Sony holds firm to 10-year plan with new Compact PlayStation 2

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By Stevie Smith Nov 5, 2007, 14:06 GMT

Various reports spreading across the Internet are suggesting that Sony Corporation is preparing to launch a brand new ‘compact’ version of its long-standing PlayStation 2 videogame console. Online rumours suggest that Sony Corp. is about to unveil a new 'Compact' edition of its record-breaking PlayStation 2 gaming console. Credit: Sony.

Online rumours suggest that Sony Corp. is about to unveil a new 'Compact' edition of its record-breaking PlayStation 2 gaming console. Credit: Sony.If the rumours prove to be true, the proposed early 2008 introduction of a new model of the stalwart PlayStation 2 would certainly provide considerable reinforcement to Sony’s ongoing claims that the greying PS2 brand has a full 10 years of worthy service within it."We look forward to the platform’s continued growth and expect to sell approximately 12 million units worldwide by the end of March [2008], leading us to anticipate that PlayStation 2’s lifecycle will exceed that of the original PlayStation," outlined Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA) president and CEO Jack Tretton. "Never before has an in-home game system experienced this type of worldwide success on such a long-lasting scale."According to industry magazine MCV, the newly redesigned ‘Compact’ PlayStation 2 will also retail for around 25 percent less than existing second-generation ‘Slim’ models, which would put the price in the region of $99 USD in America when compared to the current $129 USD price tag. If and when the Compact PlayStation 2 makes the Atlantic transition to the United Kingdom, consumers could be looking at a price of around £75 GBP – if the revamped system also brings its repositioned pricing along with it for the trip. Unlike present PS2 hardware, the new console will reportedly contain a built-in power supply, which will contribute directly to reduced production costs and the subsequent retail reduction, claims MCV.Despite the recent introduction of ‘next-gen’ hardware systems from Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo, the hugely popular PlayStation 2 has managed to maintain its market appeal – regardless of its notable performance shortfall – thanks to a sprawling selection of software totalling some 1,500 titles, competitive hardware pricing, and a massive user installation base.Originally released to retail in October of 2000, the record-setting PlayStation 2 has recently celebrated its seventh birthday. Having already secured more awards and sales records than any other home-based gaming platform, Sony’s machine has thus far sold in excess of 120 million units worldwide, while also shifting more than a billion units of software. Sony expects another 160 new gaming titles to hit the PS2 prior to the close of the fiscal year in March of 2008, including the likes of Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Madden NFL 2008, Manhunt 2, and Rock Band.Sony Corporation has offered no official comment in response to the current rumours.

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Sony holds firm to 10-year plan with new Compact PlayStation 2

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