Swap Magic Questions
 

A friend of mine just got his PS2 (Slimline) to play imports and burned dvd's and he made it seem so much easier than I ever thought it would be. I have an old bulky PS2, and he suggested Swap Magic and a slide card.

Which version would be best? I know that certain Swap Magics / Equivalent come with different features...

He mentioned that he can use a USB drive, though his didn't come with one (I imagine to copy save data or load things onto the PS2, but I don't need the one that actually comes with the drive, but can still utilize it) I think its called code breakers or something. It sounds pretty handy as I know that transferring PS2 or PSX save data would be quite useful, especially if I start to play quite a few import games or try to make use of some of the emulators for the PS2.

I know that you have to use the slide tool and "swap" discs every time you want to play an import or a burned DVD, but can you still use the eject button to play normal games, or does the slide tool become the only means to open the drive? I also know that I have to basically take off the front of the drives cover to use the slide tool, is the only other option to replace the whole case with a flip top?

Also, does anyone have a place that they would recommend buying it from in the US? A lot of the sites that sell it don't seem to be quite as professional as others, I don't know, I just feel more skeptical buying from them, heh... then again if the price is right...

Thank you for any help. Its been quite difficult to sift through all the sites on google which seem to either try to sell the product too much or just offer the same information as every other site...

Easier way IMHO is the Flip Top/Swap Magic combo.

www.gocybershop.ca . Yeah, it's Canadian (out of Vancouver, B.C. I believe), but I've bought all my products from that site. They're best for their prices. With you having a "fat" PS2, you can use the PS2 Independence Exploit, basically allowing you to load .elf (boot) files from your PS2 memory card. Pretty damn nifty. Put that with a nice 120 gig hard drive, and you'll be able to load games straight off the hard drive instead of burning to disc and whatnot. What that exploit being said:

http://console.iscentral.net/

That site has all the info/FAQs/files you'll need. Good luck.

You simply want the newest version of Swap Magic that you can get, for highest compatibility. If you want to use cheat codes with your imports, then you will need the 'Coder' edition, which has a built-in Action Replay.

You can still use the eject button to play all domestic games. You only require the slide tool when using imports. I agree with BIGWORM that the fliptop is an easier solution than the slide card, and I also second his recommendation for the HDLoader. I use HDLoader for most of my import needs now, and it's great.

You should also be aware that Swap Magic discs can't load dual-layered games. There aren't many, but it's good to know.

The only ones I can think off the top of my head are Gran Turismo 4 and God of War, but DVD5 ripkits are a dime a dozen for those 2. =)

You can't use slide card with a slimline PS2 as far as I know. I have a slimline and I use the SwapMagic with those three tools you have to install, and it works perfectly.

So are all versions of Xenosaga Episode I, the Japanese Rouge Galaxy: Directors Cut, and I believe the original Japanese release of Star Ocean 3.

Like I said, "off the top of my head."