After an apparent manufacturing issue caused some initial slowdown in producing the new unit, Sony reportedly underestimated demand, caused in part by shortages between the time the old units were cleared out and the new units were ready.
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.
Available in November 2004, it is smaller and thinner than the old version and includes a built-in Ethernet port.
Hardware sales remained strong until 2004 saw the console apparently approaching saturation point.
In some markets it also integrates a modem.
V3 has a substantially different internal structure from the subsequent revisions, featuring several interconnected printed circuit boards.
Due to its thinner profile, it does not contain the 3.5" expansion bay, and therefore does not support the internal hard disk drive but due to the presence of USB 2.0 ports an external USB Hard disk can still be used, and now uses an external power supply, like the Gamecube.
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