Jap PS2 Games on NTSC PS2

[SegaAges]

This has nothing to do with bootlegging.

I want to buy Initial D for PS2 because it is supposed to be like the arcade game, and I love that arcade game.

Without modding my console, is there a way to play my Jap games on a US PS2

(Sorry, I have been programming and searching through code all day to fix errors other people who are complete morons with a computer made, so you will have to excuse my lazyness of not using the search function, my brain hurts right now).

[davidbrit2]

You want Swap Magic. If you've got the original big PS2, you'll have to replace the top shell with a fliptop lid. If you've got the slim PS2, you have to open it up and jimmy a couple lid switches so the console thinks the lid is always closed (with the Magic Switch kit). Either way, it's pretty easy - just make sure you order the right kit for your model/revision. Swap Magic has run every game I've thrown at it so far (including Initial D Special Stage).

On a related note, if you have a PSP, you can get Street Stage, and if you have a PS3, you can get Extreme Stage and not have to worry about modding.

[roushimsx]

On a sidenote, you might want to look into the Yellow (Asian) version of the game instead of the Jap (Japanese) version. It includes instructions in Chink (Chinese) and Ame-koh (English) in addition to the Jap (Japanese) manual and generally runs for about 2/3rds the price. Otherwise it's pretty much identical to the normal Jap (Japanese) release.

I recall it also works peachy with HDLoader, though I honestly haven't tried in a long time. I never really cared for the PS2 version of the game (way too repetitive). Then again, I never spent any time with it in the arcade, either.

You already have Tokyo Xtreme Racer Drift 2, right?

FYI: A more socially acceptable abbreviation for "Japanese" is "JPN" since it's not also synonymous with a rather popular racial slur

[Sabz5150]

I use HDLoader for all of my PS2 needs. You might have to do a bit of keyboard work to track one down, but it's the best option hands down. There are PC apps that will allow you to copy imports to the HDD since it does not modify your console and therefore will not allow it to read/play out-of-region discs. It's also great for reducing load times, strain on the DVD drive and lets you keep your discs stored away safely.

[davidbrit2]

I had some problems playing Initial D with HD Loader, namely with the audio. After playing the game for a bit, a nasty buzzing noise starts coming from the right speaker, and doesn't stop until you restart the PS2. Very annoying. Stick to playing a DVD copy.

[Sabz5150]

I had some problems playing Initial D with HD Loader, namely with the audio. After playing the game for a bit, a nasty buzzing noise starts coming from the right speaker, and doesn't stop until you restart the PS2. Very annoying. Stick to playing a DVD copy.

Have you tried setting any of the flags? That tends to solve a number of anomalies.

[SegaAges]

TXR!

I love that series. I own them all except for drift 2 and 2 for dc. I even own the crappy gba version.

Drift, to me, was just TXR in the mountains. A change of pace from the normal highway stuff, but all in all, felt like I was playing TXR in the mountains. If you drift in a race, you are gonna get smoked. In ID, you can drift, well in the arcade, and it helped me. Maybe I can just drift better in the arcade, I don't know, since I haven't played the ps2 version.

I don;t own a ps3 or a psp, which is dissappointing, but it is because all of the games that I want for the ps3 I can also get for 360 (cept for ID, but I am not dishing out 300-400 for 1 game unless it comes with a cab with it).


On a sidenote, you might want to look into the Yellow (Asian) version of the game instead of the Jap (Japanese) version. It includes instructions in Chink (Chinese) and Ame-koh (English) in addition to the Jap (Japanese) manual and generally runs for about 2/3rds the price. Otherwise it's pretty much identical to the normal Jap (Japanese) release.

I recall it also works peachy with HDLoader, though I honestly haven't tried in a long time. I never really cared for the PS2 version of the game (way too repetitive). Then again, I never spent any time with it in the arcade, either.

You already have Tokyo Xtreme Racer Drift 2, right?

FYI: A more socially acceptable abbreviation for "Japanese" is "JPN" since it's not also synonymous with a rather popular racial slur

[Sabz5150]

FYI: A more socially acceptable abbreviation for "Japanese" is "JPN" since it's not also synonymous with a rather popular racial slur

Did you hitch a ride on a phone booth or something? This isn't the 40's anymore. @_@

[davidbrit2]

Have you tried setting any of the flags? That tends to solve a number of anomalies.

Yeah, I recall playing with all of those a good deal, but they didn't have any effect.

