Choosing a PS2 Model?

[Exhuminator]

I've got two of the V15 SCPH-7700X models. Not sure exactly the model numbers off the top of my head. This V15 revision uses an integrated, unified EE+GS chip, a redesigned ASIC, a different laser lens, an updated BIOS, and updated drivers. Maybe that's why I haven't had any PS2 game compatibility issues.

[isiolia]

The games listed seem to just be for the initial Slim model. Not sure if that carries forward. The Slim I have is a later/final version with the integrated power supply (90001), and I can't say I've had issues with it. The only real downside - at least with regard to what the hardware has to work with - is that like any other top-loading system, optical drive noise isn't very insulated. There are apparently some BIOS changes in the very last models that block homebrew, but I've only ever run retail US discs in mine so I dunno.

To me, it's a solid pick for retail software. They run cool and quiet outside of the ODD noise.


Backwards compatible PS3 models are nice for HDMI and virtual memory card support. However, the fat PS3 I have is a partial software one (MGS4 bundle) and it's somewhat lacking at times for playing games. Like, R: Racing Evolution the car model doesn't show. Most others work well enough, and far as I know the full hardware ones are nice. Until they fail, anyway, which seems to be fairly common.

If you didn't get a YLOD though, you might try swapping the power cable. My fat PS3 conked out in the middle of watching a DVD once, and that's all the fix wound up being.

Somewhat unrelated - the PS3 memory card adapter is still worth grabbing if you see it for a reasonable price, since you can still back up/restore PS2 memory cards on newer versions of the PS3. They've gotten reasonably expensive to buy from people who know what they are, but it's probably something that'd fly under the radar for a lot of resellers.

[PartridgeSenpai]

I don't remember which model of slim I had, and no longer have it to check, but I remember that each individual map on Neopets The Darkest Faerie would take upwards of 40 minutes to load on that bastard, where it was mere seconds on my friend's fat-model PS2.

[Segata]

Never had an issue with my Slim. Plays everything I own. I stopped playing PS1 games in it in favor of the PS3 a while back.

[Ziggy]

What about video output on all the models? RGB output available on all?

All revisions of the PS2 have the same video output modes. Since you're in the states, I recommend using YPbPr component over RGB video.

As far as Phat versus Slim, it depends. If you're interested in loading games from something other than DVD/CD than I would recommend getting a Phat model so you can use an internal hard drive with OPL. HDD loading has better compatibility than USB and SMB, last I checked. A later revision model of the Phat would be better. If HDD loading doesn't interest you, than you might as well go with a Slim. Just stay away from 75001 (as already mentioned) and note that the 90001 has a new BIOS that blocks the FMCB exploit.

In regards to the recalled power adapter, here's the official page: http://us.playstation.com/adaptor/

My Life In Gaming recently released a video covering the PS2 in regards to video quality. They cover a good bit of PS2 compatible PS3 models, I think it's worth watching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brMW6KFue-I

[CRTGAMER]

So what's the pros and cons of all the PS2 models out there?
And how about compared to a PS3 with backwards compatibility?

I actually have a backwards compatible PS3, but it doesn't seem to power on anymore (and even before that, the touch-based eject button stopped working). Not sure how likely repair is of that -- real shame....

As far as Phat versus Slim, it depends. If you're interested in loading games from something other than DVD/CD than I would recommend getting a Phat model so you can use an internal hard drive with OPL. HDD loading has better compatibility than USB and SMB, last I checked. A later revision model of the Phat would be better. If HDD loading doesn't interest you, than you might as well go with a Slim. Just stay away from 75001 (as already mentioned) and note that the 90001 has a new BIOS that blocks the FMCB exploit.

Agree, PS2 Fat a better route over the PS2 Slim or the PS3 backwards compatible model due to the PS2 internal hard drive for installing PS2 games. HDAdvance, HDLoader, FreeMCBoot, OPL take your pick, the internal drive will have the fastest loading over the disc or a USB reader. This is the best in both preserving the original game and the having the quick load off a convenient hard drive menu. The PS2 game discs always in possession vs a cloud; the discs can be installed even decades later on any PS2 console owned. Yes even imports can be installed and no mod chip needed.

[Segata]

Those older PS3's, however, had a fairly high failure rate as well with YLOD and discs getting trapped in the console. Not 360 levels but still not good. Those models are now 11 years old. They are getting fewer and fewer as they just didn't hold up for the most part.

[racketboy]

Those older PS3's, however, had a fairly high failure rate as well with YLOD and discs getting trapped in the console. Not 360 levels but still not good. Those models are now 11 years old. They are getting fewer and fewer as they just didn't hold up for the most part.

Like the stuff I mentioned in my post? My thing seemed to die a slow but sure death. Granted I bought it used, but I took good care of it while I had it.

[Segata]

Yeah pretty much. Those older PS3's are not very reliable. 360 and PS3 were just too powerful when they launched to be reliable as a console. They had all kinds of issues but the worst was they ran so hot they overheated easy. Later of course not as much of an issue as the hardware improved.

[isiolia]

Those older PS3's are not very reliable. 360 and PS3 were just too powerful when they launched to be reliable as a console. They had all kinds of issues but the worst was they ran so hot they overheated easy.

Far as I know this is less a design issue for those particular machines, or entirely a heat issue at all. Instead, it's the industry-wide shift to lead-free solder around the time that they came out. There are, for instance, a decent number of laptops from that time period with high failure rates due to similar issues. Part of the improvements since then have likely been due to necessary design adjustments being made.


Obviously, the end result is still the same, which will likely heavily favor slim/super slim models of 7th gen consoles down the line.