PS2

Manufacturer description
If you want the very best in interactive home entertainment, then there really is no other choice than PlayStation 2. Fun, accessible, sociable and inclusive, PlayStation 2 offers an unparalleled range of audio-visual experiences and is an essential addition to your existing home entertainment set up. Bring your living room alive with some of the greatest multiplayer games known to man, experience the astonishing picture quality of DVD and more, all on a single, simple, plug-and-play unit. PlayStation 2 plays host to the largest and most varied range of video games ever assembled. No matter what type of game you prefer, from sports to shoot 'em-ups, from driving to role-playing, PlayStation 2 delivers it all. You won't find exclusive titles like Gran Turismo, Grand Theft Auto, Tekken, Ratchet & Clank or The Getaway on any other console, so whether you're a hardcore gamer, or just fancy a quick blast now and then, PlayStation 2 really is the only entertainment system that matters. If you're upgrading from PS one, you'll be pleased to know that the PlayStation 2 will play all of your existing PS one games, so you already have a good headstart on building up your collection. Some of the more recent PS one games even benefit from enhanced visuals and audio when played through the PlayStation 2. But it's not all about games; PlayStation 2 is also a fully-fledged DVD player out of the box. Give all of your favorite films a new lease of life with all the benefits of the format: incredible sound and picture quality, bonus features and special additions. Additionally, you can even listen to all of your audio CDs on the PS2, and if your existing home setup includes Dolby Digital Surround Sound, you've got all of the connections you need to hook your PS2 up straight away. Make PlayStation 2 the center of your home entertainment system and you'll wonder how you ever survived without it.

Product summary

The goodThe good: Sleek; lots of good games; DVD movie playback.

The badThe bad: Still waiting for hard drive peripheral; Xbox's graphic capabilites are superior; only two controller ports.

The bottom lineThe bottom line: The elder statesman of next generation consoles, the PlayStation 2 has the luxury of a year's head start and many solid games.