PlayStation 2 online functionality

However, later PS2 online games required the console to be authorized through Sony's Dynamic Network Authentication System (DNAS) before connecting to the server.

Sun Corporation for example released the OnlineStation, a USB external modem with its EnjoyMagic software providing web and email to customers.

[5] The official network adapter featuring both broadband Ethernet and a 56k modem was released in Japan on July 19, 2001 alongside Final Fantasy X.

[12] Despite the advanced take-up of broadband in the United States compared to Japan, Sony decided to still include a 56k modem for narrowband dial-up customers.

[15] Central Station or "Network Gaming" launched on June 11 in Britain, July 2 in France,[16] August 13 in Sweden,[17] September in the Netherlands.

[22] For the original models (non-"Slimline") of the PlayStation 2 console, a network adapter was needed to play online and use a hard drive.

Playing online games requires that users set up the system's network connection configuration, which is saved to a memory card.

[23] SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs, released in August of the same year, was one of the first video games that allowed voice chat on a console.

Computer programs such as XBSlink, SVDL and XLink Kai also allowed users to achieve online play for some PS2 games by using a network configuration that simulates a worldwide LAN.