[Question] Playstation 2 IMPORT question

I'll do my best to cover the subject as thoroughly as possible. There are several options, ya see.

Your options are:

1) Get an American PS2

This is the easiest option. You will find that almost any high-quality modern TV is capable of displaying an NTSC image. My TV wasn't very expensive, but it displays NTSC just fine. All you need to concern yourself with is a voltage converter for the power supply. They are easy to find, and this link is an example of what I'm talking about.

http://www.beststuff.co.uk/voltage_conversion.htm

2) Use Swap-Magic.

You can use Swap Magic to play American games on your European PS2. I used to do that a lot. If you have the older, chunky PS2, you will need to install a flip-top, so that you can swap out the bootdisk for your imported game. You can also use the slide tool.

This option is easy, but I don't really recommend it. It works OK, but it involves a lot of extra screwing around.

3) Use HDLoader

If you have the chunky PS2 I would suggest you find yourself an official Network Adapter. With this piece of hardware, you can then connect an IDE HDD to your PS2, and load your games directly from the HDD. Games loaded from the HDD can be of any region, so you can run Japanese, American, and European games in this way.

I use this method. It's simply the best. It requires a small investment of time to get it working, but once it has been set up, it is effortless. It's also a much smaller financial outlay than purchasing an American PS2, and yields more flexibility.

I'll be happy to help you with all aspects of setting up the HDLoader should you go that route.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Qwarky

It's actually easier to buy a slim PS2 and the latest version of Swap Magic and those parts (magic keys v.something or other) you put in that come with it.

Hah. I meant to write about the method for using Swap Magic with the slim PS2, but I forgot, and moved swiftly on to writing about the HDLoader, which owns.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Megalixir

So there isn't an overall solution for playing games worldwide which isn't the modchip and which isn't annoying.

Seriously, dude. I'm telling you that there is. The HDLoader is almost completely effortless once it has been set up. You can get someone else to do the setup for you, since memory cards can be sent through the post.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.

See my argument is that Swap Magic is a pain in the ass, if you are using the slide tool. It's only worthwhile if you have a slimline. The slimlines are much easier, once the three tools are in place. Fitting those tools can be a pain in the ass, though. On some models of PS2 it can even require you to open your console, which isn't to everyone's taste.

I have to agree with Lix about one thing though. It's more than likely your TV will support NTSC. Unless it is seriously ancient.

Double Post:

Originally Posted by Megalixir

Their main website is telling me that one of their packs, which seems to be the cheapest, is $176.

Dude... that's not their main website. PS2 HDLoader started out as a homebrew product. You don't need to buy their stupid pack. You need a regular IDE HDD which will cost you about 42 bucks (for 80GB) from NewEgg, and a PS2 Network Adapter for 24 bucks from... say from Divineo.

The HDLoader and the exploit is installed onto your memory card, and you trigger the exploit using a PS1 game. Any PS1 game will do, you just need to configure the exploit for the game you are using. It takes no time at all, if you already have a Swap Magic disc, or if you don't have that, then a friend could help you out with that part.

Even if that involves your friend shipping you a memory card set up with the exploit, that comes to a total of just over 80 bucks. Plus shipping and handling on all items, of course.

I am a dolphin, do you want me on your body?

Originally Posted by MagicalVacation

Well, my tv happens to be ancient. :-D I bought it in 2000 for a really cheap price, since I was still studying then and couldn't afford anything more. It doesn't support NTSC. It doesn't even support 60hz. :-D Good old days...

Aww man. That does suck for you, if it is true. I agree with Rock though. If you use RGB SCART connections, then sometimes you can get NTSC mode working when it wouldn't work any other way.

http://list.ps2hd.com/

Check that site to see if the games you like are compatible with HDLoader.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Piano

BTW, will Swap Magic allow imported PS1 games to be played on the PS2?

There's a disc that will, though. It's called Breaker Pro. I'd link you to one, but it's getting hard to find.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?