is the ps1 swap trick dangerous to your eyes?

[Hobie-wan]

Didn't the PS2 have a radioactive warning on the laser's case? I always thought that was amusing.

That's a standard warning label. Probably the easiest place to see a similar sticker other than that link is on a disc drive for a PC.

[Anapan]

Almost any red laser you'll find in consumer electronics or keychains is not powerful enough to do any lasting damage unless you beam one into your eyeball for over 10 seconds straight focused to the same part of your eye. Think of it like staring at the sun but not so intense. The warnings on lasers are required by law even if they're not that dangerous - any more powerful ones are illegal in most of north america. My friend had me look that up thoroughly because his cousin was constantly shining lasers in his eyes like he was playing a FPS.
If you see a blue laser from a PS3/Blue-ray player or a green one that's another thing entirely. The ones you can order from china that can pop balloons and light matches will almost certainly damage your eyes or even blind you without refractory goggles.
I read that some of those super-bright LEDs are actually giving off a dangerous amount of radiation, possibly more damaging than some of the lower powered lasers.

[Niode]

Seriously?

[Anapan]

If the facepalm is in response to my post, I'll defend it. I've gotten welding arc flashed a few times. It's very unpleasant, like getting a sunburn inside and on the surface of your eye and is accompanied by a severe headache and uncontrollable eye watering as well as difficulty seeing for about 15 minutes after exposure. It probably caused at least a little permanent damage, but nothing I've noticed over the years. It's happened to all my co-workers many times too. Compared to the times I've been shot directly in the eye with red lasers, I'd have to guess that the damage was minimal because I didn't even have difficulty seeing after I looked away. CD and DVD reader drives rarely have more than a 5mw laser diode in them. Just my opinion on the subject.
Here's someone else's.

[d123456]

This thread scared the shit out of me. having swapped ss and ps1´s many many times.

and for anapan, I do not think the facepalm was for you. if it was then I will facepalm him back!

[Hateshinai]

The swap trick by itself will not make you blind.
However, if you masturbate while doing the swap trick you will definitely go blind. It has happened to my brother's friend's cousin's former room-mate. True story.

[Anapan]

I've heard of that happening...

[avrame]

Also, try to remember that the laser in all game systems is a precision instrument, meaning the beam is directed perpendicular to the laser's rail. There is no 'cone of radiation' or whatever I've heard in the past, it isn'tl ike a flashlight, it emitted a beam about a hair width in diameter, directly perpendicular from the lens.

The systems were designed so that the lid, even with the lid open and the system on, will be where the laser will aim. As long as you don't remove the lid while doing the swap trick, or somehow jam your head between the lid and the laser, you'll be fine.

[Hatta]

Yes, these lasers are not powerful enough to cause eye damage. CD/DVD burners need more power, so those lasers are more dangerous. Something to keep in mind if you ever open one up.

[Hateshinai]

I've heard of that happening...

Was there really a market for that controller? It's useless.