Well, I finally broke down and got my Japanese SCPH-50000 PS2 today. However, I remember seeing somewhere that it's supposed to have a built in network adapter. It's not on the Japanese system that I got. Was I mistaken or will it only be on the American system?

Sony has announced that they would release a new Japanes PS2 2 model SCHP-50000 on 15th, May, 2003. The main difference is that the new model can support DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW. Moreover, it can support Progressive Scan when playing the movies. Finally, it built in receiver for the DVD remote control. That means that Sony what to make PS2 a professional DVD player.

No mention of a network adapter

Hmm....yup it does say that on the box that it supports the DVD-RW/+RW, and how the infared remote port is built in, and it runs quieter. I guess I misread somewhere about the built in NIC. Bummer.

I could have sworn I read somewhere on here the new PS2 was going to have a built network adapter.

I believe they were going to offer this machine at two different price points.

$199 for the updated PS2 with a network adapter

and

$179 for the updated PS2 w/o an adapter.

I'm sure someone can confirm or correct me on this.

Hmm....I guess the Japanese SCPH-50000s don't have that option. Ah well.