No HDD For New PS2 !?

The removal of the expansion bay from the newly unveiled PS2 is not part of a change in strategy, says Sony…

Just days after unveiling the slimmer PS2 console, Sony have had to issue a statement defending its decision to remove the expansion bay from the redesigned machine, which has meant that the new design will not be compatible with the Playstation2 Hard Drive.

In a statement, Sony Computer Entertainment America defended the decision by saying, “The new PlayStation 2 was designed to be slimmer and more lightweight, and the current manufacturing, as well as capacity and design of the internal Hard Disk Drive would not allow for inclusion in the new hardware model."

Fearing that it could be perceived as a change of direction, the statement continues by saying that, "The design of the new hardware is NOT a sign of Sony Computer Entertainment's change in philosophy regarding the Hard Disc Drive. The internal Hard Disc Drive will continue to be sold in North America and Sony Computer Entertainment America will offer related services and customer support…Consumers who want and use the Hard Disk Drive are typically the more 'hard core' gamers, and with more than 27 million PlayStation 2 units already sold in North America, we feel that a majority of those HDD interested consumers already have their PlayStation 2 units…We are also looking into other memory options that would be compatible with the new PlayStation 2."

Speculation as to what the other memory options could be is of course going to be driving the rumour mill before long, but Sony seems to be keeping its cards close to its chest for the immediate future.

Source : TVG