Best PS2 Model?

[Zezae]

Currently have a SCPH-70001 (US slim) and I'm interested in the japanese shmups. This may be a shock to many people but I currently own 0 shmups for my PS2, I haven't used it much but I am indeed interested in starting to collect now. I wouldn't mind importing a japanese PS2 since I already have a US one for US games, but again I'm wondering if there is a preferred model.

Also interested in playing PS1 games on it and found this link as a result: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Pl ... yStation_2. After reading that I found out that I definitley do not want the model SCPH-30001 or I assume that's SCPH-30000 if importing.

Finally, I'd also like the JP PS2 to be in a different color than black, if possible and if it's a good model. Either Aqua Blue if fat or ceramic white if slim. Thank you.

[Fudoh]

Get a slim 90000 unit with internal PSU. Freshest model around. Shmup-wise you'd run into problems with two PS1 titles (Kyukyoku Tiger collection and Gradius Gaiden) which both have timing problems on all PS2 models. Other than that you're good to go.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

If you decide to go with a fat Japanese PS2 console, the SCPH-15000 is pretty good. The only thing is that you'd have to buy an external PS2 HDD & external PS2 Network Adapter devices to get everything up and running.

The revised PS2 console with the USA region SCPH-30001 model had a DVD playback firmware upgrade via PS2 DVD-Rom disc update and stored on a PS2 memory card (later produced fat PS2 consoles had this DVD firmware incorporated into the hardware). If you attempt to play DVDs with a Japanese RGB or Euro Scart cable setup, you'll run into the dreaded "green" screen Macrovision anti-copying protection scheme. You'd have to use "DVD Region X" to remove that green screen and be able to watch them in crystal clear clarity in RGB format.

Or you could use Swap Magic boot disc to load up your favorite JPN PS2 games on your USA region slim PS2 console.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Rock Man]

PC Engine and Fudoh knows what they're talking about, your in good hands.

[Zezae]

Thanks a lot! Completely forgot I'd need a network adapter etc. if I bought a fat. So used to the slim I've had, haha. While I've heard of Swap Magic, I think at this point I'm interested in physically owning a Japanese PS2 console just for collecting purposes and having the original system. But I probably will end up getting a Swap Magic as well as this new console. Will be looking for a SCPH-90000, thanks again everyone.

[ZOM]

+1 to the SCPH90000, seems that they fixed some of the issues the other slim models had. It's a nice little box now that the PSU is back where it belongs.
Although, I have a Japanese SCPH10000, a PAL SCPH30004R and a modded SCPH90000 and I never encountered any problems playing shmups on any of them. Except the two games Fudoh mentioned of course...well, actually just Gradius Gaiden - I don't have Kyukyoku Tiger.

[neorichieb1971]

Just out of interest are the US slims 220v compliant?

[PC Engine Fan X!]

The U.S. region PS2 Slims variant consoles are rated at 110v-120v AC. Guess you'd need to use a stepdown convertor as not to fry the poor ol' PS2 Slim's AC adapter setup.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[dave4shmups]

The slim PS2's are great, but my own personal experience is that they are extremely picky about scratched disks. I'm talking about a disc that looks like it has NO scratches on it at all. I'm not saying that you shouldn't get a slim PS2, I'm just trying to give you a heads up. Make sure the games you get are in very good condition, and buy some of that disc scratch filler stuff that GameStop sells.

[neorichieb1971]

I have a US slim at the moment with an external PSU and it takes any voltage you throw at it. The PSU happily takes 220v as it states on the PSU itself. However, if I need to replace my PS2 with a new one I would like to know if its 220v compliant on the new models.

Are you sure PC engine FX?

[ZOM]

The new PAL slim models with integrated PSU take just 220v - 240v; I'm willing to bet that PCEFX! is correct on that the newer US slim models have a 110-150v PSU.
Otherwise I don't see why we(EU) didn't get an universal PSU in our slims...

[Fudoh]

I'm using a japanese SCPH-77000 with an external PSU and it's 100V-only as well...

[alenmcmilan]

I also have been using SCPH-15000 series PS2 around last two years , Its awesome series PS2, It was very nicely working before and even todays, i like that feature. I had seen not any problem with using this one in before.

[speedlolita]

I have:

SCPH-50003 (PAL / Aqua Blue)
SCPH-50000 (NTSC-J / Midnight Black (Translucent))
SCPH-55006GT (NTSC-J / Ceramic White / Chipped)
SCPH-30003 (PAL / Regular with HDLoader)
DTL-H30001 E (NTSC-U / Debug so play any region)

Basically, any phat PS2 is best.

Though, I'd recommend, as others have, a 90000 unit. Simply because they're new. I want one..

Or get your 30001 chipped.

I'd recommend against the original slim models really. For example, I wouldn't trust my Ibara in my 70003.. After having a few backups coastered.

[mesh control]

How bad are the timing issues with Gradius Gaiden? Is it still playable or is it something to completely shy away from?

[Fudoh]

Seventh stage runs at half speed if I remember correctly. That's about it.

[Joneswilliamsc]

Well speedlolita, I agree with you. As I am using from which you have mentioned the list here. I am currently using SCPH-55006GT (NTSC-J / Ceramic White / Chipped) . And I like it. I like its all of the functionalities too.