Sony planning ultra-compact PS2 for 2008?

Sony is developing its third redesign of the PlayStation 2 to appeal to budget-conscious gamers, according to an as-yet unverified claim from British gaming site MCV. The publication alleges that the system will be even smaller than the slimline model introduced in 2004 and will incorporate the power supply into the device itself rather than in a separate brick. It would both be easier to carry around and less expensive to make, the site says. The improved profile would permit selling the PS2 for $99 US in early 2008, a significant drop from the current $129 price.

A second refresh would be a first for Sony but would be in line with Sony's past practice with an outgoing console. The company released a much more compact original PlayStation, known as the PSone, near the end of the console's life as an alternative for users who wanted a more portable or less expensive alternative to the PS2. No details have surfaced for any changes in the feature set of the revamped PS2.