If it were easy enough to send your PS2 in and ensure you'd both get a working modchipped PS2 back with no laser problems in a timely manner, it would be a non-issue from the get go.

These days, such a service is tough to find. So it appears that the fliptop method will probably become the most convenient, along with using cogswapper by executing the independence exploit on a memory card. No sense in paying for swap magic there.

Can I get some opinions on DVD-Rs from Doremi Media Co.

I can't seem to find any reviews on them. The only thing I've found is that they are grouped together with the Mitsus and Taiyos.

If only I could do this with a slim PS2, Thats the only gay part about owning a slim PS2...

I've done a lot more research, and it seems that burning a DVD at the lowest speed is the stupidest thing you can do. They should be burned a notch or two below maximum speed.

Unless your drive and media just sucks ass, of course.

Umm well then you must browse a different internet

That's why I was recommending to use the free and patched HDLoader as opposed to the retail crap.

Because out of all the games you mentioned, IIDX 8th and Pop'n'Music 10 are actually the only ones that are incompatible. Hell, I've played Gitaroo Man, Gradius V, Metal Gear Solid 2 on mine without any problems.

I also have a question regarding burning PS2 games. I'm going to get a modded PS2 this year and as far as I know, there are some games which require double layer DVDs. I'm only able to burn DVD+R DL's, not DVD-R DL's - Would this cause any compatibility difficulties? If this would work as well, are low burning speeds for DVD+R DL's negligible or not? ( 2.4x )

I don't think the majority of PS2 models is even able to recognize DVD+R/DVD-R DLs.

Given the incredibly low number (like, 2?) of dual layer games for the PS2, I'd say this shouldn't be much of a problem.

HDLoader 0.7c plays dual layer games just fine, btw.

Don't you need a network adapter for HDLoader? Ya, forget about that. Network Adapter + IDE HD = over $100 CDN, screw it. I think that I'll buy a swap magic. But I probably need a new DVD drive since I can only burn at x4 max and there are apparently compatibility problems with older drives like mine and the new media. Grr.

What's the best place to get PS2 ISOs?

Well that definitely rules me out. I mostly play music/shooting/arcade games on my PS2, most of which are japanese and some of which are blue discs.

If they're not going to load, there's no real point. I don't like the whole external hd idea.

Does the Swap Magic thing play PS1 backups?

No, for that you'd need a Breaker Pro.

Well, the HD is internal. It connects to the network adapter and tightly fits into the expansion bay.

And what's that thing with blue discs?

A large portion of games(possibly a quarter, and that's alot) of my games, have blue discs. This includes all european Nippon Ichi titles, and a few japanese titles you've never heard of. 90% of these are either incompatible, or not on the compatibility list.

I'm guessing they're having a hard time with blue discs.

Thanks for enlightening me.

Last time I checked, the only (physical) difference was the color and HDLoader still uses ISOs, where the color of the disc doesn't really matter.

Besides, I've been playing all the Nippon Ichi games just fine with HDLoader.

Playstation 2 games on blue discs are on CD-ROM. Playstation 2 games on silver discs are DVD-ROM.

In Europe, the games are blue discs (CD-ROM), while in the USA, they are silver discs (DVD-ROM). Don't ask me why...

Double Post:
Their dye is of a similar composition to Taiyo Yuden's dye, meaning that it should have the same high level of reflectivity, durability and integrity. I'd say that you're probably almost as safe with a Doremi disc as you would be with a Taiyo Yuden disc. However, I've not tried them myself, I just know what kind of a dye they use.

Thanks for clearing that up. I simply forgot about that. The thing is, HDLoader can't even tell a CD from a DVD image, so I'm wondering why these blue discs would be more incompatible than others. I believe the NA release of Ico was also on CD and it plays fine in my HDLoader.

Oh sure, that part I don't argue with. It's inexplicable, if the HDLoader does have a problem with games on CDs. There are, however, other minor differences between NA releases of N1 titles, and EU releases. Here in Europe, we do not get the dual-language option, which is why I continue to buy my N1 games from the US.

Don't get me started on how improved the american release of Disgaea is over the european one. I've owned both games at the same time, and the difference is noticable. And quite comparable.

Does Taiko no Tatsujin Wai Wai Happy Dokudima mean anything to you? Raiden III? Titles like that are japanese and have blue discs. I do't know if they'll work with HDLoader but I'll just save myself the effort of finding out and stick with what I have.

Swap Magic is fine.

Of course it's fine, I'm merely pointing out the advantages of HDLoader for those willing to consider it an alternative. At least for me, HDLoader opened my PS2 to the wonderful world of imports and backups - without having to install a modchip or make hardware modifications other than putting a 3,5" HDD into the expansion bay. Other positive side effects:

- virtually nonexistant loading times
- no disc switching
- saves laser from wearing out

Once you've got it set up, you'll never want to miss it again.

Oh and I just checked on those two games you mentioned and both seem to have no issues with HDLoader.

Use this list for future reference and keep in mind to check compatibility for patched HDLoader.

OK, I have a technical question. Is it possible to burn multiple Playstation isos onto a single DVD?

Edit: Problem solved.

I don't see why everyone complains about the flip-top cases. I have one, and I will admit, it was a stubborn SOB to install. It wasn't the instructions, they were fine, and very handy, its just that the case was molded improperly. It has this extra plastic piece jutting out that wouldn't allow one of the screw sets to meet. But an exacto knife solved the problem. (Lol, I also disconnecte my ribbon by mistake, I seriously shit a brick, but tweezers fixed that problem as well).

ANYWAY...

As long as youre careful about it, installing the flip top is really hassle free. I've been using it for probably about a year now and it runs beautifully. The discs dont click or anything meaning there are no loose connections between my disc and the mechanism on the top of the case that holds the spinning disc in place. Im always paranoid about ruining the laser but just be careful not to touch or drop anything on to it as you would with any old school CD Stereo.

I use my flip top as a backup for the incompatible games on the HD Loader. There really aren't too many games that are incompatible. I mean, for the amount of games that ARE compatible with it, it definitely outweighs the cost of the set up and the games that don't work. I also use the flip top for imports or burned copies of imports because it can be a serious hassle to put those on the HD. It requires swapping since the discs cant be read if they are burned. Or theres the external enclosure + HDL DUMB program but that means you have to be constantly taking the drive in and out of your Playstation. And my paranoid theory is: The less you mess around with your hard drive, the less of a chance there is for there to be some sort of corruption making you lose the 20-some games you have on there. Its my second biggest fear next to losing/corrupting my memory cards.

So, in conclusion I suppose, I would recoomend a Flip-Top whole heartedly. I think I got mine on consolesource, with the newest version of the Swap Magic (3.6) for only around 20 bones. It makes a great addition to the HD Loader, which I also recommend very much.

www.ps2hd.com has a plethora of gear to for HD Loader, like patches and stuff, but thats for those people using the memory card exploit that can update the HD Loader such. Memory Card exploits are a whole different ball game, and too risky for my precious hundreds if hours of gameplay data. The best thing they have is the compatability list that is updated everytime a new game comes out, and forums for discussions on how to get such-and-such game to run. They were bought out by a different site recently, and I havent bothered to check if they are back up and running so don't be pissed if the site is down. One sec...

Ok, it works. Jajaja.

with a slim ps2 its actually easier. you dont need a slim card or mod chip or hdloader, just tools.


http://www.mod-chip.com/en/slim_kit_pro.php
http://www.mod-chip.com/en/magic_key2_set.php