Sony's stalwart PlayStation 2 is about to go on another diet, as the company is set to release an even slimmer variant of the stalwart console later this month.  Currently confirmed for Japan and Europe, the new PS2 model SCPH-90000 is expected to be even lighter than current PS2 "slim" consoles, featuring a built-in AC adapter.  The console remains similiar in appearance to previous edition consoles, and it's dimensions are roughly the same (230 x 152 x 28 mm).  The integrated power supply means revised internal components for the PS2, and this design makes the new console approximately 130 grams lighter from its previous model utilizing the typical external AC adapters.

The new PS2 is expected to launch in Japan this November 22 for 16,000 yen ($140 USD), the same price as current PS2 models.  A European launch will follow sometime "in the new year", with no word on potential price for PAL territories.  Yes, it will be available in multiple colors: black, white and silver.

Sony's announcement of a slimmer, more portable PS2 model could serve as an option for potential PlayStation 3 customers looking to tap into the still-lucrative PS2 library.  Recall that SCE will likely move away from including PS2 backward compatibility solutions in new and upcoming PlayStation 3 hardware from here, in an effort to decrease PS3 production costs.  The company continually maintains that PS3 gamers should have a separate PS2 already for PS2 gaming, and if they don't at this point, a newer PS2 console just might attract eyeballs.