Best way to play imports on a PS2?

[Aussie2B]

I'd just go legit, especially if they're cheap now. I imported a brand new PS2 back in 2003 for around $300, I think, and I don't regret it one bit (bought it years before I got a US model, in fact). It's been wonderful to pop in any Japanese PS1, PS2, or DVD that I want and be all set.

[theclaw]

I think you missed the part about the softmod. You don't need a chip if one was to go that route.

You mean the softmod gets around PS2's disc check, letting imports and burned games be transferred to HDD straight from the PS2 drive without a PC, flip top, or modchip?

[The 1 2 P]

I'd just go legit, especially if they're cheap now. I imported a brand new PS2 back in 2003 for around $300, I think, and I don't regret it one bit (bought it years before I got a US model, in fact). It's been wonderful to pop in any Japanese PS1, PS2, or DVD that I want and be all set.

This would be my advice as well. I just got my Japanese PS2 slim off of ebay a month ago and it's much more convient to be able to play any import PS1 and PS2 games that way. Of course, playing PS1 imports was always easy using an import converter but they took that away with the PS2 design. And I've never been one for modchips or bootlegs so getting a legit Japanese PS2 was the way to go for me. Some of them are still a bit pricey ($100-$300) but if you watch a few you'll be able to get one on the cheap, like the $80 one I got with two games.

[Pikkon]

I would get a PS2 with a modchip just for the convenience of playing all regions using legit games.

The softmods are ok but you can't even run legit imports on it.

[wiggyx]

You mean the softmod gets around PS2's disc check, letting imports and burned games be transferred to HDD straight from the PS2 drive without a PC, flip top, or modchip?

Soft mod = hard mod - addition hardware/expense.

Did you watch the video and read the description?

[theclaw]

If you say so. I had thought that particular check was part of the disc drive, softmods not able to affect it.

In general I view convenience a main selling point for modchips. Nice having as many discs as possible boot automated.
Paying too much more for a Japanese PS2, than a modchip install would be, after a certain point becomes less cost effective for the purpose of playing imports. That won't enable PAL games or movies the modchip will.

[Tokimemofan]

Debug stations are the best option, they are $80-200 depending on the time of day.

[Retrocade Fantasia]

I go the sawp route myself. Only way I can play the translated Namco X Capcom