The new machine, called the SCPH-50000, is due to go on sale in mid-May and comes with improved DVD playing functions and a new remote control.
It is also quieter thanks to a low-noise fan but will no longer have an iLink connector from the console.
The new PS2 is expected to retail in Japan for $207 and Sony says it has not yet decided whether to take the new model overseas.
Your virtual double could soon be living a separate life online in a fictitious eastern Europe republic.
A competition run by games maker Eidos will turn 20 people into characters in its forthcoming Republic: The Revolution strategy game. The title should be released in Summer 2003.
Players get the chance to become a character in Republic by registering on the website of Novistrana - the pretend former Soviet state where the game is set.
A further 100 runners-up will have their surnames assigned to characters in the game.
New GameBoy sells well
Nintendo has said it has sold more than 200,000 of its GameBoy Advance SP since the new handheld games machine went on sale in Europe last week.
The figures will cheer up the Japanese games giant, as its flagship GameCube console has largely lost out to rivals PlayStation 2 and the Xbox.
The GameBoy Advance SP was launched in Europe on 28 March at a suggested retail price of 129 euros (£84.99).
Nintendo is aiming to ship a million of the pocket-sized gaming devices in Europe by June.
Pop Idol video game on the way
A video game of popular TV show Pop Idol will be launched in the autumn to coincide with the second series of the hit show.
The game allows players to create, style and train a Pop Idol contestant.
It comes complete with a computer-generated Simon Cowell to pass comment as the potential new stars are put through their paces.
The rights to the game have been won by video games publisher Codemasters and the firm is hoping it will bring fans of the show that propelled Gareth Gates and Will Young to fame to gaming.