Ben-DutkaThe PS2 has already undergone a big cosmetic change in switching to that ultra-slim design, and we're all wondering when the PS3 might shrink in size. However, for European and Indian gamers, they're going to get one last update to the last generation: it's a redesigned and even sleeker PS2!
According to The Economic Times, Sony Computer Entertainment will be releasing a fourth iteration of the PS2 by Diwali later this year. It'll hit both the Indian and European markets simultaneously, according to SCE boss Atindriya Bose. Believe it or not, this "higher-end version" will be "slimmer, sleeker and more suave in its looks." Essentially, Sony is working to make it even more functional and compact, as the AC adapters will now be built-in, and they're keeping the previous hardware price as well. Since the launch of the PS2 back in October of 2000, the PS2 has sold over 100 million units worldwide, and Sony isn't about to let it fade out without a bit more support. Indian and Euro gamers are going to benefit from that support, and Bose calls the PS2 an "entry-level console."
"We feel PS2 has the potential to penetrate further into the Indian and Russian markets. Console gaming is in its nascent stage in India. These are untapped markets and are new to the gaming world, hence we have no plans to phase out PS2 anytime soon. We do not market it as a PS2 or PS3. It is the experience of the PS that we market. PS3 is for the next generation. People who are first timers in the gaming market want to pick up PS2 and experience that, before upgrading to PS3."
Yep, that PS2 is just unkillable. We'll have more details for you on this fourth, "more suave" PS2 for Euro and Indian territories when it becomes available.
He's right about the Russian market. I have some friends in Russia, and they were drooling over the PS3 when i told them about it. All that's needed it to get the word out over there and that market will explode.
Coming up on 8 years for the PS2 and still fresh. The brand has certainly got durability.
I have a feeling that the xbox will do better in India just because the MS brand is so popular there. Sony should really market the hell out of the Playstation brand in South Asia. Pakistan will welcome the PS brand more easily because they love Sony.
Last edited by infekt on 7/3/2008 12:20:13 PM
I honestly cant believe how the PS2 is still selling. Since the PS3 has been out all the games are either crummy ports or distasteful titles, Though i have to say you can get some damn good deals now i bought
The Getaway
Onimusha 1, 2 & 3 In a Deal 4 for £10
I also got Resident Evil: Code X Veronica
Ratchet & Clank (I wanted to try it)
Ghosthunter
Max Payne 2
& I also got Max Payne & Zone of the Enders in a buy one get one free offer for £1.99
PS2 = Cheap THRILLS!
i live in india and i have to say that the playstation marketing strategy here sucks.
when 360 came out there were ads all over tv but no one even heard when ps3 came out.
the 40 gb ps3 costs $580 here so thats why most indians get it from outside or buy it off the black market.
this is a huge market just waiting to be tapped but sony really needs to think things over.
Last edited by shak_4 on 7/3/2008 1:10:46 PM
I wouldn't doubt Sony is aiming to get as close to 200M as possible. And if there's one console that could do it, it's probably the PS2.
Damn GAME your compelling me too buy pre-owned PS2 games for PS3
Screw poor reviews im getting Jackass
can the ps2 gen even smaller then??? it'll probably as big as a discman:P or the replacement for the psp: the ps2p instead of the psp2:P
I can't think of going "back" to the PS2..
the article is about how they are opening up to new markets, they dont expect us to go back to the ps2. But it would be cool to have a tiny ps2 that you can take almost everywhere.
Is this the calm before the storm? There hasn't been anything interesting in like 3 weeks.
Let's not forget the sheer size of the PS2's library, and the sheer number of classics that are there. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the games that have come out since the PS3; it's all about what's there in total for new owners. And at the current price, there simply isn't a better console for the money for gamers who still have a lot to experience.
I think I once read an article saying that there were over one million PS2 games currently on the market…then again that was counting like barbie games and other crap…still…quite impressive…