What PS2?

[Shadow_Zero]

I'm kinda considering of getting a silver Playstation 2.
I have really no knowledge about the console, so I was wondering if it's best to get a NTSC or a PAL version?
What are the methods for getting it region free? (gaming wise).
And is the silver color nice in the room?

[Darwock]

2 region free methods that I know of.

One I use is the 'swap magic' boot disc, and a replacement cover which has a flip top lid so you can switch discs without pushing eject. Forget this if you want a silver PS2, as you wouldn't want to change the cover.

The other is a modchip.

[sam1981]

If you search around this forum for similar topics you'll probably find that it's recommended to get a chipped PAL machine from Will. www.londonconsole.com

It's about ?210 for a silver one with 2 pads I think...

[Shadow_Zero]

What are the costs for modding a PS2 then?

The silver PS2 goes for 219 euro over here (with 2 controllers).
You say a modded one is 210 pounds O_o
That's quite a difference!

[jimtendo]

Take in mind converting ?210 GBP to EUR = 313 Euro

[Shadow_Zero]

Take in mind converting ?210 GBP to EUR = 313 Euro

Yes, that's why I said it's a big difference
(or were you talking to ppl who didn't read the euro and pound difference )

219 euro for an unmodded one, 313 for a modded one?
Is that right?

[ThoseOfTheUnlight]

Well, over here the silver PS2's are ?150, which equals 223 euro

Modding costs around ?65 anywhere, thats the cheapest you are going to get it, which means another 100 euro odd on top of the price.

I doubt you'll find it cheaper anywhere else.

[Shadow_Zero]

Ouch!

Perhaps I should score my brothers PS1 for the time being
Are region free methods for that the same?

[Shadow_Zero]

Just found out that modding a PS2, with the best chip, costs 149 euro over here.
Guess I'll pass then
So if it's gonna be anything it'll be a PS1. Which doesn't matter that much since all I really care about getting are the classic Final Fantasy's.

Then you'll see when I've got all that, they release a Collectors Disc for the Gamecube eh?

[Shadow_Zero]

Oh yeah, btw, what's the NTSC vs PAL story with PSone?
Also slow downed games with black bars or not?

Should I go (if I'd buy one) for a PAL machine or a NTSC?

[charlesr]

If it's a chipped PS1, it will play ntsc games at 60Hz and pal games at 50hz. Only problems I think people have experienced is running ntsc music games on pal modded machines - the music gets out of sync

[Shadow_Zero]

Can NTSC systems play PAL games?

[Shadow_Zero]

I just bought a second hand PSone for 30 euro.
Now I have 2 options, as far as I know, to play NTSC games.
Those are:

1. mod it (which I can do for 35 euro)
2. use a boot disc

I found the PS-X-Change for 19 euro: (http://www.psxshop.nl/showproduct.asp?Itemcode=P706)
Never heard of it before. Does it work like the Freeloader for the Gamecube?

Which one is the best option?
Any (extra) advantages or disadvantages?

[Chief H]

I reckon a mod-chip will be the most convenient solution for you. Sure, it a little more, but you say you're into playing all the old Final Fantasy games. I think a PAL, unmodded PS1 playing NTSC games (eg disc swap) will suffer from the above mentioned sound sych issues in the FMV-dependant FF games (at least I had this issue with a cheap mod on my PS2), which can get annoying as the fmvs stutter and such.

Secondly, FF games are pretty much all multi-disc. With a swap-disc solution you'll have to save your game and reboot your PS2 in order to swap discs. Very small details, but I personally prefer it when everything just works like clockwork

[Shadow_Zero]

Cheers for the info mate!
That multi-disc game remark is a good one

I also read this with the boot disc:

New VERSION 2 - Now with Support for all Anti-Modchip games and Cheat Codes!

Are there games that don't work with a modded PSone?