Sony's PS2-Compatible Printer

On Tuesday, Sony Marketing announced that it will release a PlayStation 2-compatible printer called "popegg." The printer will be connected to the USB port of the PS2 to print postcards without the need of a PC. Through the bundled software, which is called "PrintFan," players can save pictures taken from Sony's Cybershot digital camera or screenshots from popegg-compatible PS2 games onto a PlayStation 2 memory card. The specifications of the printer are as follows:

• Print Method: ink jet printer
• Print Resolution: 360 x 360 dpi
• Ink: CMYK Color
• Paper Size: A6, postcard size
• Buffer Memory: approximately 1.5MB
• Interface: USB
• Power: AC 100V 50Hz/60Hz
• Dimensions: 280mm x 190mm x 180mm
• Weight: approx 2.1kg

Third-party companies such as Argent, Ask, Atlus, Dazz, Ergo Soft, Idea Factory, Imagineer, Sunsoft, and Uep Systems are scheduled to release popegg-compatible PS2 games. The current software lineup is as follows:

• Mamimome: Mogacho's Print Hour (Idea Factory, December release)
• Lake Masters EX (Dazz, December release)
• Primal Image for Printer (Atlus, December release)
• Might & Magic (Imagineer, winter release)

The popegg printer package includes the PrintFan software, ink cartridge unit, USB cable, colored sheets, test sheets, and an AC cord. Ink cartridges are sold separately. The popegg package is scheduled for a November 15 release for an estimated price of 15,000 yen (US$142) in Japan.