BEST PS2 Backup Forums on the Net?

[defense]

Just wondering if the top "gamers" of this site know of the best online forums which discuss backing up PS2 games. I don't have a PS2...but i'm thinking of getting one and i'd like to do some research on the best forums before I decide.


Can anyone suggest some?


And just curious...I have read a couple of posts where some users "claim" that you "CAN" play backups on your PS2 "without" a mod chip or Swap Magic..etc.... is this at all true...and if so, how?

TIA :P

[jeex]

okay. i consider myself a ps2 expert (kinda).

yes, you can play copies on your ps2 without soldering a modchip on your ps2 motherboard.

you basically put a modified cover on the ps2 that opens from the top. you load your swap magic dvd or cd (depending on if the game is cd or dvd based), you can load it either through the tray or the cover. it doesnt matter because the ps2 will read it as a real ps2 game.

once the disc loads it will come up with a screen that says insert disc, you open the fliptop lid, take out the swap magic disc and put in your copy, press any button the ps2 controller and it loads the game.

the reason you need the lid is because if you ejected the swap magic disc through the tray and tried putting your backup, the ps2 would know that you ejected and re-verify the disc and see that it is a copy.

this is all fine and well, its works for the majority of 1:1 copies.. but if you're going to walmart or something and buying a new ps2 you'll most likely be getting a new ps2 that is v7 or v8 (v9 should be in the US soon).. they have this thing called "double check protection" which sony uses in the majority of its newer games to prevent people from playing copies.. the game will boot, but when you go to start a game or some other function it will take you to the RSOD (red screen of death), which basically is the ps2 seeing that you're trying to play a copy.. note: this is sony games only, there are many other companies that dont use this technology (capcom, ea sports, etc.)

but if you buy an older ps2 v1 through v6, you can use the "spanish cdloader" which is a homebrew program that you use in conjuction with your swap magic discs to play "problem" games. or you can use the gameshark v2 discs and perform the doubleswap.

if you're going to go this route, i would suggest purchasing a v6 (or older) ps2, fliptop lid, & swap magic discs.. the spanish cdloader does everything the gameshark discs do (except let you cheat), and its free to download.

the only drawback with this method is if you download rips (dvd games that have movies/sounds downsampled or ripped so that they'll fit on a 80 minute cd-r) you wont be able to play them. buuuuuut, you can download nomod kits that will resize them so that they are small enough to work with your swap magic cd.. the reason the 80 minute rips wont work is because the TOC of the swap magic cd is like 74minutes (max of ps2 sony standard)..

thats about it as far as swapping goes..

for modchips, basically they play anything and everything as far as copies go.. there will always be a debate as to which chip is better..

as for online games, they're starting to use DNAS, which to my knowledge has not yet been cracked.. DNAS detects copies & alternate booth methods (swap magic, modchip) and wont let you play it.. and its pretty good too.. i booted up a NCAA 2004 original with swap magic and tried going online, it just locked up on me.. but when i booted it without swap magic worked just fine.. when i booted a copy through swap magic i got error -402.. they're done their homework.. for now atleast..

thats about the brunt of it.. the ps2 in my opinion, is the best console out there for playing games.. you can play divx & xvid movies (600something mb limit if you're using swap magic) with it.. you can play many console emulators.. the nes emulator is pretty shweet..

[jeex]

oh, and the answer to your original question.. i like ps2ownz.com they've got pretty good info there and individual forums (swap magic, modchip, rips, emulation, etc..) that are well moderated..

[defense]

wow..thanks for the detailed info jeex! I'll have to go over this post several times in order to get the full grasp of it...because all of this is another language right now...but it's seems like a mod chip would be the better alternative. I even saw some sites that were selling "BACKUPS" online...lol..how the hell do you sell BACKUPS? Of course that's complete b.s and just selling the games I would think at a cheaper price..but it was funny.

