Just spent a few days with my PS2 working out mx4sio and the memcard pro 2. It's very slick, just remember to mount the FMCB default card from the webpage app before hitting the in game reset or you'll be getting off the couch to hit the reset button. Had that happen to me a few times.
I'm on the edge of modernizing my PS2. There's currently a drought in the industry, and there're quite a lot of games from the PS2 era that I haven't played in 15+ years, if at all. Now seems like the good time with all the new mods and accessories releasing
Great list. Macho Nacho also highlighted another great PS2 slim mod, where for a specific model (500x) you can resurrect the IDE connector that still on the MB and then use an IDE to SD card adaptor. Think that will be my next project
Frustrations abound in this arena as a 45 year old kid!!! All I want is to load all my ISO's to my internal SSD and use Free McBoot and be done. Once you dive into the waters it becomes all these crazy OPL options and Grim Reaper this and that,........ I want a PS2 that plays any PS2 game I want and any PS1 game I want off of my SSD, is that too hard to ask in 2024? I'd say the same 5 days ago as it was 2023. lol Great Vid, and subbed to you.
Great video! I'd also add Gusse's work on the PS2 like the IDE resurrector for certain PS2 Slims and his new internal bluetooth blueretro adapter that can turn on your PS2 via the controller.
I'm currently 8 PS2s deep into building a PS2 LAN. Converting it all to run from MX4SIO as having so many duplicates of LAN games is starting to get a bit silly. With eBay full of "broken" PS2s with dead laser units, MX4SIO running breathes new life into these dead consoles, for less than half the price of a fully working unit. Got a MemCardPro2 on order and am looking forward to when that ships.
@@Mister_PhafanapolisDepends on how the game and what you class as a player. Most games support 6 to 8 players, whereas Gran Turismo 4 can support 11 consoles with 8 players racing and the rest spectating the race. And thanks to some games getting community servers for online play, up to 32 players can be online in a game.
I don't recommend making any mods that requires removing the optical audio port on the PS2, since it can be used to provide digital audio for various kinds of equipment. I personally have DAC connected to mine using the optical audio port and it sounds really nice.
Rebuilt a 35003 ps2 to working order, now looking into upgrading. Used retro gem before on my n64 and loved it!!! Now going to drop one in to my ps2, with the RePS2 PSU. Waiting for the official network adaptor from Japan as I’m going to drop a HHD in. Looking forward to more upgrades like that memory card featured. Isn’t SSDs a tad overkill for the ps2? Wouldn’t the ps2 hold the SSDs back?
There are no colored ps2 shells anymore. So i wouldnt say they are currently being produced. The ones being sold are incredibly expensive now and being resold. If im not mistaken production costs for those shells have risen and many old distributors either dont exist anymore or simply dont sell them. The clear ones you see everywhere is lower grade plastic and mass produced. If anyone actually has a site or forum where someone is selling colored shells for less than $60 id love to see it. But most are going for $150+ which is not worth it.
You missed two incredible MODs for the PS2 Slim, both for DIYers, but some modders sell the console already modded, I know Modsville sold one with both of these MODs along with Retro GEM. First MOD makes the PS2 slim rival (in my opinion better than) the PS2 FAT, so the 700XX PS2 still has support for IDE drives, you just have to solder the right pins on the board, and you can do it by hand, but it is about 29 wires which have tiny connections and you wire management must be top-notch to accommodate it to the PS2 slim case but still possible. However @Gusse made an easy-to-solder flat cable for you to restore IDE drive capability to 700XX PS2s, and with it you can attach it to those cheap IDE to SD adaptors, and install it on your PS2 slim with a seamless microSD port, no cut nor trimming the board/case necessary, this MOD is at this moment limited to 128GB because of the adaptor, and @Gusse has some incredible videos showing how to do it (he also did this MOD without the flat cable if you are interested to see). But the better option is to install an IDE to SATA adaptor, and set the SATA port on the outside of the console as @Gusse did, he named it the "Super Playstation 2 - Cartridge system", and as the name says it looks like a cartridge on the back of the console, and you can put a SATA drive on it, this MOD is also no cut and very elegant BTW, @Gusse didn't make any videos on youtube on this version of the MOD yet, but he posted the process and use on Twitter, you can check it here twitter.com/Gusse__/status/1695115945511985638 . So the second MOD is also from darthcloud64 along with @Gusse, darthcloud64 made a Bluetooth