What should I do about my PS2 import dilemma?

[XYXZYZ]

I have a V12 slim PS2 I want to play a Japanese game on. Some time ago I picked up a mod chip, didn't get around to installing it until recently. I apparently made some mistake, after several troubleshooting attempts I can't get any video or audio. Besides that, it turns out you need some kind of diode board for the V12 PS2 or the laser will burn out, which was supposed to be included with the chip I got but because modchip dealers have a policy of fucking up every order you make with them (I have NEVER had a good experience with a modchip dealer) they decided not to include it. And I'm not going to bother getting it, so fuckit. Uninstalled the modchip, PS2 works again. I can always do that Swap Magic + fliptop lid thing, I can get those from eStarland for about $35.00

However, I also have a Japanese PS2 my cousin gave me years ago, because it doesn't work. It doesn't work because it's a SCPH-10000, the first PS2 model. And those are notorious for not working. I fiddled with the potentiometers on the laser, got it working for awhile, it died again. (this was years ago) so yesterday I pulled it out and fiddled with it some more, cleaned the second laser (under the visible laser) and now it just makes a clicking noise and doesn't try to read discs.

So, I have two options- I can get a Swap Magic + lid from eStarland for $35.00 for my slim PS2 (that works) or I could get a new laser for my Japanese SCPH-10000. Apparently a KHS-400B will do, and ebay has some for ~$20, and some for $45. Some say they were pulled from PS2s, some don't. It would be nice to have a PS2 I can just put the game in and play, without messing with all that swap BS. On the other hand, it seems like taking a gamble that the new laser either isn't going to work or it'll die later on.

I could also get a Japanese PS2 but I don't want to drop that much cash, there's only two or three imports I want to play.

What would you do?

[Kitsune Sniper]

FreeMCBoot + DVD Burner.

You already have the originals, so you're not committing piracy.

[Parodius Duh!]

User APE992 installs mod chips and fixes any prior installation problems that might have occurred, I think itll cost you about the same for him to install or fix it as it would for one of those crappy/fugly swap magic lids. I suggest you contact him.

[theclaw]

First try getting somebody with the right skills to look it over.
True region free doesn't get NEAR the respect it deserves on PS2. Sheer scope of its library.

With a modchip you'll even be able to run European games (50hz can still be an issue). That'd normally require a third console.

[Rickstilwell1]

User APE992 installs mod chips and fixes any prior installation problems that might have occurred, I think itll cost you about the same for him to install or fix it as it would for one of those crappy/fugly swap magic lids. I suggest you contact him.


I'll vouch for APE992's skills. He is awesome and gives fair pricing. I would send him a PM if I were you. So far I've gotten a modded PS One, Saturn and PS2 (original model) from him. The only one I actually had to send him and get back was my Saturn. Each transaction was smooth.

[Gameguy]

If you can try to get that Japanese PS2 repaired, they're actually worth a decent amount so it's probably worth the repair cost.

[XYXZYZ]

Thanks for the replies guys. First I'm going to try Kitsune's Free McBoot suggestion. I installed it, but I still need to convert the CD to DVD and burn it. I generally don't like burned games (they have that bootleggy ROM feeling) so I may get those swap discs anyway. And I would rather stay with the mod chip, but as I stated above I will need to get one of those "laser fix" boards which I have no interest in doing. I have the technical ability, I've modified several other consoles before.

Also, I'd still like to get some opinions on whether or not it would be worth it to replace the laser in that SCPH-10000. It seems to me that a working Japanese PS2 would be the best solution.

[Mr Mort]

FreeMCBoot + DVD Burner.

You already have the originals, so you're not committing piracy.

I assume that means you can't run Japanese original discs on a US PS2 using this method?

[Melf]

If you can try to get that Japanese PS2 repaired, they're actually worth a decent amount so it's probably worth the repair cost.

Really? Around how much do they go for? I have a working JPS2 with no games just sitting there unused.

[Gameguy]

Really? Around how much do they go for? I have a working JPS2 with no games just sitting there unused.
It depends if it's the fat units or slim, but usually around $100-$150. I've seen some sell for more, others for a bit less. I wouldn't have known about it but it came up a few weeks or months ago in another thread.

I actually have a PAL system that I haven't even tested yet, it's not worth as much as the Japanese version but I'm thinking about selling it as I don't have imports for it either.

[theclaw]

I assume that means you can't run Japanese original discs on a US PS2 using this method?

As far as I can tell, at minimum you need a way to trick the lid sensor. Even attempt HDD install of imports will fail the conventional way.

[xelement5x]

As far as I can tell, at minimum you need a way to trick the lid sensor. Even attempt HDD install of imports will fail the conventional way.

Yeah, I ran into the same thing. What I've been told you need to do is just copy the disc onto the HDD using a PC and it'll work fine. Someone said something about the drive itself being region locked, but I don't know how true that is.

[Kitsune Sniper]

but I still need to convert the CD to DVD and burn it.

...

FUCK IT. GET THE SYSTEM MODDED.

Converting CD games to DVDs is a pain in the ass and doesn't always work.