Usa Ps2 Games

[amf]

I've done a search as I'm sure this subject has been discussed befire, but come up empty handed.

Do PS2 games purchased in USA work here? I am aware of the regional codings of DVDs, but I'm not sure if the same codings apply to PS2 DVDs.

Alex

 

[kirstenjet]

No they don't unless you buy something to make them work, I think it comes in the form of a dvd/cd.

Zoe

 

[amf]

Wow Zoe....does that qualify as the quickest response ever?

Thanks....I was afraid that might be the answer.

Alex

 

[JANNYANS]

i think you need to have the PS2 chipped which apparently invalidates the warranty.

 

[amf]

Thanks Jan

PS2 was bought at Xmas 2003 and will be chipped once warranty ends. As we go back next year I think I'll leave it till that trip before buying the PS2 games in USA.

Alex

 

[disneyholic family]

the item that enables US games to work on non-US PS2 equipment is very hard to come by...at least, we've still not been able to locate it.....

and yes, the answers you received are correct...we also have a PS2 on which the US games most definitely do not work...

i suggest handhelds (like gameboy) if you plan on buying lots of games in the states...

i hope that the new PS handheld version, scheduled for release soon, will be like the gameboy in terms of its universality...

 

[SimonV]

The Nintendo Gamecube system is exactly the same unfortunately. And DON'T let any sales assistants in the US tell you that the games WILL work back home. I've had a really sad letter from a reader recently whose son saved up and bought a Gamecube game in the US after being assured it would work, only to find it wouldn't and Nintendo in the Uk weren't in the least bit interested in trying to help.

 

[AndyB]

Just a few things that may help.

- It is now illegal for anyone to supply you with or fit 'chips' into your Playstation...this is why they are so hard to come by....although a bit of hunting around in games mags should lead you in the right direction.
-there are software (i.e on a disc) programmes that can let you play foreign games..think there's one for X-Box and Gamecube too....but again, I think these are pretty tough to track down
- If our friends at customs discover your games, they 'may' decide to charge you import duty...same goes for DVD's etc....I'm not really sure of what the laws are, but they have charged me for importing American Dvd's before (ended up paying more than if I'd bought the English version!!)

Hope this helps you out

 

[AndyB]

Sorry, can I just point out that the DVD's we brought over were 'proper' films, and not anything aimed towards grown ups!!!!!

(Thought I'd better make that clear!!)

 

[Miffy2003]

LOL Andy!!!

 

[Tron[ADS]]

Heres the facts on importing games on all the consoles :


The solution for Gamecubes is substantialy easier, you just buy the "freeloader" boot disk. This costs around £13 and is easily obtainable at your local video game shops, or play.com / amazon.com. There could be an issue with video modes on some games however, as US cubes use S-Video and do not have the RGB mode that UK consoles have. I was never able to get UK Pikmin working on my US Cube.

The PS2 requires, as folk have said, a mod chip to be fitted. There is a boot disk solution for DVD's, but not for games. There are several different chips available, but the fitting is quite tricky for anyone inexperienced.

XBOX is the same as the PS2 for Games in that it requires a mod chip to be fitted. Fitting is somewhat easier as all solder points are on the top of the board (for the popular LPC chips), meaning it doesnt have to be removed from the case. Expect to pay a fitter around £40 for supply and fitting (well thats what I charge anyway). The solution for DVD playback is different to the PS2 though, the Xbox requires an external dvd dongle to be fitted, which doubles as a remote control receiver. The xbox will lock onto the first dongle thats used on it, so if you want region 1 dvd's, buy your dvd playback kit from a us stockist. You will lock out region 2 dvd's forever if you do this though (unless you get it chipped).

For older consoles :
Dreamcast - a freely available boot disk (called Utopia) is available for download on the net (www.gamecopyworld.com). this can be burnt with Nero or other CD writing software. Its simply a matter of booting to Utopia then swapping disks.

PS-One - Modchip is the best solution, expect a fee of around £10 to have one fitted. Alternativley, there is a boot disk available, though hard to find, or for really old models, there is a disk swap method.