I accidentally bought a modded console? I think...

[MrEco]

So my current Playstation 2 is getting rather old. It hasn't shown any signs of failing any time soon, but I've had this particular one for about seven or eight years, so I feel like it's only a matter of time. Plus it's one of the old fat models, and on top of that PS2's are only getting more expensive as time goes on unfortunately. So this last week I hopped onto Ebay to find a good replacement. I decided to go for a Slim model since I hear they last longer, plus they look nifty. I found one for a good price that was listed as "New - Other" and according to the description by the seller it had only been taken out of the box one time, plugged in, and turned on to make sure it was working. They had a stock of about 14 of these. Everything looked in order, of course I made sure it was the right region model, so I bought one.

Today it arrived in the mail and just about an hour ago I finally got a chance to hook it up myself and make sure it was working. I can pleasantly say that the entire thing does look brand new. The PS2 system itself still had the thin plastic dust cover stuck to the top of it, all the cords were folded and wrapped just like you'd expect from a brand new product, and everything was spotlessly clean. Not a speck of dust or finger print anywhere.

But I wanted to make absolutely sure. So I plugged it in and took four games off my shelf. Just to be careful and cover all variables I took two games that I've already played on PS2 and two games I haven't played yet. The console turned on just fine and everything was perfect. I was a little confused why everything was in Spanish... but no big deal, I just had to switch the language in the system settings back to the kings tongue. At this point I double checked to make sure it was the right model number for a NA region PS2, and sure enough it's model SCPH-90001.

Then I put in each game, one by one, to make sure they launched normally. This is where the problem is. On launching a game, when the screen first splashes up the "Playstation 2" logo, there was an addition I've never noticed before. A small watermark under the logo that said "Infinity v1.99" that appeared no matter which game I tested. At first I thought this might be something to do with that fact that it's a slim model. Maybe they changed the name of the firmware on this model or something. But I looked it up, and sure enough it appears that "Infinity" is a mod chip for PS2's. Then I plugged my regular fat PS2 in and tested it on those same exact games to be sure. The "Infinity v1.99" watermark never appeared. Nothing like that appeared.

So... it seems I bought a "New" PS2 Slim that was, at some point, modded with this Infinity chip. And unfortunately for me, I can't find ANY info about it online. Every search I make only turns up info on how to install one... lol, not exactly the right answer to my problem.

Basically, here's what I need to know. One, what the hell is the Infinity mod chip? What does it DO? Two, should I be worried? Is the fact that this chip is apparently in my PS2 going to affect the lifespan of my console, or perhaps cause problems of another sort (like if the chip was attached by an amateur, and it comes loose some day and messes something up)?

Also as a side note... I noticed that the games I started up seemed to get to the main menu faster on the PS2 Slim. One of the games in particular sat on a blank black screen for about ten to fifteen seconds when I launched it on the fat model, and only took a couple seconds on the Slim. I assume this is an effect of the Slim model (I have heard something about them updating the firmware with each version, not sure how much it would affect performance though)? I assume it has nothing to do with the mod chip, but I guess that's possible. Either way, can I expect this increase in performance to effect the load times in games?

[flojocabron]

I have a ps2 slim that I bought of a second cousin of mine a year ago.

It was his childhood system and it was pretty beat up. Scratched on the outside and a beat up analog worn controller.

I gave him $200 pesos, although it wasn't really worth that much. Just doing him a favor.

But when I turned it on to test it. It had a slightly different start up screen. And then the menu went to spanish. Obviously because the console is in mexico, and I'm in mexico.

I changed it to english and I popped a game in. It worked fine. But I was still bothered by the start-up screen.

So I busted out a few Asian games that I had. A Japanese game and a Korean one.

Both worked with no problems. So yeah I got a modded system too.

But I have no idea what "chip' is inside it.

I have no idea how my cousin got this console. Did he buy it used a long time ago and it had the chip in it? Or did his parents pay to mod it with someone? This acually does happen a lot in Mexico.

I dont have the console at hand right now. Its put away in some box, in my storage room. But if you can take a screen pic, I can tell you if we've got the same chip in our PS2's.

[theclaw]

PS2's DVD drive has fairly strong security. The chips try to defeat it to varying degrees of success. Some chips don't autodetect PS1 games though, and make you hold down buttons.

HDD loading is sort of a "catch 22". While games already on a hard drive obviously aren't subject to the DVD drive lockout, you need to bypass it to install imports or burnt discs. Best done outside the PS2 due to its own horrendous install speed.

[Exhuminator]

One, what the hell is the Infinity mod chip? What does it DO?

It sounds like it's got this:

https://www.mod-chip.com/en/playstation ... e-with-ps2

That page tells you what it is, what it does.

Two, should I be worried?

Considering it takes 18 points to solder, and you don't know what kind of solder was used in the job, yes. Lower quality off the shelf solder degrades more quickly than OEM types.

