Two propositions were to name the old model (EE and GS, separate chips) V11.5 and the newer model V12, and to name the old model V12 and the newer model V13.
It was not until late 2001 that the Microsoft Xbox became the second console with (non-standard) USB and DVD support.
V7 and V8 are also similar, and V9 (model number SCPH-50000/SCPH-50001) added the Infrared port for the optional DVD Remote Control, removed the widely unused FireWire port, added the capability to read DVD-RW discs, and a quieter fan.
When the PlayStation 2 launched in America in October 26, 2000, Sony sold 510,000 units within the first 24 hours.
A product named HD Connect can be soldered into the unit giving hard drive support though.
Available in November 2004, it is smaller and thinner than the old version and includes a built-in Ethernet port.
In September of that year, in time for the launch of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (the best-selling game during the 2004 Holiday season), Sony revealed a new, smaller PS2 (see Hardware revisions).
Developers also complained that it was difficult to develop for the system, with little in the way of reference material from Sony for its exotic architecture.
However the New Slim Silver Models have more issues with playing PlayStation games than the first PS2 revisions.
In preparation for the launch of a new, slimmer PlayStation 2 model (SCPH-70000), Sony had stopped making the older PS2 model (SCPH-5000x) sometime during the summer of 2004 to let the distribution channel empty out stock of the units.
This allowed the PS2 to tap the large install base established by the PlayStation.