controller adaptor using an ESP-32 called blueretro, it can connect to most consoles and connect to all Bluetooth controllers (even dual sense), and @Gusse made an internal version of it to all ps2 Slim called Methylene, it can do what any blueretro adaptor do and more, like power on, power off and reset a PS2 just with the controller, it has port detection, so you can connect any controller to the controller port that it works without interference, and the Bluetooth controller just goes to player 2, this MOD is much easier to install compared to the IDE resurrector, aside for the 3.3v port that you need to desolder and isolate. @Gusse also didn't make any TH-cam videos on it yet, but posted on Twitter too, you can see a showcase for it here twitter.com/Gusse__/status/1689381814136094720 . he offers a version fully prepped, and a version without the ESP-32 for DIY Just one drawback of blueretro, its protocol still doesn't send pressure information, so when pressed the button it recognizes it as fully pressed, this is being worked on by darthcloud64 for future updates, you update via wifi so it's very easy. I have those MODs along with retro GEM ready to install on my 700XX PS2, and I believe it's the ultimate PS2 Slim, just gotta make a MemCardPro2, or buy one for China if they make a cheaper version (I'm Brazilian so shipping fees don't let it viable to buy it from the US)
I have my retro gem shiny which is definitely good and I also adjusted my screen size to my Sony 65 inch. The scaliness are definitely terrible. But if you want 4K I would also get the mClassic. It looks actually amazing. I also have blue retro in my ps2 which is a board in my ps2 which I can play the ps2 with any wireless controllers. Definitely better than the usb version you showed in the video lol i don’t really like receivers but a total of 4 wireless controllers isn’t so bad. Hopefully there’s an update for 6-8 players . I have the memcard for the GameCube too. Only if the original Xbox had one. Also you forgot to mention the IDE Network Adapter SATA Upgrade Kit. Definitely got the fan too. Also would’ve included the custom background layouts for the games. Some really cool templates not only that but you can also get mods for the ps2 software. I have some for my WWE titles and will be expanding. 2TB hard drive as well 640 games total. Also you can add music too lol I seen a video about a music option . Hopefully we can see some more upgrades in the future . I have the 50001 FAT.
The mClassic has undergone rigorous testing to receive HDMI's certification for creating a low jitter HDMI signal for 480p (SD), 720p (HD), 1080р (FullHD), 1440p (QHD/2K), and 2160p (4K) It will up-scale gameplay up to 1440p60 on supported monitors. 4K native content will be passed through the mClassic. Everyone who owns mclassic knows that it does in fact supports up to 4K that’s why it’s so expensive. I see a big difference between from using my retro vs using both retro and mclassic.
HDMI certification doesn’t really involve “rigorous testing”, just paying the license fee. mClassic only outputs scaled 1440p from 720p sources or lower, not 1080p, and it has a REALLY hard time with many TV/monitors’ EDIDs and tends to lock to 1080p max anyway. It doesn’t upscale ANYTHING to 4K. So yes it will pass through an existing 4K signal, but it does NOT scale to 4K, so saying “just get an mClassic if you want 4K” makes zero sense here, as it doesn’t help you achieve that whatsoever.
Hi, did you ever release that image you mentioned with the preconfigured FHDB etc? I think it would be very welcome and useful for newboes, even with the newer (seemingly abandoned) grim reeper setup. If you did release it, would you mind sharing it please?
I think you linked to a fork of the original OPL Github, any specific reason for that forked repo? It appears the original one is even more up to date.
Doesn't like OG ps2 controller? HARE HATE HATE. if this were a swamp of be an ali-hater. I could use a cold glass of hater-aid. Sure, come on up, take the ele-hater.
I agree with all mods, except with the silent fan mods for the 5000x fat model. I have one and it is pretty quiet, sound like my modern laptop, make me think this mod is unnecessary for this version. But maybe I'm wrong, I'm not sure
Awesome vid! Just one thing to let the community know. Regarding the "RetroFighters" controller. It is not "Absolutely Perfect". Most people using a modded PS2 care about input lag, that's why we use original hardware instead of emulation. The input lag is terrible for the retro elite. Also, this controller is terrible for fighting games. The L2 and R2 buttons are far too sensitive. You will constantly "Press" them accidentally. On original controllers you can "rest" your fingers on them as they are Actual Buttons. On the RetroFighters controller you absolutely Can Not as they are analogue triggers and will get activated with the slightest grace of your finger. I am still looking for a wireless option.
