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What is the PlayStation 2?

The PlayStation 2 is a home console by Sony, released in 2000. With more than 155 million units sold it’s the best-selling gaming console of all time — for most millennials, the definitive console of their teenage years.

The PS2 was revolutionary: it played DVDs at a time when DVD players were still expensive, had a powerful graphics chip for its era, and built on the enormous PlayStation library. The game catalogue reflects this: more than 4,000 officially released titles, including countless all-time classics.

Today the PS2 is remarkably cheap to pick up, but be aware: the optical disc drive (the laser) often needs attention after twenty years of use. That sounds more serious than it is — with the right guide it’s a one-hour repair.

Editions of the PlayStation 2

Advice: Go for a Fat model from the 700xx or 900xx series. These have a more reliable laser than the early models and are easier to maintain. Slim models are convenient but slightly more limited in expansion options.

Getting started {#getting-started}

Here’s what you need to play today:

• Power cable — Standard IEC power cable (C13), you probably already have one
• AV cable — The PS2 uses its own multi-AV connector. Composite (yellow/red/white) works, but Component or an HDMI adapter gives a much better picture
• Controller — The DualShock 2 is the original controller; many second-hand units come with one

Most popular games

Shadow of the Colossus

A timeless work of art — one of the most beautiful games ever made.

God of War II

Action at its finest, with spectacular boss fights.

Gran Turismo 4

The racing game that defined a generation.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Still hugely playable, never boring.

Ico

Atmospheric and unique — Shadow of the Colossus's companion piece.

Devil May Cry

Stylish action that invented the genre.

Kingdom Hearts

Disney + Final Fantasy = timeless.

Where to find games?

Physical

• Thrift stores — PS2 games show up in huge quantities, often for next to nothing
• Second-hand marketplaces — Large selection; check the condition of the disc before buying
• A specialist retro game shop — Reliable purchase with a return policy

Digital: FreeMCBoot

FreeMCBoot is a software method to unlock your PS2 without any hardware modifications — just a memory card with the right software installed. After that you can launch games from a USB stick or external hard drive. Fully reversible.

Common problems & fixes

• Disc not recognised / won’t read → Laser is dirty or worn. Clean or replace it. → Clean the laser
• PS2 won’t turn on → Power cable or power supply faulty. → Check the power supply
• Disc recognised but game crashes → Laser is nearly dead, or disc is damaged. Adjusting the laser potentiometer can help
• No picture on TV → Check the AV cable and input on the TV. Composite doesn’t always work on newer screens
• Controller not responding → Dirty or broken analogue sticks. → Repair DualShock 2

Mods & upgrades

• FreeMCBoot install — Softmod with no hardware changes. Run games from USB or HDD. → Set up FreeMCBoot
• HDMI adapter — Much better picture on modern TVs
• Internal HDD install (Fat models) — Store games on an internal drive; easier on the laser
• Fan replacement — The original fans can get noisy after twenty years

Homebrew

The PS2 homebrew scene is large and active. Via FreeMCBoot you can not only run backups of your own games, but also install emulators, media players and homebrew games. The PS2 can serve as a fully capable retro emulation machine for systems up to and including the early 1990s.

The PS2 is easy to find, cheap, and its game library is inexhaustible. There’s no better reason to start today.