren’t the PlayStation 2’s only selling point. The system has also enjoyed the luxury to receive various colour variations and limited editions. All of these acted as an incentive to push the consumer to get their hands on Sony’s PlayStation 2. And it worked for the most part.
This article will be diving into every PlayStation 2 model, colour variation, as well as, limited edition. If you’re a collector, we’re hoping that it may tickle your fancy. Bear in mind that some of the showcased picks here are exclusive to Japan, making it an expensive journey for one to get their hands on.
How many PS2 models are there? Well, technically there are three: Fat, Slim and the Japan-exclusive PSX DESR. Without counting colour variations, the complete set of PS2 Model revisions is 21. This section will only tackle model revisions. PS2 Model revisions that came with a different colour are included in the Colour Variation section.
CPU:MIPS III R5900-based Emotion Engine
CPU Speed :294.912 MHz
RAM: 32MB of DRAM (System RAM) and 4MB of eDRAM (Video RAM)
Storage: 8MB Memory Card
Video Output: Composite Video, S-Video, Scart
Media: DVD, CD-ROM
Manufacturer: Sony Electronics
Release Date:4 March 2000
Status: Discontinued
Release Price:¥39800
The original launch model was released back on March 4th 2000 for the price of 39800 Yen (299 US Dollars/299 Euro). Unfortunately, the system lacked strict processing, making it easy to alter to play burnt CD-R content earlier. The system, however, came bundled with a memory card which is used to save game data.
Released on June 15, 2000, for the same price as the 10000 model, this revision hasn’t brought any significant changes to both the structure and the performance. This revision also came with a memory card.
Released on December 8, 2000, the SCPH-18000 came bundled with a DVD Remote Control (SCPH-10150 along with an IR Receiver Unit (SCPH-10160). However, it lacked a memory card.
Originally released on April 28, 2001, the SCPH-30000 revision lacked the DVD Remote Control and the IR Receiver Unit. Additionally, it can only run NTSC-J games. However, Sony has begun to slowly reduce the price after 5 months, consequently costing 29800 Yen by the end of November 2001.
The official PlayStation 2 revision to be released in the United States is the 30001 R at 299 US Dollars price. Seeing that it was one of the initial revisions in the states, it suffered from various issues such as overheating and failure.
Apart from the tiny design changes to the internal parts, the SCPH-30001 R and SCPH-35001 don’t differ much performance and design-wise. The SCPH-35001 model came as a special bundle package ( Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec) for a limited time in the states back in July 2001. It is estimated that this revision was launched at the price of 299 US Dollars.
One of the latest PS2 Fat revisions by Sony. To many, this was the best PS2 revision to own. It was the last version to include an iLink port for LAN party games. The cooling features have been significantly enhanced for better reliability. However, that came with the cost of fan noise increase. All in all, this is one of the best PS2 models to own if you wish to use the iLink port.
The last revision for the PS2 Fat series, and undeniably the best model to own. This revision has had its iLink removed. Instead, a new IR receiver has been installed. Additionally, the SCPH 500001 provided an excellent experience for the consumer; a better laser, less noisy fan during heavy load, faster loading time and more.
CPU:MIPS III R5900-based Emotion Engine
CPU Speed :294.912 MHz
RAM: 32MB of DRAM (System RAM) and 4MB of eDRAM (Video RAM)
Storage: 8MB Memory Card
Video Output: Composite Video, S-Video, Scart
Media: DVD, CD-ROM
Power Consumption:45 Watts
Manufacturer: Sony
Release Date: November 3, 2004 (the SCPH-70000 is exclusive to Japan)
Status: Discontinued
Release Price:¥39,800, US$299, £299
The success of the original PlayStation 2 Phat (fat) models would go on to push Sony in late 2004s to release the PlayStation 2 Slim. Compared to its predecessor, the slim is smaller, lighter, and feels quieter during gaming sessions.
With the 700001 revision series, Sony has stripped the expansion slot and integrated networking off the system. Instead, introducing an Ethernet Port for multiple uses. The lack of an expansion bay has caused several issues as it made several games incompatible since they required space.
With the 75001 revision, Sony has completely axed the ability for the user to add HDD support to the system. Apart from that, there aren’t any changes in comparison to previous revisions.
The SCPH 77001 revision brought some software changes which in return improved the compatibility with the original PlayStation games. To many, the SCPH 77001 is a great revision for homebrew picks as well.
The SCPH 79001 is the smallest, lightest slim out of all the revisioned models. And as Homebrews go, it is still possible to play one’s favourite Hoembrews using this revision.
The last revision in the PS2 Slimline. This revision saw Sony’s return to an internal PSU design while also touching up the external cosmetics a bit. Reliability has also been taken care of to reduce failure rate and overheating.
CPU: 90nm+EE+GS
OS: XrossMediaBar, G Guide
RAM: 32MB of DRAM (System RAM) and 4MB of eDRAM (Video RAM)
Storage: PS2 Memory Card
Hard Drive: 160GB HDD for the 5000 series, 250GB HDD for the 7000 series
Video Output: Composite Video, S-Video, Scart
Media: DVD, CD-ROM
Manufacturer: Sony
Release Date: December 12, 2003
Status: Discontinued
Release Price:79,800 ¥
The PSX DESR is a series of Sony digital video recorders released exclusively in Japan. The platform enjoyed 7 revisions before being discontinued by Sony back in 2005. This system’s main selling asset is its ability to easily play PS1 and PS2 games. What made the DESR difficult to obtain is its initial price of 79,800 ¥en which is around 622 USD. An insane price that didn’t justify owning it for the regular consumer.
Similar to the PS2 models showcased above, the PSX DESR did receive various revisions. They are the following:
This section will tackle all the PlayStation colour variations, as well as some special edition picks that came only inside bundles.
Release Date: December 21, 2001
Price: ¥50000
Release Date: December 21, 2001
Price: ¥50000
Release Date: December 21, 2001
Price: ¥50000
Release Date: December 21, 2001
Price: ¥50000
Release Date: December 21, 2001
Price: ¥50000
Release Date: July 18, 2002
Price: ¥30000
Release Date: August 1, 2002
Price: ¥30000
Release Date: December 3, 2002
Price: ¥26800
Release Date: December 3, 2002
Price: ¥26800
Release Date: February 13, 2003
Price: ¥25000
Release Date: February 13, 2003
Price: ¥25000
Release Date: February 13, 2003
Price: ¥25000
Release Date: November 13, 2003
Price: ¥19799
Release Date: November 19, 2003
Price: ¥19799
Release Date: March 18, 2004
Price: ¥19800
Release Date: March 25, 2004
Price: ¥19800
Release Date: July 15, 2004
Price: ¥19800
Release Date: November 3, 2004
Price: ¥24800
Release Date: December 4, 2003
Price: ¥35000
Release Date: May 26, 2005
Price: Unknown
Release Date: May 26, 2005
Price: Unknown
Release Date: March 06, 2006
Price: Unknown
Release Date: November 22, 2006
Price: ¥16000
Release Date: November 22, 2007
Price: ¥16000
Release Date: July 3, 2008
Price: ¥16000
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FreeckyCake
I'm just your average gamer who enjoys hunting hidden gems and underrated games. My love for Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams is like a truck and I recommend that you play it.
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