# Sony TAPIS

> 2002 printer model by Sony, compatible with the PlayStation 2 video game console

**Wikidata**: [Q123329632](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123329632)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sony-tapis

## Summary
The Sony TAPIS is an inkjet printer model released by Sony in 2002 that was specifically designed for compatibility with the PlayStation 2 video game console. It represents one of the few gaming-focused printers produced during the early 2000s era.

## Key Facts
- Sony TAPIS is an inkjet printer model released by Sony Group in 2002
- It was announced on January 18, 2002 and commercially released in Japan on February 23, 2002
- The printer was priced at approximately 20,000 yen at release
- It was specifically designed for compatibility with the PlayStation 2 video game console
- The TAPIS is classified as both a printer model and a home game console accessory
- It was manufactured by Sony Group, which is also its parent company
- The device has "TAPIS" as one of its aliases
- It belongs to the broader class of inkjet printers

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Sony TAPIS used for?
A: The Sony TAPIS was a specialized inkjet printer designed primarily for use with the PlayStation 2 video game console. It allowed users to print game-related content directly from their PS2, making it one of the few gaming peripherals focused on printing functionality.

### Q: When did Sony release the TAPIS printer?
A: Sony announced the TAPIS on January 18, 2002, and it became commercially available in Japan on February 23, 2002. This timing coincided with the peak popularity of the PlayStation 2 console.

### Q: How much did the Sony TAPIS cost at release?
A: The TAPIS printer was priced at approximately 20,000 yen when it was released. This price point positioned it as a moderately priced accessory for PlayStation 2 owners who wanted printing capabilities.

### Q: What was unique about the TAPIS compared to other printers of its time?
A: Unlike standard inkjet printers, the TAPIS was specifically designed to interface with the PlayStation 2, making it one of the few gaming-focused printers of its era. Its specialization set it apart from general-purpose printers available in the early 2000s.

### Q: Which Sony products was the TAPIS compatible with?
A: The TAPIS was designed for compatibility exclusively with the PlayStation 2 video game console. Sony did not position it as a general-purpose computer printer, focusing instead on the gaming market.

## Why It Matters
The Sony TAPIS represents an interesting intersection of gaming and printing technology from an era when Sony was heavily invested in expanding the PlayStation 2 beyond just gaming. As one of the few gaming-specific printers ever produced, it demonstrates Sony's innovative approach to creating peripheral accessories that enhance the console experience. While its specialized nature limited its market appeal, it highlights how gaming companies in the early 2000s were experimenting with unusual peripherals to differentiate their products. The TAPIS also illustrates how Sony attempted to create an ecosystem around the PlayStation 2, where the console served as more than just a gaming machine but as a hub for various digital content experiences. Though it didn't become a mainstream success, it remains a notable curiosity in gaming history, representing an experimental approach that preceded today's more successful gaming peripherals that serve both entertainment and utility purposes.

## Notable For
- One of the few gaming-specific printers ever designed for a video game console
- A rare example of Sony creating a peripheral accessory focused on printing functionality
- Released during the peak era of PlayStation 2's market dominance
- Positioned as part of Sony's ecosystem expansion beyond pure gaming experiences
- Demonstrated early experimentation in console multifunctionality before later gaming peripherals

## Body
### Release Information
- Announced: January 18, 2002
- Commercial release in Japan: February 23, 2002
- Manufacturer: Sony Group
- Parent company: Sony Group

### Product Details
- Type: Inkjet printer
- Classification: Printer model, home game console accessory
- Aliases: TAPIS
- Price: Approximately 20,000 yen at release

### Compatibility
- Designed exclusively for use with PlayStation 2 video game console
- Reference to PlayStation 2 compatibility documented in IGN article from announcement date
- Not positioned as a general-purpose computer printer

### Market Context
- Released during the early 2000s when gaming peripherals were becoming more specialized
- Part of Sony's broader strategy to expand PlayStation 2's functionality beyond gaming
- Priced as a mid-range accessory for PlayStation 2 users

## References

1. [Source](https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/01/18/sony-releases-new-ps2-printer)