On the bright side, that PS2 is now region free, and will play burned CD & DVD PS2 games.

[Tanooki]

Nice find there, a $30 modchip that wipes out all region issues with games, movies and music discs. Seems like an all around win, but true I'd almost suggest opening it up to see what kind of soldering job was done on it. It likely will last longer than your interest in the system anyway, but if there was a bad spot it would be wise to touch it up.

[CRTGAMER]

Is the fact that this chip is apparently in my PS2 going to affect the lifespan of my console, or perhaps cause problems of another sort (like if the chip was attached by an amateur, and it comes loose some day and messes something up)?

Also as a side note... I noticed that the games I started up seemed to get to the main menu faster on the PS2 Slim. One of the games in particular sat on a blank black screen for about ten to fifteen seconds when I launched it on the fat model, and only took a couple seconds on the Slim. I assume this is an effect of the Slim model (I have heard something about them updating the firmware with each version, not sure how much it would affect performance though)? I assume it has nothing to do with the mod chip, but I guess that's possible. Either way, can I expect this increase in performance to effect the load times in games?

Two, should I be worried?

Considering it takes 18 points to solder, and you don't know what kind of solder was used in the job, yes. Lower quality off the shelf solder degrades more quickly than OEM types.

On the bright side, that PS2 is now region free, and will play burned CD & DVD PS2 games.

The Mod Chip will not improve the disc reader speed, but some can bypass the Playstation startup logo.

Just don't move the console around to cut down on the risk of a solder connection popping off. Unless you are skilled at soldering, don't even remove the cover for an inspection, you might accidentally pull a mod chip wire.

Good that the PS2 Slim is region free, but bad that DVD-R and CD-R games very likely have been run on it with no idea of how many years. Burned discs cause the laser eye to work harder shortening the total life span. Too bad it is a slim, the PS2 fat a much better option for an internal hard drive install. Just avoid burned discs, especially if an inexpensive pressed disc can be bought. Pressed import games are fine for laser eye wear, maybe look into additional exclusive Japanese titles?

HDD loading is sort of a "catch 22". While games already on a hard drive obviously aren't subject to the DVD drive region lockout, you need to bypass it to install imports or burnt discs. Best done outside the PS2 due to its own horrendous install speed.

Aftermarket replacement Flip Top Cover for direct disc install or Ethernet Cable ISO transfer from PC. Both will circumvent the region lock, no mod chip needed.

[MrEco]

Considering it takes 18 points to solder, and you don't know what kind of solder was used in the job, yes. Lower quality off the shelf solder degrades more quickly than OEM types.

Just don't move the console around to cut down on the risk of a solder connection popping off. Unless you are skilled at soldering, don't even remove the cover for an inspection, you might accidentally pull a mod chip wire.

Yeah, that's what I'm worried about. I have no experience modding consoles in any way, so I doubt I'd be able to just easily pop it open and fix any soldering issues.

If the mod chip did come loose at any point, would that brick the console? Or would it just disable the region breaking features of the mod chip?


Also I definitely don't plan on playing any burnt discs or moving it around a lot, so I guess that should help with the life of the console. And at this point if I was to return the console and get a different one I'd have to pay a minimum of $50 more to get another new PS2 Slim. Buying a used one for cheaper isn't an option I'm fond of, since an already used console certainly won't last as long as a new one.

[Exhuminator]

If the mod chip did come loose at any point, would that brick the console?

The mod chip is acting as a bridge between the system itself and its optical disc drive. So if the mod chip malfunctioned, that would likely disable the ability of the optical drive to read discs at all. It may be possible to bypass the modchip entirely, or remove it even, but that would take soldering skills and further modification.

Buying a used one for cheaper isn't an option I'm fond of, since an alreay used console certainly won't last as long as a new one.

If it was mine, I'd hold onto it and leave the modchip in, and use this Slim to play imports and stuff along with normal games. But I would also endeavor to find another non-modded Slim for a backup. If prices are too high online, consider pawn shops and flea markets. You might find a good deal offline.

The part of a PS2 that wears out most often is the optical disc drive itself, usually due to the laser diode wearing out. It is pretty simple to replace the optical disc drive in a Slim with a new one. However, the price of a new Slim optical drive is usually around $35 for a new one. But still, you could buy a used Slim for $20, put a new drive in it, and have a nicely refurbished Slim for about $50 or so.

[MrEco]

Yeah, that's why I'm gonna do for now. I'll hold onto it, look into the possibility of getting another backup.

I might consider opening the slim up and seeing how the soldering job on the mod chip looks. I don't have experience soldering myself, but I think I can find out online what is should look like.

Also, where would I find a new PS2 Slim Optical Drive? I found a replacement laser for a PS2 Slim on Amazon for $13, but no optical drives.

[Exhuminator]

Tell me the exact model number of that Slim, and I might have a link for ya.