What are the differences between these PS2 models? Which one is better?

Well Japan got a new color and new model out.
Check it out.This is the latest from PS2
http://www.playstation.jp/products/h...h75000sss.html

I just did a little bit of research. SCPH-70001 and SCPH-75001 no longer come with the modem dail-up connector. Only the network connector remains.

SCPH-75001 seems to be a newer model than SCPH-70001, which in turn is newer than the SCPH-70012. However, I couldn't figure out the differences between SCPH-75001 and SCPH-70001 though.

I couldn't figure out what the Japanese text says.

How does it differ from their previous domestic model, besides being silver in color?

70011 and 70012 are prone to AC Adapter replacement.

75001 uses the new chipset which will be used in the PS3. There are some games which don't work with this new chipset, which you can find here:

http://www.us.playstation.com/Consum...les_75001.html

Darn! It sounds like the 70001 is the one to get for now, since the newer 75001 has problem playing those games.

If PS3 will be using that chipset, it may also mean that it may have problem playing those games too?!

Give Sony a call at 1-800-345-7669 and ask them what the differences are, but I would wait until at least mid-january as they're probably getting bombarded with calls for christmas season.

That is the asumption I am going with now, until I hear something further from Sony.

I just bought a brand new 75001 system. The box and all accessories were perfectly sealed. However, there was a copy of Spyro: A Hero's Tale inside the system. I found this really odd.

Sounds like someone might have switched out the system. I would call Sony to make sure this little surprise wasn't intentional, and then return it. You never know what could be wrong with it.

A game disc already loaded inside the console? That sounds very fishy. If there was a bonus game disc packaged with the new 75001, it should have been in a sleeve and packaged with the manual. That's typically how the computer/entertainment industry packages their goods anyway.

Sounds like someone did a switch with an old console to get a new one and forgot the game. I would definitely return it and get a different system. Keep the game if you want, but swap out for a different console. This is one of the oldest tricks out there as switching the serial numbers is fairly easy.