PS2 broadband in Oz

We were just waiting for it, patiently twiddling our thumbs (or controllers, whatever floats thy boat) till Sony Computer Entertainment Australia announced that you can play games online with your PlayStation 2.

It doesn't take a genius

We were just waiting for it, patiently twiddling our thumbs (or controllers, whatever floats thy boat) till Sony Computer Entertainment Australia announced that you can play games online with your PlayStation 2.

It doesn't take a genius to guess whats happened then, does it?

SCEA today said that it has plans to introduce an online gaming service in winter 2003, in co-operation with broadband Internet service providers.

America and Japan are already benefitting from this service, with SOCOM: US Navy Seals and Madden NFL 2003 being instant hits. Over 100,000 PS2 consoles are connected to the network in Japan.

So, what do you need to get your online console fix?

Well, you'll need a PlayStation 2 Broadband Gaming Pack, which comes with a PS2 Ethernet network adaptor, an online game, and a start-up disc that has some demos of upcoming online games. The pack should sell at the same price of a standard PlayStation game.

Online games available at the time of the winter launch will be: SOCOM: Navy Seals, Hardware: Online Arena, Destruction Derby: Online Arena, Twisted Metal Online, Frequency 2, My Street, ATV Offroad, as well as This is Football and World Rally Championship Online from Sony Computer Entertainment studios.

Sony will also be releasing a special PlayStation 2 version of Everquest, arguably one of the most played online CRPGs. Yet another reason not to leave your house for the few months that follow the launch.

PS2 owners who decide to go online will also benefit from the flexible network, that will provide a diverse range of online experiences. The service promises not to be constrained by a single company.

Chris Deering, President of SCEE, commented on the plans to launch the online network service, saying "PlayStation 2 owners with broadband internet access will be able to purchase a Network Adaptor and immediately start playing a great selection of multiplayer games online. It will be simple to set up, exciting to play and affordable. Our philosophy is to have a very diverse and inclusive platform that will enable content companies, games publishers and ISP portals to provide consumers with the broadest selection of new online experiences and entertainment from a variety of sources."

Looks good, and we will be interested to see how it all turns out. To find out the latest news on the subject, visit the official PlayStation Website here.