PS2 Knifey Swappy

[davidbrit2]

I need info about the ol' knife swap. Here's what I know so far:

1. Boot AR
2. Select Start Game Without Codes
3. Eject AR, insert local DVD game
4. Wait for disc to be recognized, then knife swap the import DVD game
5. Press X to start
I swapped one local game for another by doing that, and it worked.
For CD games, you can skip step 3

So does the trick handle import originals easily, as this leads me to believe? And don't tell me to buy a mod chip/lid case. ;-)

[buttasuperb]

what is the knife swap?

[IntvGene]

Never tried it yet. I mean, I don't mind doing the swap trick on the Saturn, but whenever I see pictures like this, I just cringe:

http://ps2.consolevision.com/images/pin_movement.jpg

Anyway, here is more of a tutorial:
http://ps2.consolevision.com/knife.shtml

Good luck! And, give us a report if it works.

[davidbrit2]

Yeah, I've seen the tutorial those pictures are from. Heh. That page gives more of a mechanical tutorial, and I've already perfected that aspect. ;-) I'll be sure to let you know what happens. I already know it works with PS1 games and a PS1 AR.

[omnedon]

How is this better than a chip?

Yikes!

I do repairs for game stores after people unsuccessfully try stuff like that. On the plus side, it's paying off my credit card.

[davidbrit2]

It's better than a chip or lid mod because I don't have to buy anything too expensive. And I won't wreck my PS2 doing the knife swap nearly as badly as I would trying to solder in a mod chip. :-) I can solder, but not stuff that tiny.

[Tempest]

Why is it that there are boot discs for playing imports on the Dreamcast and Gamecube but not the PS2? Is Sony's protection really that different? I've broken down and I'm getting an import system.

Tempest

[davidbrit2]

I think it's because the hardware detects the eject/close cycle, and immediately verifies the region code and stuff. That's really about all I know. Apparently the easily hackable systems perform more lax security checks.

[Captain Wrong]

I know you said don't tell you to buy a case, but I really think you'd be much better off with a flip top cover. I just got one this week and since DoDonpachi 3 doesn't come out untill the 10th, I can't say how well this method works. The cover cost $30 took all of 10 minutes to instal and I don't have to worry about destroying the tray with the knive trick.

Of course I've seen reports that the recently released Soul Calibur 2 uses a new region/anti-piracy checking system which scans the region data several times during the game, so the days for this method working may be numbered.

Now I have a question for you, what AR are you using for PSX games? Are you using the bonus disc that comes with the AR2, or something else. Reason I ask is I also have import PSX games I'd much rather use on my PS2 b/c my PSX is dying. The PSXchanger disc I was using with that will not boot up in the PS2 period. :(

[jonjandran]

I use the knife swap trick but only because I got my PS2 from a pawn shop for $50.00 because it was missing the front tray door. So it's a no brainer for me as I can't find a way to get a new cd tray door anyway. :D

[davidbrit2]

Now I have a question for you, what AR are you using for PSX games? Are you using the bonus disc that comes with the AR2, or something else. Reason I ask is I also have import PSX games I'd much rather use on my PS2 b/c my PSX is dying. The PSXchanger disc I was using with that will not boot up in the PS2 period. :(

I've done it successfully with both the AR2 bonus PSX disc, and also a Gameshark Sampler that I got for $1 at Electronics Boutique. The only downside is that neither supports adding new codes, so if you've got mod protected games, you'll either have to patch them, or use something else. Other than that drawback, they seem to work fine.

And another crazy idea... When you try to boot the PSXChange 2, does it say the nonsense about "Please insert a Playstation 2 format disc?" If it does, you might be able to boot it with an AR, then use the PSXChange to put in necessary codes. That's probably just a few more swaps than you'd like, though. ;-)

[Raedon]

OMG

When a Chip for the PS2 costs under $30 WHY ON GODS NAME are you doing this to your PS2???

[davidbrit2]

Because I don't have to order it, wait for it to arrive, then ruin my PS2 by slipping with the soldering iron. Plus, I get the benefits of an Action Replay, such as patch codes in case I feel like experimenting, and an all-region DVD player. So I've got my table knife, and it works just fine for me. Don't try to change me, baby. :-)

[Achika]

Well, here's to hoping that SPECIAL EDITION SAKURA PINK PS2 XXXX ONLY MADE OMG OMG RARE!!!! is wrapped up for my birthday gift. :/ I hate to take away the "virginity" of my systems with mod-chips, I like disc swaps myself, but this is way too much.

[Captain Wrong]

And another crazy idea... When you try to boot the PSXChange 2, does it say the nonsense about "Please insert a Playstation 2 format disc?" If it does, you might be able to boot it with an AR, then use the PSXChange to put in necessary codes. That's probably just a few more swaps than you'd like, though. ;-)

The PS2 recognizes the Xchange disc as a Playstation disc but it hangs right after the PSX splash screen. The Playstation logo gets really big and drops to the bottom right corner of the screen and I have to reset the machine to do anything.

As to why I chose a filp top vs. chipping my machine, I just remember all the problems people had back in the PSX days with Sony making it so US software wouldn't play on a modded machine. Plus, it seemed like they were constantly changing their protection methods so unless you bought one of the last chips, there was no guarantee that it'd even work with your software. Add to that the fact that I've read about people with modded machines having problems with on-line play and I decided to pass on it.

Granted, I'm no expert on mod chips or anything. I still may end up with a chip or a Japanese PS2 when all is said and done. To me anyway, the cover just seemed like a better option.

[Raedon]

whatever, I'd rather my consoles not look ghetto.

[davidbrit2]

whatever, I'd rather my consoles not look ghetto.

If you've ever seen my homemade DDR mat, you'd know I don't care about that. :-)

[Captain Wrong]

whatever, I'd rather my consoles not look ghetto.

Aww...gee. I was thinking about redoing my PS2 case in recycled 2x4s and corrigated tin, but you just shot that idea to hell. I figured I could get some dirty barefoot children to run around while I play, you know, complete the ambiance.

[Starcade]

Because I don't have to order it, wait for it to arrive, then ruin my PS2 by slipping with the soldering iron. Plus, I get the benefits of an Action Replay, such as patch codes in case I feel like experimenting, and an all-region DVD player. So I've got my table knife, and it works just fine for me. Don't try to change me, baby. :-)

Not a good idea, I did it to mine a year ago, and I messed up and It kinda is off centered now..

[Sylentwulf]

whatever, I'd rather my consoles not look ghetto.

No, just the rest of your CD collection.

P.S. Can we call a bash each other nicely truce? You burn, I don't, but other than that, we shouldn't have a problem, I'd hate to have a battlezone melee :)