Playstation 2 (PS2) was first released in Japan on March 4, 2000, it is the successor to the original PlayStation and the second console in the PlayStation series.
It competed with Nintendo’s GameCube and Microsoft’s Xbox as a sixth-generation console. With over 155 million units sold worldwide, it is the best-selling video game console of all time.
When the PS2 was released, it received widespread critical acclaim. Over 4,000 game titles were released, with over 1.5 billion copies sold.
In 2004, Sony released the PS2 Slim, a smaller, lighter revision of the console. Even after its successor, the PlayStation 3, was released, it remained popular well into the seventh generation.
It was still manufactured until 2013, when Sony announced that it had been discontinued after more than a decade of production, giving it one of the longest lifespans of any video game console.
New games for the console were still being developed until its demise.
With that said let’s dig deeper on what’s the difference between PS2 slim and fat!
PS2 fat vs slim differences overview!
There are no major differences between the two versions; however, you may ask yourself which model is better to buy, which one is right for me? Well, to shortly answer these questions, simply it depends on your gaming preferences!
Most gamers prefer the slim model more.
What are the differences between the slim version and the fat one?
The fat (original) PS2 is bulkier and has a front-loading disc drive and HDD support (enhances some games and is required to run Final Fantasy XI).
While the slim version, is a redeveloped slim model, has a top-loading disc tray, and no HDD support, and is released widely in North America (and around the world) in several colors: matte black, ceramic white, and silver.
Those are the major differences between them, but let’s delve deeper into their differences!
PS2 fat vs slim
Performance
It all comes down to HDD compatibility. The PS2 HDD (also known as the PlayStation 2 Hard Disc Drive) is a 40 GB drive that can be used to speed up loading times or to back up memory card data.
And, as previously stated, this accessory is required to play Final Fantasy XI; there are also 34 other games in North America that support but do not require the HDD.
Graphics
The HDD improves gaming experiences by making games run more smoothly and reducing load times, but only Final Fantasy XI requires it to be playable. Final Fantasy XI does not run at all on the redesigned system because the Slim is incompatible with the HDD.
All of the other PS2 games, on the other hand, are playable on the Slim.
However, that is about the only advantage the original model has over the Slim. In fact, there are a few drawbacks that may make you reconsider purchasing the PS2 fat.
To begin with, the original PS2 is not nearly as dependable as its Slimline counterpart. The original PS2 hardware was notorious for having disc read errors.
The inability to read games can be a problem for the original unit, especially as it ages. Fortunately, this flaw was fixed as part of the hardware redesign. Furthermore, the original PS2 runs hotter and louder than the slimmer model.
Specs
The PlayStation 2 was the first console that truly allowed 3D graphics to shine. It gave game designers and developers countless new options, and it did so before any other console of its generation.
Because of this formula, it was the ideal breeding ground for new game series and innovative designs.
The PS2’s DVD drive was an early selling point, but it also allowed games to be larger than ever before. Previously, large games had to be spread across multiple discs, which was clunky at best.
Early on, the PS2’s DVD drive was a huge selling point, but it also allowed games to be larger than ever before. Large games used to have to be spread across multiple discs, which was not practical.
However, with that said, the original fat version didn’t endure these large games; hence, the slim version was developed to endure these larger games.
The processor in the slim version is slightly faster. The PS2 fat has a 294,912 MHz processor, while the PS2 slim has a 299 MHz processor.
Price
Whether you have an old PS2 in your garage that you want to sell or you want to buy a used (or even brand new) model online, you should know how much a PS2 sells for.
So, how much is a PS2 worth now? According to recently sold eBay listings, the original PS2 console sells for $65 on average, and the redesigned Slimline PS2 sells for $100 on average. Used systems (for both models) range in price from $50 to more than $150, depending on the condition.
Working systems with visible cosmetic damage will sell for around $50, while complete-in-box models can cost up to $200.
FAQs
Can PS2 fat overheat?
We, at Phone Repair & More, have repaired many PS2 systems, what we have to say about this matter is, the fat model never overheats. It simply doesn’t generate enough power, and it’s actually pretty well-ventilated.
Can I leave my PS2 on overnight?
The correct technical answer is that you can leave it on as long as you want, but just like a TV, a PS2 has a set amount of playtime.
So, we advise you to better turn it off overnight or put it on Sleep so to prevent any technical issues!
