Finally Getting a Playstation 2

[Daristotle]

I'm finally going to be able to get a Playstation 2. But, first a couple of questions:
1. Should I wait for the "PS 2.5" to come out? Or is that months in the future?
2. Who has the best deal on a bundle?

Thanks

[Starcade]

I dont think there are any "bundles"

[buttasuperb]

I dont think there are any "bundles"

Actually there are bundles. I've seen them at Costco (similar to Sam's Club) and they might have them at Sam's as well. Usually different games packed in each time I go, not really too big of a deal. Maybe save like 30 bucks.

[Achika]

There haven't been any official bundles since GTA3. But like Butta said some of the wholesalers/discounters have their own. You should also check out sale papers to see who has But 2 get 1 Free, etc. Most of the memory card & controller bundles come around Xmas time from Toys R Us though.

[bargora]

According to the article linked on the front page, PS "2.5" goes on sale May 15 [edit: IN JAPAN]. An' I dunno nuthin' bout no bundles.
:icecream: :drinking:

[CrazyImpmon]

I heard a bit of rumor that PS2 price may drop after the next E3 show.

[TVs Hasselhoff]

Price drop seems likely since Xbox looks like they are moving in that direction. Xbox rep spoke to me that Microsoft is phasing out the current Xbox bundle, likely to replace it with a discounted core system. Prices for bundles and core systems have already dropped in Europe.

I doubt we will see the 2.5 ps2 here for a while, and besides, what is the real benefit to waiting? The ability to play dvd-rw? Big deal. And almost nobody uses the system link for the ps2 anyway, user or developer.

No official bundles, but Sam's Club and Costco have done some nice things.

Why wait? Just buy one.

[bargora]

What? The new PS2 rev isn't going to have the system link feature? I kinda like doing system link for FPS games.

[TVs Hasselhoff]

So do I, but there are hardly any games that support it.

Sony doesn't encourage developers to utilize the feature, and who has a firewire hub to connect four i-links?

The network adaptor allows for the link feature to be utilized, which give sony two advantages.

One, sell more network adaptors that are now just sitting on store shelves.

Two, reduce the cost of the system's production, while charging more for the new system because of the "expanded" dvd features.

But hey, at least this christmas you'll be able to get a memory card. ;-)

[bargora]

Where did you read that i-link is getting the boot in the new version?

And were there any games other than Gran Turismo 3 that let you do a firewire hub setup to link 3 or 4 PS2s?

[TVs Hasselhoff]

Couple of news posts mentioned it, one with someone from sony explaining the i-link removal reasoning.

games with i-link that I can remember:

Armored Core 2
Armored Core 3
Time Splitters 2
Gran Turismo 3
ATV Off Road Fury 2
Unreal Tournament

These are the only ones I can remember off hand. I think there was one of the Winning Eleven soccer games in Japan that offered system link.

[hamburgler]

Tony hawk pro skater 3 & 4 i think support I-link

[Mr.Bitter]

I don't know about bundles, but I believe Toys-R-Us is once again running one of their "Buy Two Get One Free" promotions. So even if you don't get the system right away, you can save some money on games.

[tynstar]

I'm sorry. Unless you already have a GameCube and X-Box. :-D

[Daristotle]

I think I'll get my PS2 at Frys... they might only be in the western states. If I remember right you get the dvd remote, stand, and an extra controller for the standard $199. But, I do plan on hitting Toys R' Us for games.
Also, noticed that Babbages had the same buy 2 get 1 free deal for used games.

[TVs Hasselhoff]

Gamestop (aka babbages, funcoland, etc.) are having a buy two used, get one free. might also check to see if Target is still selling their greatest hits titles for buy two get one free.

Check Blockbuster, too, for some unadvertised, or ill-advertised, deals on some games. They've been running some strange sales lately.

Oh yeah, forgot, Gamestop is selling new PS2's and Xbox for $189 this week.

[TheCrow]

I wouldn't recommend buying a used system as the PS2 has problems with the laser burning out and not being able to read the DVD games. Stores like babbage's, EB, Funco just plug it in to see if it turns on. The price will definetaly drop after E3. Just wait till then.

[Retsudo]

When is E3?

[digitalpress]

When is E3?

http://www.e3expo.com

[Daristotle]

How soon after E3 for the price drop? And is this a definite thing?