Another PS2 Import-Playing Thread

I'm in the market to purchase a mod-chip or something similar to use with my American, SCPH-30001 model console. I'm looking for something that will allow me original PSone/PS2 imports and preferably "back-ups" as well. I would prefer a solution that doesn't require me to void my warranty, but am willing to, depending on the ease of installation. That being said, I have a few questions about my options.

PS2 Neo Key Mod Plug - I starting looking at this today and it seems like it wouldn't be a bad way to go. It's an external mod that should fit my needs. So, has anyone here tried it? Also, would it be compatible with my model? It seems that it would require a GameShark/Swap Magic disc.

Are there any games that this is NOT compatible with?

Lastly, where are some reliable places to buy the unit and Swap Magic disc from?

PS2 Slide Card - I had been planning on maybe using this for a while.

I know that there are some steps of removing a piece from the PS2 disc tray, but, at the end of the day, can I still reassemble everything without having broken/changed any parts?

Also, I've tried to research this a little, but I still can't quite find something. I know that this will do imports/back-ups of PS2 games, but I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere if it is compatible with PSone imports/back-ups. Is it?

Are there any games that this is NOT compatible with?

One more thing. Are there versions of the Swap Magic disc that I should definitely get/stay away from because of my model?

Lastly, where are some reliable places to buy the unit and Swap Magic disc from?

PS2 Flip-Top Cover - This also doesn't seem like a bad solution. How difficult is the installation? Can I find a guide somewhere?

I have read that this (in conjunction with a Swap Magic disc) will not play PSone back-ups. What about original imports?

Again, are there any games that this is NOT compatible with?

Is this okay to use with my model?

Lastly, where are some reliable places to buy the unit and Swap Magic disc from?

---------------------------

Any help is highly appreciated.

why arent you getting a real mod? a messiah2, a dms3?

I don't have a soldering iron nor the skills to use one. Plus, I don't really want some new protection coding to come out and be left with an irreversibly altered PS2 that won't work.

Flip top.

Slide cards are ok but meh... too much work.

dms3 is flash updateable from what ive heard.

flip tops change the machine more than a soldered mod right??

also your slide cards and the like are compatible with less games off the bat anyways. a solder mod might never need be upgraded there is nothing to say new protection schemes will come out.

anything that only supports rips or rips well is going to damage your laser more than full dvds.

swap magic is also affected more by protection upgrades than chips afaik..

Like I said, I don't have a soldering iron nor I know how to use one. I really don't want to ship my console half-way across the country to have someone else install one, either.

What's the installation like with a flip-top, Syxx573?

where do you live? there is no one nearby who does them?

I've installed a numer of flip tops. Its a very easy process!
The only thing you need to be careful of is that you dont damage the power/eject ribbon wire.

www.ps2case.com is releasing a new version of the fliptop lid soon so you might want to hold out for that one.

I dont care what people say about the slide card, you're fucking forcing a electronic disk tray to open against its own will. It dont take a brain surgeon to understand that this is high risk and will damage your system over time.

I know someone with a website with step by step pics and detailed instructions on the flip top install. I'll go find it and post it in alittle while.

beelzebubble said:

where do you live? there is no one nearby who does them?

Click to expand...

"Middle" Georgia, USA. I don't know of anyone that can do them nearby.

Ron, I have heard that there are quite a few games (import) that do not work with the flip top mod, is this true? If this is, is there a site that lists them all? I would love to do this, but I do not want to mod chip it either.

Well, the flip-top looks like something that I could easily do myself. Will the version from that website just work with 10-screw PS2s or will there be other adjustments? Are they reputable?

Shapermc said:

Ron, I have heard that there are quite a few games (import) that do not work with the flip top mod, is this true? If this is, is there a site that lists them all? I would love to do this, but I do not want to mod chip it either.

Click to expand...

I dont know the exact details on this. I havent heard of many games that have this problem. The only game I know of is the import Soul Calibur 2 not working with Fliptop/Swap Magic 2.
I know a few people who I installed their flip top lid for them and no one I know of personally has had these problems.
Any problem like this how ever is not a fliptop issue, its a swap disc issue and you're likely to have the same problem with other mods in need of a swap disc. (Slide card, etc..)

For imports the best recommendation I could give is to of course buy a Japanese PS2.

Neon_Sonic said:

Well, the flip-top looks like something that I could easily do myself. Will the version from that website just work with 10-screw PS2s or will there be other adjustments? Are they reputable?

Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure there is 2 different versions of the fliptop depending on the screw number. Also remember old fliptops will not fit the new recently released models of PS2, version 9 i believe it is, unless you cut a small piece of plastic off the underside of the fliptop lid itself. The new model fliptops however this will not be a problem since they are being produced with the new model PS2s in mind.
I've ordered from PS2case.com before in the past with no problems what so ever.

Well, mine's from a year or two after launch, so it has 8 screws. So far, the flip-top is looking to be my "best bet".

Anyone tried the PS2 Neo Key Mod Plug?

|3|_|/\/\|>

Man, no offense, but FUCK THIS! I'd rather just buy a Japanese PS2 also.

One US PS2
One JPN PS2

That's all folks~~~~

Liquid Snake said:

One US PS2
One JPN PS2

That's all folks~~~~

Click to expand...

You got it, man. That's exactly what I was saying.

Lets Gekiga In said:

Man, no offense, but FUCK THIS! I'd rather just buy a Japanese PS2 also.

Click to expand...

yeah but he wants to play "back ups"

Yeah, for the maybe two burns that I have. I also want to have that ability in case any homebrew developments pop-up like what happened with the Dreamcast.

Oh, and importing a Japanese PS2 would just be a pricey for my budget.