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PS2 goes online
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May 16, 2001: 7:41 p.m. ET
Sony announces network adaptor for its gaming console
By Staff Writer Chris Morris
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LOS ANGELES (CNNfn) - The PlayStation2 is joining the online world. Sony announced plans Wednesday to release a network adaptor for its console gaming system that will work for both dial-up and broadband users.
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The Sony PlayStation2 console and joystick. (Courtesy: Sony) | |
The adaptor, which will retail for $39.95, will go on sale in November. Combining both a high-speed Ethernet connection (supporting both cable modems and DSL lines) with a V.90 analog modem, it will allow consumers to have network access and to simultaneously connect multiple devices in the home through the PlayStation 2.
From a gaming perspective, the adaptor opens up a new world for the PlayStation. For the first time, PS2 gamers will be able to compete with each other over the Internet. (Previously, users had to be in the same room to challenge each other.)
Also, as part of its recently-announced alliance with AOL, Sony will open up the PS2 as a Web browsing device. The network adapter will include a hard disk drive, letting users access AOL features such as instant messaging, e-mail and chat. They'll be able to access the Web through a specially made PS2 browser from Netscape.
Sony is betting heavily on the online world, striking deals with both Macromedia and Real Networks Wednesday as well. The company says it sees online gaming as a big part of the PS2's future.
It's not alone in that philosophy. Microsoft's Xbox will also offer online access, though only for broadband users.
Gamers, though, haven't exactly flocked to online games.
Sega's Dreamcast was the first console to offer Internet access and games that could be played over the Internet. A moderate hit, it wasn't enough to save the console system, which Sega is now in the process of phasing out. PC gamers have long had the ability to play against each other over the Internet. And while the number of PC online gamers is much higher than those who took advantage of the option on Dreamcast, online games still make up just a small percentage of the PC gaming world.
While the modem is the biggest new product on the way for the PS2, it's not the only one. Sony also announced plans to offer a wireless remote for PS2 owners to play their DVD films. Priced at $19.99, the remote will allow users to fast forward and rewind films with something other than the game controller, which is quite awkward. The company also plans to offer an LCD screen for the original PlayStation game console, which now goes by the name PS One. Due in November, that will run for $129-$149. 
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