[SegaAges]

Uh, socially acceptable = annorexic and watches monday night football. Just my opinion, but I am not veering towards what is socially acceptable, just what I like (until people I like start getting offended). I do appreciate the fyi though, but I assure you, I am try to stay away from what is known as the "social standard".

Back on topic: So I would need to actually copy my game I buy to my ps2 hard drive for hd loader? Is there a way with hd loader to load it from the retail disc?

I know I can use swap magic. I got an old school "fat" ps2 (I bought it used way back in the day and it still has a $275 price tag on the box).

I was hoping there was some magical disc I could buy that would act like the dvd region stuff and just play games from other regions.

[davidbrit2]

Back on topic: So I would need to actually copy my game I buy to my ps2 hard drive for hd loader? Is there a way with hd loader to load it from the retail disc?

Yes, HD Loader will let you rip directly from retail game discs. BUT if this is a disc from another region, you still have to insert something like Swap Magic first and then switch it for the game disc, or else the PS2 won't recognize it and HD Loader can't rip the game.

Another alternative is to hook the PS2 hard drive to your computer, and use something like WinHIIP (I think that's what it's called; I haven't done this in ages, and there could be better tools by now) to rip the game to the hard drive using your computer's DVD drive.


I was hoping there was some magical disc I could buy that would act like the dvd region stuff and just play games from other regions.

That's basically what Swap Magic is - you just have to make a minor, non-electronic hardware adjustment (via the lid or Magic Switch) so the PS2 doesn't realize you've switched discs.

[SegaAges]

I was hoping to avoid the cog/card technique, but it is looking like i have no choice if I want to play jap ps2 games on my ntsc

[segagamer]

I was hoping to avoid the cog/card technique, but it is looking like i have no choice if I want to play jap ps2 games on my ntsc

Just do what I did - buy a used JPN PS2 console. I have about 12 JPN games right now and decided that getting a JPN PS2 is the easiest and safest way to play imports.

[Damaramu]

I second that. JPN PS2 console is the only way to go...and they can be had for CHEAP!

[SegaAges]

the bay?
online store?

where should I start looking?

[davidbrit2]

the bay?
online store?

where should I start looking?

Play Asia has them (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-14-71-o-49-en.html). There might be cheaper alternatives, though.

[SegaAges]

Play Asia has them (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-14-71-o-49-en.html). There might be cheaper alternatives, though.

Holy jeebus. I am not quite wanting to drop 170 for a jap ps2.

Either way, is there anything special I need to know about owning one, like if I were to own anything PAL?

[PapaStu]

Nothing else you need to know. Japanese stuff runs in NTSC and it plugs right into the wall just fine.

I don't see why its too expensive, I think I popped about 170 for a LE Slim Japanese PS2 over a year ago (from Play-Asia no less), and now have the ability to do Japanese PS/PS2 AND Japanese regioned DVD's in one box. That saves me having to try and watch import dvd's on my computer, pulling out my debugger to play my import PS games and since I stand it up, it takes up hardly any space in the entertainment unit.

[dao2]

Nothing else you need to know. Japanese stuff runs in NTSC and it plugs right into the wall just fine.

I don't see why its too expensive, I think I popped about 170 for a LE Slim Japanese PS2 over a year ago (from Play-Asia no less), and now have the ability to do Japanese PS/PS2 AND Japanese regioned DVD's in one box. That saves me having to try and watch import dvd's on my computer, pulling out my debugger to play my import PS games and since I stand it up, it takes up hardly any space in the entertainment unit.

yeah it'd be cheaper to just get your system hard modded then buy one from playasia....

[SegaAges]

Nothing else you need to know. Japanese stuff runs in NTSC and it plugs right into the wall just fine.

I don't see why its too expensive, I think I popped about 170 for a LE Slim Japanese PS2 over a year ago (from Play-Asia no less), and now have the ability to do Japanese PS/PS2 AND Japanese regioned DVD's in one box. That saves me having to try and watch import dvd's on my computer, pulling out my debugger to play my import PS games and since I stand it up, it takes up hardly any space in the entertainment unit.

It is something I will have to think about. I am still trying to fund the DC Laptop I am making, and then after that, I am going to pay for parts to make my own super gun (should be called super fun, makes more sense).

Oh well. I was hoping there was some magical disc that did not include the "knife and cog" method or actually buying another ps2, but I could be wrong