The importing evo thread

Use this to post any good deals, assistance, etc in importing Evo.
I am getting a pretty good deal from ncsx.com - importing evo came to about 60 something bucks (standard ups shipping).
I got a mod chip for about 45 bucks, also standard shipping....I have the url at my house, so I will post the info later tonight. Its the magic 3.1
Here are some links to mod chips:
http://www.modchip-sbox.com/ps2-magic-31.shtml
US$ 35 + shipping.
http://www.the-console-corner.com/prod05.html
26.99 + shipping...holy crap, I think I am about to cancell my original order!!!!
mods4less link
26.50 + shipping!
http://www.thegiantstore.com/product.asp?3=262
39.99 + shipping...has some bulk deals.

well, thats a good start

editor's ...uh.. edit: I arranged the third link so that it doesn't create a scrollbar and give flat-mode viewers a headache

 

I chose the swap trick method ...cause i don't trust anyone to solder a chip into my playstation 2. there is this flip top lid ,
that fits perfectly on the ps2 with the swap majic disk and im strait...and i heard with those chips they have some games that are programed to look for mod chips, and some games...like EA sports games you have to "patch" to play. i beleve it to be safer to use the swap method than to trust someone to solder wires into ps2...

 

With those new modchips listed from the links above, you don't have to worry about patching EA games or stuff like that. Also as of now, there are no PS2 games with modchip protection code. There may be one in the future, but you are almost assured that getting a modchip will let you play the import evo. Swap method is fine too if you opt to do it that way, but you need a retail copy of a DVD ps2 game with a TOC size that is bigger than the VF4 EVO DVD TOC size in order to make that work. Personally, I think it's a good opportunity to snatch one of those limited edition color japanese ps2s to compliment evo's arrival. /versus/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

I still prefer the new case-swap mods.
http://www.ps2case.com
No soldering, easy to install, and plays imports like a dream. Has problems with back-ups of 80-min cd-rips and DVD9 rips, but originals are fine. They are working on new swap discs to handle those 2 types that are non-compliant.

Looks snazzy to. /versus/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
Runs $50 for swap discs and case mod. The Shipping is based upon how fast you want it.

 

Soldering a modchip inside your PS2 is fine, as long it's done by a person who knows what he's doing. And not your regular 'yea I'm good with electric stuff and shit' neighbour next door. /versus/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

Pardon the ignorance...but what exactly is a TOC size? /versus/images/graemlins/blush.gif /versus/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

if Sega doesn't release a VF4Evo for North America
i will have no choice to mod my ps2

thanks to all for them links,,, i will go shop for a chip soon
++, +

 

TOC size= Table of Contents size. This is a file read by the dvd player... you'll notice this, and VOB and whatnot when you try ripping DVDs. Yes, it's a headache.

BTW, has anyone tried the flip top case yet? How does it work? I was originally going to get an import PS2, but now, this got me thinking. Also, does it work with all the PS2 models- old and new?

 

No, you specify if you have a v1-3(10 screws at the bottom) or v5-7(8 screws at bottom) and it's just like the regular top but with an extra flip lid. you can still load games through the regular trey and the eject and reset buttons are in the same spot with a perfect fit...ive ordered mine already ill explain more in a few days. You can even pic colors regular black a blue or white.

 

isn't it kinda funny that there is alot of english in the japanese version of evo??? what's up with that?...im not mad but what's the deal?

 

ok I have a question... I got a new PS2 recently and I've been able to swap before with my old PS2, but now its sending me to the "Disk Read Error" instead of loading the game... Does anyone know if the new PS2 are protected in some way from swapping? because its really confusing me!! /versus/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

Is this with a CDR? Any chance you messed up burning/patching it?

 

Actually, in Japan, many games will feature english text for simple things like the title menu and such. This is because English is a required course for all students in Japan. You won't see as much English in the meat of the game though. For example, PS2 evo will include alot of strategies and play theory in the game, and they will all be in japanese. The quest mode will also be pretty much entirely in japanese, include the names for the items and such. So in reality, not very much of the game is in English.

/versus/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

What sort of swap are you trying to do? Flip top lid swap with Swap Magic? Knife Swap with a Gameshark ? Or a swap with a Gameshark and a Neokey?

In short, I can say that the knife swap does only work on older PS2s. I imagine the knife swap will work with a Swap Magic disc (so you dont need the flip top lid). Dont know for sure. Swap Magic does say it will play originals as well as backups (including DVD-R).

-DeathCom

 

Which method do you think is best for those of us with newer version PS2s?

 

Best swap method for new PS2s is probably that of the flip top lid. Im unsure of the details, Swap Magic doesnt mention the need for a real PS2 DVD game with a large TOC, but it might.

-DeathCom

 

Swap Magic Discs when ordered have 2 discs. The first is used solely to boot CD-Based games and the second is used to boot DVD-Based games. They work on originals well and the DVD Swap Disc has a TOC large enough to boot DVD9 originals. The only problem with the Swap Magic discs that some people do not like is if they play back-up's. The CD-Swap disc will only boot up 74 min games. It fails to boot up 80 min cd-r rips of games (That's why you have a DVD boot disc, so just grab the DVD Iso and not the rip). The DVD Swap disc will not boot up DVD9 based rips since the root booting sequence is altered to accomidate fitting the rip on multiple dvd's. it is being looked into to introduce Magic Swap Discs to handle 80 min cd-r rips and DVD9 rips, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

Hmm, but you still need either the flip top lid or a swap mod device, like a Neokey or the ribbon cable mod to use swap magic? Someone was spouting off that you didnt, I figure he was doing the knife swap with it.

If you have a neo-key or ribbon cable mod, will it then load 80min CDR? Gameshark knife swap was limited to 74min, but the addition of a mod like that would let you do 80min.

-DeathCom

 

I have not tested it, but I have heard you can do the 80 min cd-r's by using your neo-key/s-box. The soldering for it doesn't effect your bios chip (loading functions).

I have an extra PS2 that has an S-Box, but my friend won't let me use his flip-top case since it works on his machine and he's paranoid about taking apart working things. Even if he did let me install the flip-top.<shrug>

I'll have a flip-top in about 2 weeks so I'll be able to tell you for sure then.

 

I usually just used a Gameshark to swap out for burned CD's and DVD's but with this new PS2 it hasnt worked at all... I'm just wondering if the new PS2's have protection against such things...