In an interview with a Sony representative during the opening hours of E3, light was shed on Sony's networking plans in regards to the PlayStation 2. The PS2 network adapter, which features both narrowband and broadband connections, will be released in North America on August 27th and will include coupons for upcoming online titles.In a surprising move, Sony does not currently have plans to release the harddrive in North America. The Japanese release of Final Fantasy XI requires the harddrive, so this move may push gamers to purchase a USB harddrive for their PS2s, or cause Square to recode FFXI so it functions sans harddrive.
With the recent announcement that FFXI will be delayed in the US until 2003 may be indicative of Squaresoft's reworking the game to Sony's new online strategy.
