At launch in 2003, PS2 Online used a mixed dial-up and broadband network, which virtually made the experience unplayable due to lag. Disappointed by the initial experience, some early adopters abandoned their network adapters and never looked back, and on-looking skeptics moved on unimpressed.

That changed in 2004, however, when Sony launched the slimline PS2 with a built-in network adapter. The company also flipped the switch on a "Broadband Only" PlayStation network to improve play. "This was a result of the larger trend towards broadband adoption globally and significantly aided online gameplay," says Koller.

The other issue is that network setup on PS2 isn't a cakewalk. Unlike current systems, early online-enabled PS2 games required a separate setup disc which was often lost. Without the disc, many gamers were left out. But most new games now include an online setup utility, and Sony says an original disc can be requested through customer support for any still in need.

Still going strong

In many ways, PS2 online has some advantages over newer systems. Microsoft charges US$50 a year to take Xbox 360 online, while PS2 is free. Nintendo still doesn't support voice chat on Wii like PS2 does, and PS3 sometimes has fewer online users than its older brother.