Modifying a PSone or a PS2

[Wools]

After weighing up the possibility of buying a Debug PSone Kit, I've procured a few Japanese games and I'm now looking at a way of playing them!

I've looked into the possibility of Modding my PS2 Slim to play multi region games but I'm not sure how widely this can be done.

I've searched on here and the trail of people talking about modding PS2's goes cold around 2006. Also the recommended websites in the UK to mod consoles don't mention the PS2 as one of their current services.

My questions are:

Can the PS2 Slim be modified to play multi region PSone & PS2 games?
If not, is the only way to play Japanese PSone games, on a modded PSone or an imported PS1 & PS2?
What are the recommended Mod Chips or process I should ask for or use?
Are there any recommended websites anyone has used to mod their PlayStation consoles?

Many thanks for any help given.

[nakamura]

Well if you are not fussed about looks then Swap Magic is the answer. No chips and it is meant to work well.

http://www.swapmagic3.co.uk/

As for ordering one well I am not so sure yet.

[J0e Musashi]

You could prolly pick up a bare NTSC-J unit for £30ish, which would be about the same sort of money you spend on a chip.

[Wools]

I've heard about Swap Magic but it reminds me of the Freeloader on the Gamecube. Unless there's no other option, I prefer the idea of just turning on the machine with no exterior clutter and it just works!

I'm still interested in buying the PSone Debug Kit (Currently the guy I've got in contact with has not replied) but I was just weighing up my options.

I believe that the PSone is not capable of outputting component, so I'm leaning against the idea of going the PS2 route through visual quality.

[dvdx2]

Well if you are not fussed about looks then Swap Magic is the answer. No chips and it is meant to work well.

http://www.swapmagic3.co.uk/

As for ordering one well I am not so sure yet.

wouldnt even both with swapping discs

chipped ps1 or ps2 come up for sale all the time here or on rllmuk for around ?30 -50. Just put in your disc and play

[dvdx2]

I believe that the PSone is not capable of outputting component, so I'm leaning against the idea of going the PS2 route through visual quality.[/QUOTE]

my psone (chipped) outputs fine in component, but there really is no difference regarding image quality, from a good quality RGB lead

[speedlolita]

My PS2 looks awesome through official component on my LCD, and even better through official RGB SCART via CRT.

Definitely get a chipped console though, swapping discs is so tedious.

[Wools]

From what I read, it appeared that the PSone did have Component capability in the early units but soon after, the feature was removed. if that's wrong, then that's another tick for the PSone!

I have a PS2 Slim that can be modded so I would gladly get that done. However if someone has a PSone for sale or can recommend a place to get my PS2 Slim done, then I would go down that route.

[Jei]

Don't bother using swap discs with ps1 games. None of them work with multisession audio so if for example you have a game that has CD Audio like Ridge Racer then you'l only get sound effects and no music.

The ps2 slim can be modded and will play ps1 backups perfectly if you get a decent modchip like the Matrix Infinity but I doubt very much you'l find anywhere that will still mod machines now.

Best bet would be to buy one of the debug machines knocking around in the forum. Sure i've seen one on here and on ebay too recently for pretty cheap money. Theres some brand new never used ones on ebay as well last week.

[speedlolita]

Yeah, there's a blug debug for £50.

I'd go for a modded phat PS2 myself, for HDLoader and stuff.

[Wools]

I presume they are not being advertised by most mod chip installer websites because of the age of the system? If so that's a real shame, as other systems like the Mega Drive and SNES are still offered to be modded.

I have not used eBay for years as I prefer the community on here so it's a bit more tricky to find specific stuff.

I'll hold on to see if that guy gets back to me. If not I'll either cough up the money for a new PS2 from Play-Asia or will continue to look for a PSone or PS2 original / modded.

[speedlolita]

I'd offer to install it for you myself, but 20 odd solder points really isn't a fun install. Plus I'd probably break it if I wasn't careful. heh. I think that's one of the reasons that people don't offer the service anymore.

I'm sure one will pop up before long on here.

[MonkeyJuggleDX]

Try local car boot sales. I see PS1 systems all the time for a couple of quid but never ask if they are chipped any more due to one answer I got.

Me: Is it chipped?
Twat: No, it's in perfect condition

I mean jeeeeesus.....

[speedlolita]

Hahaha. I usually find them with backups littered around them.

[egparadigm]

The first batch of (silver) PS2 slim consoles would burn out the laser if modified. I sold my ever reliable fat PS2 for a modified one of these and have regretted it ever since. The lasers only last about 12 months. :/

I'm sure someone can tell you the model number – just be careful which one you buy!