Personally I find that getting straight into the topic is very well suited to this type of content, I’m tired of sponsor spots and like/subscribe begging dragging on at the start of a video, so this was a much needed breath of fresh air.
Just spent a few days with my PS2 working out mx4sio and the memcard pro 2. It's very slick, just remember to mount the FMCB default card from the webpage app before hitting the in game reset or you'll be getting off the couch to hit the reset button. Had that happen to me a few times.
I'm on the edge of modernizing my PS2. There's currently a drought in the industry, and there're quite a lot of games from the PS2 era that I haven't played in 15+ years, if at all. Now seems like the good time with all the new mods and accessories releasing
Great list. Macho Nacho also highlighted another great PS2 slim mod, where for a specific model (500x) you can resurrect the IDE connector that still on the MB and then use an IDE to SD card adaptor. Think that will be my next project
Yeah same! With the new OPL that should be sick.
The 50000 series are Phat ones. It's the 70000 that are slim, but can still use IDE
Is the first slim model 7000x
Amazing video! An all in one video telling us everything we can do to bring the PS2 as close as possible into the modern age is very useful!
Thank you!
Love these kind of videos!
Thank you!
Frustrations abound in this arena as a 45 year old kid!!! All I want is to load all my ISO's to my internal SSD and use Free McBoot and be done. Once you dive into the waters it becomes all these crazy OPL options and Grim Reaper this and that,........
I want a PS2 that plays any PS2 game I want and any PS1 game I want off of my SSD, is that too hard to ask in 2024? I'd say the same 5 days ago as it was 2023. lol
Great Vid, and subbed to you.
PS2 is very easy off internal ssd now, ps1 is still a pipe dream apparently
Great video! I'd also add Gusse's work on the PS2 like the IDE resurrector for certain PS2 Slims and his new internal bluetooth blueretro adapter that can turn on your PS2 via the controller.
An awesome video as per usual, Adam! 😄👍👍 I for one would love to see more ROM hack/showcases in the foreseeable future. 🎮📀
This is all soo exciting. Thanks for the video dude. Subbed
Thanks for the sub!
I DO want MORE PS2 content, especially romhacks
Loud and clear
I'm currently 8 PS2s deep into building a PS2 LAN. Converting it all to run from MX4SIO as having so many duplicates of LAN games is starting to get a bit silly. With eBay full of "broken" PS2s with dead laser units, MX4SIO running breathes new life into these dead consoles, for less than half the price of a fully working unit. Got a MemCardPro2 on order and am looking forward to when that ships.
Awesome!!!
What is the most number of players in game you can have on your LAN?
@@Mister_PhafanapolisDepends on how the game and what you class as a player. Most games support 6 to 8 players, whereas Gran Turismo 4 can support 11 consoles with 8 players racing and the rest spectating the race. And thanks to some games getting community servers for online play, up to 32 players can be online in a game.
Also amazing video as always, discovered this second channel a few days ago and I'm really enjoying
Thank you!!
I don't recommend making any mods that requires removing the optical audio port on the PS2, since it can be used to provide digital audio for various kinds of equipment. I personally have DAC connected to mine using the optical audio port and it sounds really nice.
Rebuilt a 35003 ps2 to working order, now looking into upgrading. Used retro gem before on my n64 and loved it!!! Now going to drop one in to my ps2, with the RePS2 PSU. Waiting for the official network adaptor from Japan as I’m going to drop a HHD in. Looking forward to more upgrades like that memory card featured. Isn’t SSDs a tad overkill for the ps2? Wouldn’t the ps2 hold the SSDs back?
There are no colored ps2 shells anymore. So i wouldnt say they are currently being produced. The ones being sold are incredibly expensive now and being resold. If im not mistaken production costs for those shells have risen and many old distributors either dont exist anymore or simply dont sell them. The clear ones you see everywhere is lower grade plastic and mass produced. If anyone actually has a site or forum where someone is selling colored shells for less than $60 id love to see it. But most are going for $150+ which is not worth it.
