Sony has confirmed that it will release its Network Adaptor for PlayStation 2 on 27th August, offering users the option to play games on-line. According to the company, the Adaptor will offer both Ethernet and modem connectivity in one package, and its suggested US retail price is $39,99.

This puts Sony ahead of Microsoft which has just announced that its rival on-line service, Xbox Live, will launch on 15th November, with a price tag of $50.

Sony has planned product shipments of 250,000 units for the launch of its product, and it aims to sell 400,000 units by the end of the year.

According to GamesIndustry.biz, unlike Microsoft’s pricing model for Xbox Live, Sony will not levy an annual subscription fee for basic PS2 online services. Companies providing on-line games for Sony’s product are offered the option to establish their own subscription models.

Sony’s Network Adaptor will be supported by five software titles at launch, three of which are American Football games.

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