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The peripherals
You'll find just an optical digital audio-out, a composite-video A/V connector, and one controller included with the PS2 console, so you're bound to need to invest in some of the extra bells and whistles. Fortunately, with a year's head start and backward compatibility with the PlayStation One, the PS2 has its share of useful and interesting accessories. Here are some of the key ones to check out:
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Picture perfection
For $20, you can get a component cable output kit so that you can have a cleaner image for higher-end home-theater sets. Plenty of the third-party vendors make these items as well as S-Video connection cables.
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Movie time
The PS2 does a passable job of running DVD videos in its own right, but using the gamepad and an onscreen navigation menu instead of a remote isn't a very convenient way to watch movies. And with only one speed for fast-forward and reverse, it's hardly full featured. The solution to this: Sony's remote-control kit, with updated DVD controls. The remote itself is rather cluttered with buttons and isn't easy to navigate in the dark, but it brings the PS2 up to par with most low-end DVD players. Other companies sell DVD remotes as well, but they lack the updated drivers for the PS2.
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Look Ma, no wires!
Sony's controllers have always been easy to get a handle on; it's just that problem of being tethered to somewhere within a few feet of the console that we don't like. Mad Catz, however, helps cut the cord, with a 900MHz wireless controller. The Dual Force is one of the more comfortable controllers for the PS2, especially if you want to put some distance between you and your TV.
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Tapped out
The PlayStation 2 console has only two controller ports, which is fine until a couple of your buddies show up and feel left out of the action. That's when you'll need to cough up another $35 for the Multitap. This allows you to have as many as four players simultaneously work together--or against each other. Consider this a must-own option if you plan on having friends over to play sports games.
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Kung fool
For would-be Bruce Lees comes the most unusual--and strangely enjoyable--controller around, Thrustmaster's FightingArena. Work up a sweat with your boxing, fighting, and even dancing games, using this mat controller. Photo sensors detect your punches and kicks, then translate them into onscreen moves. You may look a little silly punching the air, but this is a fun alternative to button mashing.
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For the moment, you can play Tony Hawk Pro Skater 3 over a LAN or the Internet if you use a USB Ethernet adapter (only the LinkSys EtherFast 10/100 USB Network Adapter USB100TX, D-Link DSB-650TX USB Ethernet adapter, SMC Eznet-USB 2102 USB, and SOHOware 10/100 Mbps USB Network Adapter NUB100 will work). You can also face your foes online with a USB analog modem; you'll need the Zoom FaxModem 56k USB model 2985L, USB Pocket56K NetSurfer NMT00700, MultiTech Systems MultiModemUSB MT5634ZBA-USB, or Actiontec Call Waiting USB Modem USB56012-01CW.
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| • | Intro | • | The peripherals |
| • | The PlayStation 2 console | • | The top 10 PlayStation 2 games |
