PS2: Should I get it Mod Chipped?

[Abe Babe]

Firstly, I hope it's okay to ask this here ... seeing that in some places mod chipping is illegal. But anyway...

I was wondering about people's opinions on mod chipping the PS2. You see I've come to a decision that I would like to import FFX-2 from the US when it is released, as I live in Australia which means another 3-4 months until we get the game. Also the dollar rate is getting better for us in Australia, so it will be a good option to import games. And I own a US (NTSC) Xbox, so I already need to import Xbox games if I wish to play them.

Apparently mod chipping is not illegal in Australia if you are going to use it for the intention of playing imported games (it's only illegal if you wish to use it for piracy, which is not my intention). I really hate the fact that gaming systems are not multi-zoning ... it's quite frustrating. Sony lost a lawsuit here against someone mod chipping the systems, simply due to the fact that Sony had prevented users from playing games not available in this country.

However, I have heard lots of mixed views on getting a mod chip installed. My PS2 is out of it's warranty period, so that is okay. But I was wondering if there is any risks involved. Like I heard you can't play online games (if that ever happens over here) if your PS2 is chipped.

If I could get some feedback, it would be great.

Abe Babe...

[Fatal Outlaw]

well, i personally would get my PS2 chipped if i was in Australia, mainly becuase Konami decided to not release Suikoden 3, but anyhow, i say go ahead, but make sure whoever installs the mod chip is liable if s/he ruins it.

[Torkm]

I also heard that the DVD function stops working properly when a mod chip is installed, but if you have a DVD player and only use your PS2 for games, then I would say go ahead. :D

[MrBS]

Originally posted by Fatal Outlaw
well, i personally would get my PS2 chipped if i was in Australia, mainly becuase Konami decided to not release Suikoden 3, but anyhow, i say go ahead, but make sure whoever installs the mod chip is liable if s/he ruins it.

I got my PS2 modded for that specific reason and I learnt a valuable lesson:

Put in an import order for Suikoden III BEFORE it goes out of production! Ugh 'back order' - I'm probably never going to see this game!

Aside from that nonsense I just got a reply from my importer of choice saying that .hack will be on its way shortly so that can keep myself occupied with that.

Abe Babe: modding my PS2 went very smoothly, got a second generation chip from a respectable dealer in WA. PS2 works fine. Homebrew software like the DivX player makes for good times.

I found it better to sell my old PS2 and by a new one premodded. With the money from sale it worked out about $70 more expensive - not that much more for a new PS2 as opposed to my relic launch model (yep $750) being chipped.

My main gripe about chipping the PS2 is the 'procedure' for booting games.

In order to play any game first you have to turn PS2 on then insert disc and set PS2 to standby. Then for PS2 games tap power button or for PS1 hold until boot screen comes up.

Now after looking around I found that the proceedure for my chip is one of the most simple around for 2nd gen chips. Some require multiple taps of the button, swap discs ugh!

Also my chip doesn't allow for multi-region DVD which means I'm going to have to part with some more money for a boot-desk product. DVD playback of R4 is just fine for the record.

Also PS1 NTSC games play at 50htz with a prominant black bar running at the bottom of the screen. So ironically the only way I've found around this is to make an image of the disc, patch it and play the patched burnt disc so at least its plays in the centre of the screen.

I know 2nd gen chips are getting very cheap these days but I would highly recommend a certain 3rd gen chip that was just released. It offers better playback of NTSC PS1 games on a PAL machine and multi-region DVD support, and if your into online games and other mod-proof titles - it has a 'sleep' mode (naturally this means only genuine titles from your region will work). I believe that the 'proceedure' for booting games is still tricky even with the new chips.

Abe Babe hope that helped. If you need specifics you could always pm me.

[APF]

I've been thinking about getting one to play Japanese DDR imports, but I can't find anywhere around here that will install it...

[MrBS]

APF you should know that the DDR PSX games have some rather sophisticated mod chip protection.