Anyway, thanks for the post...i'm gonna have to research some more...but one last question...overalll what would be better with a version 7 PS2 over an older one for example? Forgetting about the swap magic stuff which is better for the older versions...what would the newer versions have which would be better? Or what would v.8 have which is better then v.7 ...and you mentioned v.9 coming to the US soon? Would v.9 be better then v.6, 7, and 8? Just curious what the differences are.

Thanks again for your info.

[jeex]

well if you were the average joe who never played backups and wouldnt think of modifying your ps2, i would suggest the v7 (or newer)..the laser on it is better (although the v6 is good too).. the v8 runs cooler and quiter and has some new dvd playing fuctions (better support for the burnable dvd formats i think).. i'm not too sure about the v9 though, i think it was just recently released in japan.

the v7 & v8 can be fitted with modchips and work just as well as the older version of ps2's.. so if you're going to get a modchip, get a v7 or v8.

[rvl123]

Hey Jeex,

Where do u reccomend buying a mod for a V7 system.

I don't mind soldering and won't spend more than $30.

Thanks

[defense]

interesting...so you don't think I should wait around for the v.9 huh? You have any idea when it will be released in the US? And one other question..would it be worth while to purchase a PS2 online....or could I get a better deal at Best Buy? I think BB has them for $179....could I get a better deal?


Oh, and just curious...is there a way of telling which version the PS2s are? If I went into Best Buy right now for example....and purchased a PS2 would I be guaranteed a v.7 or v.8?

[jeex]

Hey Jeex,

Where do u reccomend buying a mod for a V7 system.

I don't mind soldering and won't spend more than $30.

Thanks

easybuy2000.com is a reputable place to buy stuff.. and they have the magic 3.1 modchip for $29+ shipping..

interesting...so you don't think I should wait around for the v.9 huh? You have any idea when it will be released in the US? And one other question..would it be worth while to purchase a PS2 online....or could I get a better deal at Best Buy? I think BB has them for $179....could I get a better deal?


Oh, and just curious...is there a way of telling which version the PS2s are? If I went into Best Buy right now for example....and purchased a PS2 would I be guaranteed a v.7 or v.8?

nah, i wouldnt wait around for the v9, it will probably be months before its actually on the shelves in the united states and there is no guarantee that sony hasnt figured out a way to stop modchips & swapping methods with it..

and i would suggest going to bestbuy and buying what they've got their, it will either be a v7 or v8 (which are pretty much the same as far as gameplay modchip/swapping goes)..

if you can find a reputable place to buy a ps2 cheaper online, then go for it.. but people on ebay are always trying to pawn off messed up ps2's on ebay.. not all of them, but it happens all the time.

[Northstar]

Also look around on the net, you can buy already modded ps2's online, obviously they will cost you more than an unchiped one, will save you a lot of hassle and possibally a broken ps2 when you mess it all up soldering all those little points (20+ wires) ;\

[ps2daddy]

Hey Jeex,

Where do u reccomend buying a mod for a V7 system.

I don't mind soldering and won't spend more than $30.

Thanks

If you ant a a really good mochip you will at least have to pay $35 messiah 2 www.foundmy.com.

They have some out there for $15 - 20
http://www.finim.us/shop/enter.html

But they have a problem playing a couple of games and dont boot everytime on the first try. (they do boot most of the time on the first try though)

Pay a little extra man a mod is worth the price of not having to pay for another original if your original gets scratched up

Also to if you are not good at solder points that are less than 1mm apart you better send it of to a good installer

If you need one let me know

Also from another post
:

A messiah 2 runs about $35 + shipping install range from $30-70 (average install from an installer that does a reliable job usuaally charges $70) so total cost is just a little more than 3 original games about $65-$105 + shpping ~$15-$20 back and forth runs you about $100-150
(if you can install yourself, it just costs you $35 + time )

A flip top or no solder with a boot disk costs around $44 You still void your warranty just like a chip since you have to take the cover off (even thought that is not a big concern)

Its all on personally preference but I think that the install price of about 3 games ~$150 is worth the peace of mind but to each his own It can all be done for about $44 also but you have to still swap.

