Playing Imports

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.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Musharraf

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.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by Rock

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.

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.

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

Originally Posted by aesop

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.

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.

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

Originally Posted by Elixir

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.

Y halo thar, Breaker Pro?

That works for PS1 much like Swap Magic does for PS2.

Originally Posted by Black Mage

My question is whether or not I should invest in a Slimline PS2, and the Magic Switch PRO/Swap Discs set, or if I should go with the Slider/Old PS2 combo.

I know, it sounds like a no brainer, since I already have the old PS2, but I've heard bad things about the the Slider method. I can't remember the specific grievences, but I seem to recall it ruins the motors or something.

Eventually it might do, but I've been sliding my slide card for a year now. The PS2 is 3 years old. It's running like a dream. On the other hand, I've heard bad things about the Slimline, for example, that it doesn't stand up to extended playing sessions too well. Having said that, can you even a buy PS2 that isn't slimline anymore? Choice made.

I was speaking idiomatically.

Originally Posted by Black Mage

About the slide card method, does that also allow you to use PSX boot discs on the PS2? I'm aware the Magic Switch method works that way, but say you pop in your PSX boot disc, does that work like normal and you follow up with opening the tray, or is that a no go?

The PSX boot disk (Breaker Pro in my case) works in the exact same way as the PS2 bood disk. There's no real difference in use. I use the slide card method. It works perfectly, although I do get a black border on my import games. I don't get that with PS2 games.

What kind of toxic man-thing is happening now?