Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has today announced that November 1st 2004 will be the date that the redesigned PS2 will be released. Following on from our report that rumours of a redesign were rife; SCEE has unveiled details of the newly refined PS2.

The new design will incorporate the basic functions of the bigger model, but the internal volume has now been reduced by 75%, the weight has been halved, and at only 2.8cm, the new console is a whole 5cm thinner than the original machine.

Speaking about the new design, David Reeves, President of SCEE said, "We did it for PlayStation and now this time for PlayStation 2. This totally redesigned, network ready model will demonstrate that PlayStation has once again the design flair and innovation that has made PlayStation the world's best loved and most successful games console. We are confident that the combination of a new, more affordable price point, the great Christmas lineup and now this stunning new PlayStation 2 model will encourage a whole new generation of consumers to experience the fun of PlayStation".

Yes, you read that correctly – “network ready model;” the new PS2 has an integrated Ethernet port, which means that you won’t have to buy a network adaptor if you want get on to Network Play.

Launching at ⑬149, the new PS2 will be released in Europe at the same time as the US, with Japan having to wait until November 3rd.

TVG will have more on the new PS2 soon…