When you add up the price you dont have to pay for rebuying the originals for your backups of those originals that you own I think $150 is priceless
(being honest I would go as far as to say if one doesnt have $150 to invest in a ps2 then it is probably not worth having, the money can be saved, little by little until it builds up to $150)

But hey its a free world and everyone has the right to decide what they will or will not have done to their playstation 2, Its their own personal right
As long as the person who owns the playstation is happy thats all that counts

[ps2daddy]

well if you were the average joe who never played backups and wouldnt think of modifying your ps2, i would suggest the v7 (or newer)..the laser on it is better (although the v6 is good too).. the v8 runs cooler and quiter and has some new dvd playing fuctions (better support for the burnable dvd formats i think).. i'm not too sure about the v9 though, i think it was just recently released in japan.

the v7 & v8 can be fitted with modchips and work just as well as the older version of ps2's.. so if you're going to get a modchip, get a v7 or v8.

Well right now version 8's just came out in the Us and for the US there is no modchip that will work in them as of yet. The Japanese one will work with a messiah 1.31 but that is the only one so far

If you want it chipped right now you would be better off getting a version 7

version 7= SCPH 39001
version 8= 5CPH 50001


Those are the model numbers

I guess you could consider the PSX a version 9 in japan if you want to and that will be out later dont think it came out yet

[defense]

i know that v.9 has an infared remote control and some other feature....which seperates it...but what does the v.8 have which the v.7 doesn't?

[ps2daddy]

i know that v.9 has an infared remote control and some other feature....which seperates it...but what does the v.8 have which the v.7 doesn't?

Well actually the ir remote and better dvd-/+r reading capabilities are version 8 ps2s

its the 50000 and 50001 series ps2s the version 7 is the 39001

There is no such thing as a "true" version 9

[defense]

ps2daddy...do you know where I could get a version 8? If I went to Best Buy this weekend for example..do you think they'd have v.8's ?

Do you at least think they could have a mixed batch with v.7s and v8's?

If so, I could check the serial number on the boxes to find out right?

[ps2daddy]

ps2daddy...do you know where I could get a version 8? If I went to Best Buy this weekend for example..do you think they'd have v.8's ?

Do you at least think they could have a mixed batch with v.7s and v8's?

If so, I could check the serial number on the boxes to find out right?

That might be a good place to try also Funcoland or EB too.

The US version 8 is the Model number SCPH 50001

The Japnese version 8 SCPH 50000
http://www.the-console-corner.com/sony_ps2_-_special_edition.htm
(this comes wth the funky blue color and 40GB harddrive the US 50001 wont)

The US version 7 is the Model number SCPH 39001
The US version 7 with network adaptor is the Model number SCPH 39001/N

Warning
Also please note that the US version 8 cannot be chippped for right now.
The messiah 2 team is working on a solution so if you want a chip installed immediately get a 39001

[defense]

ps2daddy...thanks for that input.... i'm not in a rush for a chip...i'd just like to get the thing if I could. When you say 'EB'...what is that?

There are no funcolands down here...not sure where you live but that sounds like some Willy Wonka factory....lol

Anyway, thanks for the input...you have any idea how long you think it would take before Messiah comes out with the chip for the v.8's?

[ps2daddy]

ps2daddy...thanks for that input.... i'm not in a rush for a chip...i'd just like to get the thing if I could. When you say 'EB'...what is that?

There are no funcolands down here...not sure where you live but that sounds like some Willy Wonka factory....lol

Anyway, thanks for the input...you have any idea how long you think it would take before Messiah comes out with the chip for the v.8's?

Electronic Boutique

You can also try gamestop/babages/funcoland

I have no idea how long it would take but I would expect at least 1.5 months minimum

[defense]

PS2daddy...do you check your PM's....I sent you one earlier. Curious as to what setup you have. What version ps2 do you have and what chip set or swap shit?

