Description
The very first PlayStation 2 models, released exclusively in Japan, differ significantly from later “fat” models. Instead of featuring the familiar expansion bay, these launch units included a PCMCIA card slot (SCPH-10190). This card offered functions similar to the later network adapters, but with the hard drive remaining external.
Collectors and enthusiasts often refer to these two launch models as “ProtoKernels”, named after their early kernel software that was plagued with issues. The only reliable fix for these problems today is to replace the kernel, using solutions such as HDD-OSD or PSBBN.
Unlike later PS2 models equipped with the expansion bay, these launch units were deliberately designed by Sony to not boot HDD software directly.
From a hardware perspective, these early PS2s also stand out in their construction: the chassis used 10 bottom screws, and disassembly began with removing the bottom casing first.
