Playing Imports
 

No, im not talking about downloading the games. Im talking about buying the legit import copy.. mainly Tales of the Abyss

I have the slimline version

Will this work? Magic Switch Pro (V3)


I know i need the swapmagic discs too. I saw the demo video, looks so easy to install.

anyone try this?

I have an older PS2 and the Swap Magic system. It works fine, but it is a pain in the ass switching discs.

I don't know how it works for the slimlines, but I would recommend a modchip. If your PS2 isn't under warranty then a modchip is ideal. If it is, you can safely still use the Swap Magic system without voiding your warranty whatsoever.

I've been planning for years to get my PS2 modded, but it hasn't happened. Instead, I took the cover off my PS2's drawer(the part where the PS2 logo is, where you can turn it sideways) and tried out the Swap Magic. The discs are for DVD and CD, because some PS2 games are printed on a CD-R, and not a DVD-R, and vise versa.

If you're going to own alot of imports, foreign material etc, a modchip is best(or a japanese/asian PS2, if you're solely going to focus on imports) otherwise the Swap Magic seems fine.

Well, the installation video looked easy..

the little things that pop into place, and you can leave them installed.. plus you can close the lid when playing a game

Then its just, load with swap, insert import and off you go.

Its only 25$ for the kit

Well, it depends. Is your PS2 still under warranty? It's a matter of whether or not you're going to 1) want to swap discs, every time or 2) want to lose your warranty, have the freedom of playing universal PS1/PS2 games.

Might I add, these discs do NOT allow you to play PS1 games. So all those foreign/burned PS1 games are going to be useless unless you buy a modchip.

I dont play PS1 games much ;p and you dont even have to open the console for this mod. No, its not on warranty anymore.

I would post the URL, but i know you cant.. when it comes down to this stuff.

Its just 3 pins, you open the lid.. place the pins where they go.. and your done.

Sounds to good to be true though. The swapping discs, wont bother me.

anyone with a slimline, can help?

Sure, it works just fine. Depending on which model of slimline you have, you might need to unscrew the case though. Playstation 2 models run from v1 to v14, with everything from 11 upwards being slimline models IIRC. The very latest ones require a part of the Magic Switch to be installed inside the case. This will void your warranty

Elixir is talking about using a slide card with the old v1-v10 model PS2, which is a pain in the butt. Magic Switch on the slimlines makes life a lot easier. Once you install the bits, you just boot with Swap Magic, and then swap to your import.

The argument he's making about PS1 games is also a fallacy. It's true that you can't play them with Swap Magic, but the Magic Switch also allows the use of Breaker Pro which is a bootdisk for PS1 games. I use it all the time.

In addition to all of this, modchips for the PSTwo (the slimline) have never been terribly stable, with a certain tendancy to burn out your laser. This is in stark contrast to the PS2 (chunky) which had any number of quality modchips that would last for years. The difference? Sony are using cheapass drive assemblies now. Cheapass everything, if you ask me.

It's not a very big deal, but those Swap Magic discs don't work on dual layered DVDs. They only one on single layered ones. It doesn't really matter very much. There aren't many dual layered games.

Apparently the new Magic switch PRO, says you dont have to open the case. Its three pins that go into various places inside the lid. The video demo was like a minute, looks very easy to install

Oh, does playing backup/imports put more stress on the laser/lens?

is there any chance of tales of abyss and Tales of rebirth being released in the US?

Who cares, this thread isn't to talk about import games, but for people to discuss methods of playing them seeing as how standard PS2s can't play them by default.

Is it really that easy? I always thought it would fuck up your laser... Also, is it true that you don't have to mod your PS2 if you use this Swap Magic thing?

Well yeah. That's the whole reason people buy them. Because there is no permanent modification involved, and the total expense is only around 25 bucks, if you shop wisely. I play more backups/imports now than I do domestics.

The best way to play imports on an unmodded (classic) PS2 is to use HDLoader (requires the network adaptor and a harddrive, obviously). It's a little tricky to get it installed by using the memory card exploit, but once you have it up and running, it works like a charm. Plus, it almost eliminates loading times and works for 99% of all games, including backups and imports. I know I wouldn't want to miss it.

Be sure to not pay any money for this, because the free HDLoader is superior to the "retail" versions (HDAdvance).

I'll be looking into this soon, since you're the second person to recommend it. The tutorials online seem extremely obtuse, and I need to buy both a network adapter AND a hard drive before I can try it, but it seems worthwhile.

I've come close to buying the Swap Magic kit. Because I know dick about modding consoles, and going ahead with something like that at this stage in the Playstation2's life would feel like a waste.

There's a couple of import games I'd like to try. The Digital Devil Saga(s), and the Special Edition of Devil May Cry3. Neither look like they're coming to PAL territory. Saying that, I don't know if they're even compatable with Swap Magic. Must research this more.

In the end it's probably the best option for me.

There are very few games that Swap Magic will not work with. It's worked with every game I threw at it since I got it. Your odds are good, if you are prepared to chance it.

guess ill find out soon - if it works, i just ordered the magic switch PRO V3 and swapmagic 3.6 discs for 24dollars.

hope to get it soon

Does anyone know what size of screw I need for the power/eject button and the flip top?

http://www.modking.com/images/secure...ct_harness.jpg

Just to let everyone here know you can actually install any type of softmod without actually voiding your warranty. A quick tip is to take a HOT blowdryer to the sticker for about 2-3 minutes, then very slowly peel it off WHILE YOU'RE STILL APPLYING THE BLOWDRYER!! You should be good to go. :)

If that works, that is the most hardcore thing I've heard all day. :)

I use swap magic to play my one and only original import game and it works great. Althought sometimes I have issues with the disc clicking and not starting at all but it works after I reset it. I don't know why it happens but as long as it starts working its all good I guess. I just hope it doesn't damage my lens too much.

Well of course, somtimes it just doesn't work and then I have to reset as well. But that's not very often, like in 1 out of 20 cases maybe.

About that "lens damage" rumor, well, of course it's not terribly good for your lens, but all those who're like "omg swapp magic will DEESTORY your lens" are freakin retards. I mean, if you do it carefully, you won't damage anything inside your PS2.

I mean how does that lens damage actually happen. Can it actually get ruined over time from over working it? Last time I checked you would actually have to touch the lens itself in order to damage it which was the case I had for my original psone and GC.
My ps2 still works as well as the day I got it, I just stay away from the lens.

You can damage your lens if you don't close the drive with the Swap Magic instrument after you inserted the DVD; that's really the only possible way to "damage" your lense, unless you're extremely clumsy of course, I mean, there are people who use their Swap Magic tool like a jackhammer

I'm having some trouble. I installed the flip top and started to play Final Fantasy X: International. About 10 minutes into it, it starts making a grinding noise and the voices stop. The characters move around like it's still working, but I don't get voices. Any idea what's wrong?