Sony Computer Entertainment Japan on Tuesday announced a new model of seven-year-old Sony PlayStation 2 game console that will be even more compact than the previous version. The new console will attract attention of gamers in budget and will also allow owners of Sony PlayStation 3 40GB with no backwards compatibility to play games developed for PlayStation and PlayStation 2.

The new PlayStation 2 (SCPH-9000) has a built-in AC adapter and redesigned hardware inside to shrink the size of the game console to allow end-users to “enjoy various entertainment contents anywhere at home”. The novelty will come in three color variations of “Charcoal Black”, “Ceramic White” and “Satin Silver”. Additionally, Sony will sell a special vertical stand for the new PS2. The new Sony PlayStation 2 with integrated AC adaptor weighs 720 grams, whereas the combined weight of the previous model and its external AC adaptor was 850 grams.

Given that the bright era of Sony PlayStation 2 is over, it is likely that the goal of the new console is enabling low-price PS/PS2 gaming for those who own PlayStation 3 40GB with no backwards compatibility as well as for cost-sensitive markets. On the other hand, considering slow sales of PlayStation 3, lower-priced PS2 may be the only way for Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. to hold its market share.

The latest version of the world’s most popular game console so far will become available in Japan on November 22^nd, 2007 at a recommended retail price of ¥16 thousand ($140.6, €95) including tax. Vertical stand for PlayStation 2 will also become available on the same day in the same three colors at a recommended retail price of ¥1,5 thousand ($13, €9) including tax.

It is unclear when and at what price the new Sony PlayStation 2 (SCPH-9000) is available in regions like Europe and the USA.