Sony Computer Entertainment America announced today that it plans to release a network adapter for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system in the North American market in November 2001 for a suggested retail price of $39.95. The new adapter will provide the ultimate online solution for consumers by offering a combination of analog connectivity with high-speed broadband access. Since its North American launch in October 2000, PlayStation 2 has shipped more than 3.7 million units in only six months. This overwhelming reception affirms the next generation of entertainment PlayStation 2 is creating, fusing games, music and movies and taking the first bold step toward the broadband era. By connecting PlayStation 2 to a network, SCEA intends to bring PlayStation 2 to the next evolutionary stage in computer entertainment. The network adapter combines high-speed Ethernet connection with a V90 analog modem that will allow consumers network access and connection to multiple devices in the home through PlayStation 2 at the same time. By connecting to a broadband network such as CATV and DSL through Ethernet, PlayStation 2 can also be connected to analog telephone lines. These capabilities allow for immediate access to online games available to a wide audience on PlayStation 2.
Through a strategic alliance with AOL, Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment also plans to release the network adapter along with a hard disc drive giving consumers access to popular AOL features like instant messaging, e-mail and chat, as well as Web access through a Netscape browser for PlayStation 2. As a result, daily communication, Web browsing and E-distribution of content available on current Internet services can be enjoyed on PlayStation 2. It also enables the creation of entirely new content merging daily communication on network with computer entertainment. With PlayStation and PlayStation2, SCEA will create and develop a new world of computer entertainment for the broadband era through the fusion of games, music, movies, broadcasting and publishing.
Product Name: PlayStaton 2 Network Adapter
Suggested Retail Price: $39.95
Release Date: November 2001
Interfaces: V90 analog modem
10/100 Base-TX
Ethernet Hard disk drive