Importing JP PS2 System

[danholo]

I guess this is the umpteenth thread about this. I just got myself a US PS3 (80GB) and of course it isn't multi-region for PS2 or PS1 games! (Well, we all knew this...) Anyway, I have a modded PS2 which is about 7 years old. I don't like the sounds it makes when reading discs. I don't want to get a new PAL PS2 and mod it so I was thinking of getting a Japanese PS2 for my Jap games. I can play my US games on the PS3.

There are two versions I find in Play-Asia which I was checking out:

PlayStation2 Console Ceramic White (SCPH-90000CW)

PlayStation2 Console Charcoal Black (100-240V)

The former is more interesting considering it's white (ooh, how unique), it's not an "Asia" version (like that would make a difference in the end) and it's the most recent version of the PS2. Doesn't it have an external power unit?

The second one is acceptable and looks to be more import friendly considering it needs no step down converters etc, I would just have to use a European power plug.

If I'd get the white one, what would I have to get for the power? I do have a step-down converter, fortunately, but I don't want to use it unless I really have to. Any tips? Does the newer version have any advantages to it?

[Profit]

In the links you provided, the 1st white one is the latest model with the built in power and the 2nd is the second latest model with the lighter design and external power.

Both models have a multivoltage internal or external power supply dispite the descriptions, so you only have to change the plug head to work in the UK.

[danholo]

(or Finland)... So I just have to change the plug? Nice.

[danholo]

Another question...

If I do decide to mod this system, is this chip any good:

http://www.modchip.com/ps2/dms4eziorder.php

Does anybody have experience? I'm not into soldering, since the machine would just be a lump of metal afterwards. That chip just sounds too easy to be true. Due to new laws there are no shops that provide chipping anymore which is absurd in every sense of the word (who is another person to say what I do with a machine that I own?).

[Profit]

Check out http://www.disqworld.net/

It's the largest community for modchip installers in the UK. There are very reliable fitters there who have installed hundreds of machines.

There are threads there for pros/cons for just about every modchip.

Many will also ship internationally.

[danholo]

Thanks for the link but it looks to be awfully obscure in the PS2/3 section over there. I can't find much on the subject.

[Salsa Party Animal]

Remember you can't play USA PS2 games on 80gb PS3 (USA) as there is no backward compatability for PS2 games. (Only 60gb)

For Jap PS2 why not get cheap 20gb PS3 so you can use PS1 and PS2 upscaled on HDTV.

Just an idea.

[tom-nook]

Remember you can't play USA PS2 games on 80gb PS3 (USA) as there is no backward compatability for PS2 games. (Only 60gb)

That is the case for the 40gb model but not entirely true for the 80 gigger.

Whilst hardware support for PS1 / PS2 games isn't included 80gb PS3's have BC support using software instead. Not all games are supported though & I believe some run with 'issues'.

Compatability can be checked here:

http://www.us.playstation.com/Support/CompatibleStatus

[Salsa Party Animal]

Software BC. Have anyone manage to find the correct software to use for it ie copy Japanese version of software and use it on US PS3 ? to play Japanese PS2/PS1 games on US PS3. Just asking.

[danholo]

That would be nice. I don't understand why Sony doesn't offer software support and some sort of software crack that enables multi-region support for all PS1/PS2 games. According to common sense, that would be entirely possible. I just don't understand these marketing gimmicks. Totally absurd. (Anybody in marketing here that could rationalize these decisions, or is it laws in other countries?)

I was playing Star Ocean 3 the other day and it was playing fine, actually I thought it smoother (maybe because it's the NTSC and not PAL version I have played). After leaving the Kirlsa this awesome green flash-effect started popping up while traversing to the next town. I didn't try it since. Really damn amazing. I really do wonder how the PS2 still offers BC but the PS3 BC was totally disregarded this quickly. People will continue to play their PS2 games and will most likely be reluctant to get a PS3 in the near future considering this ridiculous business strategy. The decision makers at Sony are idiots. This sounds like any other policy maker; it doesn't seem like any of the people who make decisions play games. It seems like Nintendo is the only one this time around who is thinking of their customers with some affection.

[Profit]

I don't understand why Sony doesn't offer software support and some sort of software crack that enables multi-region support for all PS1/PS2 games. According to common sense, that would be entirely possible. I just don't understand these marketing gimmicks. Totally absurd. (Anybody in marketing here that could rationalize these decisions, or is it laws in other countries?)

The platform licence granted to developers and publishers for PS1 and 2 software stipulate a region lockout. Sony can't just remove it on the BC for PS3 or they will be in breech of contract made with the other companies.

Even if they asked every company that released a PS1/2 game and only one said 'yes, keep the region lockout on PS3 BC', they would have to do so.