No it doesn’t. Not the US version anyway. What it has is the DVD remote control driver software built in, so you don’t have to install the software onto a memory card first. You can use the regular controller, but if you want to use the remote you still need to plug in the sensor that comes with it. This whole built in remote sensor idea is a rumor that got started because some magazine had published possible features for a new model of PS2, right around E3 last year. Best Buy took it upon themselves to advertise that the SCPH-39001N (same as the previous model but with the Network Adaptor included) came with a built in remote sensor and a quieter fan or some crap, but both are false.
You’re almost right. Yes, these features exist, but not in the model number you gave. The SCPH-5000X is the first model number to have the remote sensor built in. And the “no DVD drivers” functionality was even there in the 30001-R model.
As for games to suggest, I’d reccomend Final Fantasy X (aka FFX) if you like RPG style games. I’d also have to second Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, as it’s one of the most involving and fun games i’ve ever played (second only to FFX, but only barely – FFX has one of the best stories i’ve ever, um, played?). I’d also like to second the Ratchet and Clank series that Mr2001 suggested; it is a lot of fun to play, and the cutscenes are often hilariously funny. I was really impressed at how well they pulled off the humor without making it look cheesey considering the cartoony animation of the game.
Also, if you’re going to be buying a Multitap (so that you can use 4 controllers at the same time) and having friends over to play, i’d have to reccomend ATV Off-Road Fury 2. As a racing game, it’s only average, but there is a unlockable (through an easy password entered at the cheats menu) mini-game called “Tag” that’s excellent – basically playing tag on ATVs through all sorts of terrain. It’s addictive enough to keep a group busy for hours.
Hmm, must’ve happened after I left there in August. They don’t seem to have updated their website. The 39001N was the newest model I took calls on.
I like the wide variety of RPGs available on the PSOne and PS2. A few favorites: Vagrant Story, Lunar: Silver Star Story, FF VII (although I never did finish the damn thing), Shadow Hearts (moderatly bad control scheme, but excellent story). I’m also a big SSX fan, but honestly I like the original one best. I have an XBox too, mostly so I can play Knights of the Old Republic, but I don’t like the controllers as much, even the newer Controller S. They are bigger and heavier than a Gamboy Advance for Og’s sake! Not the newer SP even, the older one.