PS2 or Gamecube: which is easier/cheaper to play imports on?

[treismac]

I'm thinking of grabbing some Hudson Selections and they are available for both the PS2 and the Gamecube, so I want to know which one is easier and which one is less expensive to play imports on. I've never really seriously considered playing any imports on these systems, so as far as I know it would be cheaper to buy the Japanese counterpart of these systems.

Thanks for the help!

edit:
I have a Wii if that changes matters.

[kupomogli]

Don't know about cheaper, but Gamecube is easier with Freeloader.

Just noticed you mentioned Wii. With Wii you can play most Gamecube games region free without anything extra, but certain games require Freeloader. Here's a video detailing how. I'd never do this method due to the potential to scratch games, etc. I'd recommend buying a Gamecube and Freeloader. Both should be cheap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjS0FA-PwV0

[theclaw]

The majority of titles are fine. However both GC and PS2 have game-specific issues with Japanese games.

GC some games are programmed around JPN mode, leading to errors in ENG mode. Such as corrupt text or inability to save progress.

PS2 some games use the system setting for game language. Affected PS2 games will only run in languages that aren't Japanese on an overseas PS2. These few cannot normally use the Japanese data found on their disc, on western BIOS versions without JPN as a menu option.

[Jorpho]

With Wii you can play most Gamecube games region free without anything extra, but certain games require Freeloader. Here's a video detailing how. I'd never do this method due to the potential to scratch games, etc.Word is Nintendo rubbed out that exploit in one of the early firmware updates.

A Freeloader is indeed cheap and readily available from http://us.codejunkies.com/Departments/gcn.aspx . If you don't mind spending a little more, you can get the SD Media Launcher, which will apparently let you play whatever you want.

[The 1 2 P]

The Gamecube is definitely easier and cheaper to play imports on because of the aformentioned freeloader disc. With that disc you can play pretty much all Japanese and European PAL GC games on your US system. For PS2 it's cheaper to just get a Japanese system in my opinion since they can be found for pretty decent prices on ebay, especially the fatties.

[CRTGAMER]

Each is not that difficult or expensive. The Gamecube would be cheaper since only the Freeloader disc is needed. A side note, only the older Freeloader will convert PAL to NTSC properly.

If you have a Fat PS2 then a Hard Drive is desirable anyways for the convenience of installed games. HDAdvance/HDLoader and a Flip top allows installing Imports, no Mod Chip needed.

[theclaw]

Yeah the main convenience of PS2 modchip is making it easier to play original PS1 and DVD movie imports. Those don't support hard drive loading.

[Aussie2B]

Word is Nintendo rubbed out that exploit in one of the early firmware updates.

A Freeloader is indeed cheap and readily available from http://us.codejunkies.com/Departments/gcn.aspx . If you don't mind spending a little more, you can get the SD Media Launcher, which will apparently let you play whatever you want.

Ooh, thanks for posting that link. I didn't think the GameCube Freeloader was still available new anywhere. I figured eBay was my only option, and my searches on there weren't very fruitful.

[theclaw]

Remember even a modchip won't change Gamecube internal language to Japanese. I have a chipped system to attest some problems often associated with freeloader, are actually NOT in any way or form its fault.

[Edmond Dantes]

Yeah the main convenience of PS2 modchip is making it easier to play original PS1 and DVD movie imports. Those don't support hard drive loading.

In my experience, with PS1 or DVD you're better off just getting an actual modded PS1 and a regionless DVD player. Every time I've gotten a chipped PS2, it died on me, so I'm convinced that chips kill PS2s.

(that being said, those were always from eBay, so...)

[jinn]

if you have a USA or JPN Gamecube and don't care about PAL games, you can install a Region Switch and will cost you around $3 if you already have the required tools to open the GC and solder the switch.

[theclaw]

And if for some reason you don't care about USA games either... No switch necessary. Or solder whatsoever.

Just bridge the two R5 holes with a single piece of wire then close it back up. It'll remain Japanese mode only, as long as you want. Without any commitment. (unless the lid switch gets broken!)

[Pikkon]

You used no solder,don't think it will hold up for to long,if you not to comfortable with soldering than a conductive pen will do the trick.

[theclaw]

Sounds intriguing. Tiny enough glob that can dry in place without shorting could work. Though I doubt I'd go through with the approach for my own use.

[Pikkon]

I understand,talking apart a gamecube is a pain in the ass.

[theclaw]

Yeah it was worth the learning experience. Those text problems are VERY real. If I can figure it out maybe I'll consider making a youtube video or such of Rockman Exe under ENG setting. Unless somebody already has. :roll: