Convert JAP PS2 Slim into PAL?

[jsb]

Hi everyone,

I've been pondering this for some time, and since this is the place for lots of Retro experts, I'm just gonna ask here

My husband got me a very nice red PS2 slim from Japan for Christmas. I love red consoles, and I got one game with it (Nights). But... I'd love to use it as my primary PS2. I have a nice PAL collection, and I still have my old silver one hooked up so I can play them - the red one is not being used.

So: Is there a way to turn the JAP PS2 into a PAL one? Or to get it to play PAL games with some accessory? (Stupid region codes...)
I know that there were some places some time ago that would convert your PS2 into a "plays anything" wonder. I don't need this, I just need it to accept my PAL games. Plus I don't think anyone offers that "service" anymore because Sony sued a lot of them.

I also don't want to take it apart and just switch casings with a PAL one, cause then I could have just gotten a case-mod.

Thanks everyone!

[BuckoA51]

If you can find a PS2 network adapter and an old hard drive you could softmod and install HD loader. This will load games regardless of region. There's also a program called GSM mode selector that lets you play some games (PAL and NTSC) in progressive scan (EDTV) making them much nicer on newer TV's!

As for the details of how to softmod, I'm afraid I went down the chipping route luckily before Sony cracked down on it, so I'm not sure on the specifics, I am sure you could Google round though.

[jsb]

Hi back, thanks for your reply!

I actually have a network adapter for PS2 - but I am a little confused: The adapter is for the original case design, since the slim systems already have a network link integrated.

So would this hard drive thing work with the slim console and the integrated network link?

I will try to find some information on the HD Loader.

[BuckoA51]

Oh sorry I read over the fact it was a slim. As far as I know you can still use a different version of HD loader but with a USB hard drive instead. I think the compatibility isn't as good though, it should still run a lot of games. Once you softmod there might even be an import game loader I'm not sure maybe someone who's already softmodded can say?

[jsb]

ok, I just googled everything up a bit, and it seems like the only useful option besides modding it is the swap magic discs with a flip top.

But that would mean, that I for one would not have a pure red ps2 anymore, because the flip top is only available in black. also I would have to do that swap-trick every time I want to play a game.

now, I guess the only useful way would be a full hardware mod with a chip. But at least in Germany I don't know anyone who offers those. I fully understand Sony for being so harsh with retailers who sell those chips, since a lot of people just copied the games. But why not offer a solution for collectors like us who just want to play their original games? I really enjoy my DS being region free. I have tons of imported games for that.

so if anyone has any information on how to do a mod on the japanese slim, and where to get the accessories, I would appreciate it.

[BuckoA51]

Softmod + HD Loader doesn't need the flip top I'm certain, have a look here http://gbatemp.net/topic/101682-ps2-softmod/

[Atavan-Halen]

I'm sure you can still get modchips online, like here: http://www.mod-chip.com/ps2-c-22.html (not sure how reputable they are) or I think there's a way to run programs off the memory card. I wouldn't recommend swapping the discs as that can wear out the drive and laser quickly.

[jsb]

@bucko: That is a great tutorial, unfortunately it says this at the bottom:
"The new PS2 slims (model number SCPH-900xx and over) do NOT work with this soft mod!"
My JAP one has SCPH-90006 CR.

@atavan: I appreciate your help, especially the comment about the swapping. I'd need to find a place in Germany though that actually mods the system since we can't do that.

So, I know that I didn't want that at first, but my husband convinced to try another option. We have a silver PAL SLIM here (not the latest version though, SCPH-70004), and we will try to change the case parts. So afterwards I would have a PAL console with the red casing, and a silver one with the JAP insides (to play the Nights game).

It still feels a bit like a trade-off, because I used two systems to create the one I can use, but that might be the only legit way to play my PAL games on a red PS2 which consists only of original parts.

edit: darn. We just tried it out. The casings don't match, the cooler and plugs are at different positions. So I would need a new PAL one in the 90000 number region. alright, back to looking for mod-places again. or cheap ebay auctions for a new slim. *sigh* don't you just hate region locks?

[Atavan-Halen]

Ah, the 9000 series PS2's are very different and have internal power supplies so a case swap wouldn't be possible. Problem is there's not many PAL ones knocking around and they're still expensive enough for what yo want it for. I think best bet is to use the memory card exploit (Free McBoot) http://freemcboot.info/noobie.html The only thing you'll need is a way to get the files onto a memory card.

[jsb]

The only thing you'll need is a way to get the files onto a memory card.

wow, I just read into the Free McBoot thing. That sounds like a great option since the console itself would not need to be touched. Since it is a limited system I would appreciate that a lot.

So since I don't have any of the install methods available myself, I would need someone with a Japanese PS2 to create a Multi-Version install for me on a memory card - or need this Action Replay thingy to create my own.

One thing is still confusing: It says in the FAQ
"For SCPH-9000xx PS2 with a datacode of 8B and earlier will work. Datecode of 8C, the bios must be version 220, not 230."
I just searched my console for a datacode - there is none.
Does anyone know what this means?

[BuckoA51]

I can easily FTP files to my PS2's memory card if you ever figure out which ones you need I'd be willing to do that for the cost of return post for the card.

[jsb]

thanks for the offer, Bucko, but from what I understand it is not as simple as just copying files on the card.

You have to install data on the memory card, and during this installation process the installer uses data from the official firmware of that console to create the boot data on the memory card.
That is why in a "standard installation" the memory card only works in the console it was created, and in a Multi-Version install it will work on all consoles - but only of that region. So if you install me a Multi-Version memory card with FreeMcBoot from a PAL system, it will not work on my JAP one.

Anyone, please correct me if I understood this wrong.

So.... anyone on here with a JAP PS2 that could create a Multi-Version FreeMcBoot Card for me?

[jsb]

alright, giving you an update:

- I was told in another forum that my console is not a JAP but a HK model. totally forgot about that (says NTSC-J at the bottom!), and I will have to look at the order sheet again to confirm.

- with a FreeMcBoot 1.8c Multi-Version install it doesn't matter what region is used to install the card.

- I found someone on a german ps-forum to install my card, and I hope to try it out next weekend.

so I will update here if everything worked.

[Katsu]

We actually have an article in progress on FMcB as I type

IIRC the multi card version will work on a NTSC-J unit, however I cannot confirm it... As I no longer have my Japanese console to validate that claim