People are making new colored shells for old systems all the time now, so it’s just a matter of time
Hey Lost Saves, do you know what fan is compatible with the Ocean Blue SCPH-37000L? I saw in this video that you have one with a fan mod.
Thanks!
Does the Retrofighters controller have pressure sensitive buttons? If yes, then it seems just perfect.
It does!!!
Came here with this question too, good to know that it does
You missed two incredible MODs for the PS2 Slim, both for DIYers, but some modders sell the console already modded, I know Modsville sold one with both of these MODs along with Retro GEM.
First MOD makes the PS2 slim rival (in my opinion better than) the PS2 FAT, so the 700XX PS2 still has support for IDE drives, you just have to solder the right pins on the board, and you can do it by hand, but it is about 29 wires which have tiny connections and you wire management must be top-notch to accommodate it to the PS2 slim case but still possible.
However @Gusse made an easy-to-solder flat cable for you to restore IDE drive capability to 700XX PS2s, and with it you can attach it to those cheap IDE to SD adaptors, and install it on your PS2 slim with a seamless microSD port, no cut nor trimming the board/case necessary, this MOD is at this moment limited to 128GB because of the adaptor, and @Gusse has some incredible videos showing how to do it (he also did this MOD without the flat cable if you are interested to see).
But the better option is to install an IDE to SATA adaptor, and set the SATA port on the outside of the console as @Gusse did, he named it the "Super Playstation 2 - Cartridge system", and as the name says it looks like a cartridge on the back of the console, and you can put a SATA drive on it, this MOD is also no cut and very elegant BTW, @Gusse didn't make any videos on youtube on this version of the MOD yet, but he posted the process and use on Twitter, you can check it here twitter.com/Gusse__/status/1695115945511985638 .
So the second MOD is also from darthcloud64 along with @Gusse, darthcloud64 made a Bluetooth controller adaptor using an ESP-32 called blueretro, it can connect to most consoles and connect to all Bluetooth controllers (even dual sense), and @Gusse made an internal version of it to all ps2 Slim called Methylene, it can do what any blueretro adaptor do and more, like power on, power off and reset a PS2 just with the controller, it has port detection, so you can connect any controller to the controller port that it works without interference, and the Bluetooth controller just goes to player 2, this MOD is much easier to install compared to the IDE resurrector, aside for the 3.3v port that you need to desolder and isolate. @Gusse also didn't make any TH-cam videos on it yet, but posted on Twitter too, you can see a showcase for it here twitter.com/Gusse__/status/1689381814136094720 . he offers a version fully prepped, and a version without the ESP-32 for DIY
Just one drawback of blueretro, its protocol still doesn't send pressure information, so when pressed the button it recognizes it as fully pressed, this is being worked on by darthcloud64 for future updates, you update via wifi so it's very easy.
I have those MODs along with retro GEM ready to install on my 700XX PS2, and I believe it's the ultimate PS2 Slim, just gotta make a MemCardPro2, or buy one for China if they make a cheaper version (I'm Brazilian so shipping fees don't let it viable to buy it from the US)
Does memcard pro 2 only auto detect game if using opl (ps2) or an ode (ps1)?
Not sure if I did something wrong but it works just fine using opl, and it did not work using a disc.
@carblazer31672 yea I was able to find out that only works with opl
I have my retro gem shiny which is definitely good and I also adjusted my screen size to my Sony 65 inch. The scaliness are definitely terrible. But if you want 4K I would also get the mClassic. It looks actually amazing. I also have blue retro in my ps2 which is a board in my ps2 which I can play the ps2 with any wireless controllers. Definitely better than the usb version you showed in the video lol i don’t really like receivers but a total of 4 wireless controllers isn’t so bad. Hopefully there’s an update for 6-8 players . I have the memcard for the GameCube too. Only if the original Xbox had one. Also you forgot to mention the IDE Network Adapter SATA Upgrade Kit. Definitely got the fan too. Also would’ve included the custom background layouts for the games. Some really cool templates not only that but you can also get mods for the ps2 software. I have some for my WWE titles and will be expanding. 2TB hard drive as well 640 games total. Also you can add music too lol I seen a video about a music option . Hopefully we can see some more upgrades in the future . I have the 50001 FAT.
