# ZN-2 > arcade system board created by Sony **Wikidata**: [Q2377817](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2377817) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zn-2 ## Summary The ZN-2 is an arcade system board created by Sony Interactive Entertainment and released in 1997. It serves as the successor to the ZN-1 system board and is based on the architecture identified as Q10677. ## Key Facts - **Manufacturer:** Sony Interactive Entertainment - **Release Year:** 1997 - **Predecessor:** ZN-1 - **Based On:** Q10677 - **System16 ID:** 797 - **VGMrips System ID:** capcom/zn-2 - **Play:right Class ID:** sony-zn-2 - **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/121kw03r - **Wikipedia Availability:** Spanish (es) and French (fr) - **Technical Reference:** MAME driver source (archived via Wikiwix) ## FAQs ### Q: Who manufactured the ZN-2 arcade system board? A: The ZN-2 was created by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the American multinational software company responsible for the PlayStation brand. ### Q: When was the ZN-2 released? A: The ZN-2 was released in 1997. ### Q: What system came before the ZN-2? A: The ZN-2 is the direct successor to the ZN-1 arcade system board. ### Q: What is the ZN-2 based on? A: According to structured technical data, the ZN-2 is based on Q10677. ### Q: Where can the ZN-2 be found in database records? A: The system is cataloged with System16 ID 797, VGMrips ID capcom/zn-2, and Google Knowledge Graph ID /g/121kw03r. ## Why It Matters The ZN-2 represents a specific iteration in Sony Interactive Entertainment's hardware lineage, bridging the company's home console technology with the arcade market. As a product of Sony Interactive Entertainment—a subsidiary of the Sony Group and a central force in the "console wars"—the ZN-2 contributes to the company's broader strategy of driving technological innovation and competition. Its documentation and preservation within emulation databases like MAME and VGMrips ensure that the technical specifications and software library of this era remain accessible for historical study and retro-gaming communities. ## Notable For - **Successor to ZN-1:** It is the direct follow-up to the ZN-1 system board. - **Sony Manufacturing:** It is one of the arcade system boards manufactured by Sony Interactive Entertainment. - **Database Presence:** It has distinct identifiers across multiple preservation and cataloging databases, including System16, VGMrips, and the Google Knowledge Graph. - **International Documentation:** The system has dedicated Wikipedia entries in Spanish and French. - **Technical Architecture:** It is based on the Q10677 architecture. ## Body ### System History and Specifications The ZN-2 is an arcade system board that entered the market in 1997. It was developed as a successor to the earlier ZN-1 model. The hardware is based on the architecture designated as Q10677. Technical documentation for the system, including driver source code, has been preserved in archives such as the MAME development source, which is accessible via Wikiwix. The system is recognized by various identifiers in the gaming and preservation communities: * **System16 ID:** 797 * **VGMrips System ID:** capcom/zn-2 * **Play:right Class ID:** sony-zn-2 * **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/121kw03r Additionally, the ZN-2 is documented on Wikipedia in Spanish (es) and French (fr). ### Manufacturer: Sony Interactive Entertainment The ZN-2 was created by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), a prominent multinational video game and digital entertainment company. SIE is a subsidiary of the Sony Group and serves as the division specifically focused on the video game industry, managing the globally recognized PlayStation brand. #### Corporate Structure and History Sony Interactive Entertainment was originally founded as **Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. (SCEI)** on November 15, 1993, in Tokyo, Japan, by Ken Kutaragi. The company was established to handle Sony's entry into the video game sector. On April 1, 2016, the company underwent a significant restructuring, merging with Sony Network Entertainment International to form **Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC**. Following this rebranding, the global headquarters was moved to San Mateo, California, United States, while maintaining a major presence in Tokyo, Japan. #### Leadership The company has seen leadership from several key executives since its inception: * **Ken Kutaragi:** Founder (1993). * **Andrew House:** CEO (September 2011 – October 2017). * **Kodera Tsuyoshi:** CEO (October 2017 – March 2019). * **Jim Ryan:** CEO (April 2019 – March 2024). * **Hiroki Totoki:** CEO (April 1, 2024 – Present). #### Products and Technology While the ZN-2 represents SIE's work in the arcade sector, the company is best known for its extensive line of consumer hardware and software. * **Home Consoles:** SIE develops the PlayStation line, including the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. * **Handheld Consoles:** The company manufactured the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and PlayStation Vita. * **Core Technology:** SIE has engineered proprietary internal components, such as the Emotion Engine CPU for the PlayStation 2. * **Peripherals:** Products include the EyeToy camera, PocketStation, Pulse 3D headset, and DualSense charging station. #### Subsidiaries and Studios SIE operates a global network of development studios under the **PlayStation Studios** umbrella, established in 2005. Notable subsidiaries include: * **Bungie:** An American developer based in Bellevue, Washington (acquired by SIE). * **Polyphony Digital:** An internal Japanese studio founded in 1998. * **Firewalk Studios:** A U.S.-based studio founded in 2018. * **Team Soho:** A UK-based developer founded in 1994. * **989 Studios:** A division of Sony Computer Entertainment America. * **Sugar & Rockets, Inc.:** A Japanese studio founded in 1997. * **PlayStation Mobile, Inc.:** An American mobile software company. ## References 1. [Source](http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmamedev.org%2Fsource%2Fsrc%2Fmame%2Fdrivers%2Fzn.c.html)