Topic: Best way to play import PS2 games?

[The Clark]

I just ordered a Japanese PS2 game (Kinnikuman Muscle Grand Prix Max). I have a US PS2. So, what is my best option for playing this game? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated.

[Clara E. Leet]

In Reply To #1

Uh.... you're gonna have to mod your system there, chief. Or pick up swap magic if you  have a slim PS2.

[SymboliC]

..for a second there I thought you were talking to yourself.

You have to mod your US ps2 if you don't want to buy a JP ps2. Modding it
actually just removes the region-detector, and/or replacing it with a another one.

[The Clark]

Can't you use a case mod and a boot disc?

[Jorge D. Fuentes]

In Reply To #4

Case Mod (if you don't have a Slim).
Boot Disc = Swap Magic

It's as Clara said, basically.

EDIT
To clarify, you can buy a cheap case mod and install it yourself.  What it is, the 'top' of the PS2 casted into a similar shape, but with a flip top.  It's still a mod, even though it's not a 'chip' mod.  I think it's 30 to 50 bucks.  What they did was they casted a shape similar to the top of the PS2 and put a lid on it and a hinge.  You'd basically be swapping your top with the new top.

One type of boot disc that exists is called "Swap Magic".  It's used for Ps2 games.  There's a DVD version and a CD version, buying SwapMagic gives you both.

For PS1 games, you buy a "Breaker Pro" disc, which is the same thing but works only for Ps1 games.

These bootdiscs allow you to play different regions and different formats (PAL, NTSC), but your TV must support that format as well for it to play.  Japan games use NTSC which is the same as US games, so the format isn't the problem, it's just the region... which is solved via SwapMagic for Ps2 games.

[The Clark]

Thank you very much!

[Gunners Heaven]

In Reply To #6

If use you have the regular size PS2 and plan to import a lot you'd be better off getting a JPN PS2.  A lot of fighting games seem to have trouble loading on PS2's with a mod chip.  For what you might spend to get it chipped in some places you'd be better off getting a JPN PS2.

[Jorge D. Fuentes]

In Reply To #7

But SwapMagic you no longer need a modchip.  At all.  :O

[Slayer]

Actually, I've read that with the PS2 Phat, you can use a credit card and the Swap Magic Boot Disc to play import titles.

[Jorge D. Fuentes]

In Reply To #9

Yes, this is true...
...but there is a chance your disc gets badly damaged upon performing such a swap, due to it needing to be pulled from the Ps2 through the hinge (you have to remove the door) and then slid out.

You're better off investing 40 bucks and getting a case mod delivered and installing it.

Just my opinion.  I like my games non-scratched.

[The Clark]

One last question:
PS2 memory cards are region-free, right?