The mClassic doesn’t even output 4K…
The mClassic has undergone rigorous testing to receive HDMI's certification for creating a low jitter
HDMI signal for 480p (SD), 720p (HD), 1080р (FullHD), 1440p (QHD/2K), and 2160p (4K) It will up-scale gameplay up to 1440p60 on supported monitors. 4K native content will be passed through the mClassic. Everyone who owns mclassic knows that it does in fact supports up to 4K that’s why it’s so expensive. I see a big difference between from using my retro vs using both retro and mclassic.
HDMI certification doesn’t really involve “rigorous testing”, just paying the license fee.
mClassic only outputs scaled 1440p from 720p sources or lower, not 1080p, and it has a REALLY hard time with many TV/monitors’ EDIDs and tends to lock to 1080p max anyway.
It doesn’t upscale ANYTHING to 4K. So yes it will pass through an existing 4K signal, but it does NOT scale to 4K, so saying “just get an mClassic if you want 4K” makes zero sense here, as it doesn’t help you achieve that whatsoever.
there is so much bunk info in this post it's acid-burning my eyeballs...@@realprincegino
Hi, did you ever release that image you mentioned with the preconfigured FHDB etc? I think it would be very welcome and useful for newboes, even with the newer (seemingly abandoned) grim reeper setup. If you did release it, would you mind sharing it please?
Hi! Great Video! Where can i find the FHDB Image you talked about?
I think you linked to a fork of the original OPL Github, any specific reason for that forked repo? It appears the original one is even more up to date.
That was the fork required for the exFAT update I was specifically talking about lol
What's the name of the OPL theme at around 5:40 mark?
Doesn't like OG ps2 controller? HARE HATE HATE. if this were a swamp of be an ali-hater. I could use a cold glass of hater-aid. Sure, come on up, take the ele-hater.
What the hell are you on about? The DualShock 2 is one of my favorite controllers of all time.
I agree with all mods, except with the silent fan mods for the 5000x fat model. I have one and it is pretty quiet, sound like my modern laptop, make me think this mod is unnecessary for this version.
But maybe I'm wrong, I'm not sure
Interesting. Could be that your fan is just still in good health too!
yours might sound quiet. Mine sounded like a jumbo jet on takeoff.
Yeah, there are no clear shell housing for slim ps2 on Ali express. It’s currently dead in the water.
I need coloured ps2 shells please let me know
Awesome vid! Just one thing to let the community know. Regarding the "RetroFighters" controller. It is not "Absolutely Perfect". Most people using a modded PS2 care about input lag, that's why we use original hardware instead of emulation.
The input lag is terrible for the retro elite. Also, this controller is terrible for fighting games. The L2 and R2 buttons are far too sensitive. You will constantly "Press" them accidentally. On original controllers you can "rest" your fingers on them as they are Actual Buttons. On the RetroFighters controller you absolutely Can Not as they are analogue triggers and will get activated with the slightest grace of your finger. I am still looking for a wireless option.
I still just use my ps3 ps2 memory card adapter to pull saves for ps1 and ps2 saves to my computer 😂 (and to the ps3 also!)
Classic! Still a valid way to do that
1:30 thats a ps1 slim
I’m aware, it was an example of the kind of color I was talking about
@@lostsaves Ah okay I was confused 🤣
With this manicure you need to wear a beard and not a beard.
a beard, not a beard? what?
Yes! More PS2 rom hacks, please!
Wait, these are purchasable Brand NEW PS2 Consoles?!
No?
I mean you can find some on eBay but they’d be $$$$
1:33 That's a PS1
I’m aware; it was an example of the kind of color shell I was referring to
Love the video
I'm very surprised cuz ps2 is becoming popular more and more in 2024. Do you know why? 🤔
👍🏼
Thanks for watching!
Poor introduction and lacking information for people who don't know what you're talking about, but cool video.
How could you possibly not know what I was talking about? It’s literally the title of the video
Personally I find that getting straight into the topic is very well suited to this type of content, I’m tired of sponsor spots and like/subscribe begging dragging on at the start of a video, so this was a much needed breath of fresh air.
Exactly!
😸
Please more PS2 hack ROMs. New sub, nice content!
Thanks for the sub!
Why?
Are your fingernails painted blue my guy😅😅😅
Why aren’t yours painted blue? 😅😅😅