[ps2daddy]

PS2daddy...do you check your PM's....I sent you one earlier. Curious as to what setup you have. What version ps2 do you have and what chip set or swap shit?

Here is mine
https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=160651&highlight=

Version 7 PS2 with a Messiah 2 version 1.30 installed 7months old
Did the custom job and mod myself.

[defense]

nice PS2 man....are those NEON lights on the outside? If so, where did you purchase that case from?

[ps2daddy]

nice PS2 man....are those NEON lights on the outside? If so, where did you purchase that case from?

I paid a guy to cut the letters out and I also bought a Electroluminescent light kit from him.
www.freedomlives.com

I painted it myself the installed the light kit

[defense]

cut the letters out...DAMN MAN...you do NOT PLAY! Tight work man....nice lookin console!

[ps2daddy]

cut the letters out...DAMN MAN...you do NOT PLAY! Tight work man....nice lookin console!

Thanks I try my best

[ps2daddy]

I forgot to add some good sites

www.ps2newz.net
www.cdrom-guide.com
www.ps2ownz.com

I look at them all everyday

[jeex]

ps2newz sucks.. (this refers to the thetiger/thetieger complex, you konw who you are)

[seandvd]

jeex,

you basically put a modified cover on the ps2 that opens from the top. you load your swap magic dvd or cd (depending on if the game is cd or dvd based), you can load it either through the tray or the cover. it doesnt matter because the ps2 will read it as a real ps2 game.

So instead of adding a modchip, you can modify the cover to allow you to swap disks without ejecting the tray? I've been unable to get my no-solder modchip system to work; get red frame which I thought was a bad burn. Since I already have swap magic, it sounds like I might have another way of doing this. Can this be tested with the cover off?

Thanks for the help!

[jeex]

jeex,

you basically put a modified cover on the ps2 that opens from the top. you load your swap magic dvd or cd (depending on if the game is cd or dvd based), you can load it either through the tray or the cover. it doesnt matter because the ps2 will read it as a real ps2 game.

So instead of adding a modchip, you can modify the cover to allow you to swap disks without ejecting the tray? I've been unable to get my no-solder modchip system to work; get red frame which I thought was a bad burn. Since I already have swap magic, it sounds like I might have another way of doing this. Can this be tested with the cover off?

Thanks for the help!

the cover is more a matter of convience than necessity.. you could run backups with only the swap magic discs & copies..

basically, take off your original ps2 cover.. you'll see the dvd-rom drive, unscrew the lid.. there should be a little round white tab, remove it from the dvd-rom lid.. the little white tab is actually a magnet that secures the disc in place.. put in your swap magic disc, as soon as it goes in, put the little white tab on top of the disc (you'll see the magnetic attraction).. once it loads up swap magic, remove the white tab & swap magic disc, put in your backup, put the white tab on the disc & then press a button on your controller..

i guess you could try to cut up your original ps2 lid and try to make your own "flip top lid".. but this will be a good way to test your no solder chip.

also, are you playing 1:1 backups of your games? or are you downloading rips?

[seandvd]

jeex,

Thanks for the fast reply!

The mod chip was sent back once already and sure enough, it's gotta go back again. I almost gave up on this because I thought my problem was burning the disks. Because of your help, I now know I've got a bad modchip. The backups work great using the method you described and I can't thank you enough!

Now I won't have to yell at the kids when I see the $50 game disks laying all over the floor; back 'em up for a couple of bucks and file the masters away.

[jeex]

jeex,

Thanks for the fast reply!

The mod chip was sent back once already and sure enough, it's gotta go back again. I almost gave up on this because I thought my problem was burning the disks. Because of your help, I now know I've got a bad modchip. The backups work great using the method you described and I can't thank you enough!

Now I won't have to yell at the kids when I see the $50 game disks laying all over the floor; back 'em up for a couple of bucks and file the masters away.

glad to hear you got everything sorted out and working correctly.