Do PS2s lose their ability to read PS1 games?

[Dylan]

I've come across an interesting little anomaly, I have a couple PS1 games that my PS2 can't read, but my PS1 can (my PS2 can still read some PS1 games). My PS2 is a fatty and an older model, so I'm wondering if it's getting to the point where the laser's worn down enough that PS1 games can't be read as effectively by it. Can anyone confirm this theory? And if so, does this happen to all models of the PS2?

[dlmvii]

I know that a lot of older ps2s have trouble reading blue back discs (which are cds) after a period of time. Since ps1 games are also cds, I'd assume these issues are closely related.

[Betamax001]

I know that a lot of older ps2s have trouble reading blue back discs (which are cds) after a period of time. Since ps1 games are also cds, I'd assume these issues are closely related.

Yeah I wanna say some later models of fat PS2s or so had trouble with the blue backed discs. I would say try a blue backed PS2 game and see what comes up. If you dont know which are compact disc games, look on the back of the box and it will have the compact disc logo instead of the DVD logo.

[baschlives]

I've come across an interesting little anomaly, I have a couple PS1 games that my PS2 can't read, but my PS1 can (my PS2 can still read some PS1 games). My PS2 is a fatty and an older model, so I'm wondering if it's getting to the point where the laser's worn down enough that PS1 games can't be read as effectively by it. Can anyone confirm this theory? And if so, does this happen to all models of the PS2?

The same thing happened to my older model PS2.

[Dylan]

I know that a lot of older ps2s have trouble reading blue back discs (which are cds) after a period of time. Since ps1 games are also cds, I'd assume these issues are closely related.

Yeah I wanna say some later models of fat PS2s or so had trouble with the blue backed discs. I would say try a blue backed PS2 game and see what comes up. If you dont know which are compact disc games, look on the back of the box and it will have the compact disc logo instead of the DVD logo.

No joke, I popped a copy of Oni in and my PS2 can't read it.

The same thing happened to my older model PS2.

Hm, there does seem to be a trend.

Alright, so let me ask this, do newer models have this problem? For example, would a PS2 slim have similar issues over time? Or should I just keep my PS1 handy?

[swiftzx]

My friend has a PS2 fat that rarely plays blue disk ps2 games unless he puts it vertically. My slim on the other hand, plays PS1 and blue disk PS2 games fine.

[Inazuma]

Thankfully, PS2 doesn't have firmware updates so there is no risk of Sony removing features. If you have trouble playing certain games, it's likely a problem with the CD laser or something, like others have mentioned.

[MrPopo]

Note that you can fix this. I had this happen on my brother's fat PS2 and I just had to adjust one of the gears on the laser to get it working again. I'm sure there's also some kind of better method I didn't know about 6 years ago.

[Dylan]

Note that you can fix this. I had this happen on my brother's fat PS2 and I just had to adjust one of the gears on the laser to get it working again. I'm sure there's also some kind of better method I didn't know about 6 years ago.

Interesting, that sounds familiar and there are plenty of guides for it. Are there any notable drawbacks to this method? It's looking like my best option right now.

[CRTGAMER]

Note that you can fix this. I had this happen on my brother's fat PS2 and I just had to adjust one of the gears on the laser to get it working again. I'm sure there's also some kind of better method I didn't know about 6 years ago.

Interesting, that sounds familiar and there are plenty of guides for it. Are there any notable drawbacks to this method? It's looking like my best option right now.

A risk of permanent damage of your laser if set wrong. Maybe remember the baseline with a mark then go in small increments.