To play a copy of a PlayStation 2 (PS2) game, you usually need to install a modchip on the motherboard using a soldering iron. Installing the modchip is very difficult and can damage the DVD-ROM Drive laser. In some countries, modifying the PlayStation 2 is even illegal. Now, however, you don't need to modify the hardware to play your copy of the PlayStation 2 game because you only need to use the Swap Magic software and a little tool called Slide Card. To perform this simple method, you will need to remove the cover of the DVD-ROM drive using two small screwdrivers.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Gathering the Needed Tools
Step 1. Get the Swap Magic 3, 6 software
Swap Magic 3, 6 is software that allows you to play copies of the game on the regular or slim version of the PlayStation 2 console without having to install a modchip. Swap Magic can usually be found at a game store or computer repair shop. You can also buy this software on the internet. However, make sure you buy it from a trusted place, like Amazon.
- You will need to purchase a CD or DVD copy of Swap Magic 3, 6 as copying this software yourself to a blank DVD will not work. If there are websites that require you to spend money to download Swap Magic, you should avoid them because they are more likely to be trying to trick you. Therefore, buy this software on a website you trust.
- Using Swap Magic 3, 8, you can play games that are not officially released in your country. Make sure you know the applicable laws before playing it because the game may contain things that are not in accordance with the norms and culture of your country.
Step 2. Get a Slide Card
Swap Magic can function as a modchip replacement when used with Slide Cards. Slide Cards are small plastic devices designed to pull out the PlayStation 2's DVD tray while the game disc is playing so you can swap them out. When you buy Swap Magic 3, 6, you will get a Slide Card that can be used for any version of Swap Magic. However, if you don't get a Slide Card after buying Swap Magic, you can buy it at the shop where you ordered Swap Magic.
Step 3. Organize your workspace
You'll need a screwdriver, a flat screwdriver, and a bright work area to work in. You just need to remove the cover of the DVD-ROM drive, not disassemble the whole machine.
Part 2 of 3: Removing the DVD-ROM Drive Cover
Step 1. Turn on the PlayStation 2 and press the Eject button
After that, the DVD tray will pop out of the console. Make sure the DVD tray pops out of the console when you try to remove the cover of the DVD-ROM drive.
Step 2. Turn off the PlayStation 2 and unplug the power cord from the power outlet
Turn off the PlayStation 2 by pressing the power switch on the back of the console. When using the power switch located on the front of the console, the DVD tray will slide back into the machine. Unplug the PlayStation 2's power cord from the electrical outlet.
Step 3. Store the PlayStation 2 in a bright place and turn the console over
The screw that needs to be removed is at the bottom of the DVD tray.
Step 4. Remove the screws attached to the DVD tray
This screw is attached to the cover of the DVD tray that you are about to remove. Remove the screw at the bottom right of the tray with a screwdriver. Keep the removed screws close to you as you will be reinstalling them.
Step 5. Remove the cover of the DVD-ROM drive from the clamps that secure it
This cover is the front of the DVD-ROM drive and is held in place by two small clamps located on the left and right ends of the drive. Gently remove the cover from each clamp using a flat screwdriver while pulling the cover toward you. Do not remove the cover from the clamp too hard. Otherwise, you will break the clamp. However, if the clamp breaks, you can fix it with glue.
Step 6. Replace all the screws on the DVD-ROM tray
Use a screwdriver to gently screw in the screws.
Step 7. Flip the PlayStation 2 back to its original position and turn on the console
You will need to reconnect the power cord to the electrical outlet and connect the PlayStation 2 to the television.
Part 3 of 3: Playing the Game
Step 1. Insert the Swap Magic 3, 6 (or later) disc into the PlayStation 2
Swap Magic 3, 6 consists of two different discs, a CD and a DVD. If the game you want to play is a CD, insert the Swap Magic CD. If the game you want to play is a DVD, insert the Swap Magic DVD.
Step 2. Turn on the PlayStation 2 and wait for the instructions to appear on the screen
After the PlayStation 2 loads the contents of the Swap Magic disc, the words “Insert disc” will appear on the television screen.
Step 3. Eject the CD or DVD using the Slide Card
Insert the Slide Card under the DVD tray on the left side of the tray. Make sure the Slide Card is facing to the right. Inserting a Slide Card creates a 2-centimeter gap between the left side of the tray and the Slide Card. Once the Slide Card is inserted into the PlayStation 2, hold the DVD tray firmly and slide the Slide Card to the right. After that, the DVD tray will pop out of the console. Remove the Swap Magic disc from the DVD tray.
Step 4. Place a copy of the game on the DVD tray
After the game is placed, gently push the DVD tray into the PlayStation 2.
Step 5. Slide the Slide Card to its original position while facing in the same direction as before
The steps for sliding the following Slide Card are slightly different from the steps taken to remove the Swap Magic disc:
- Slide the Slide Card back to the right. However, when the DVD tray pops out slightly, stop pressing Slide Card. After that, slide the Slide Card back to the right. This allows the Slide Card to operate the locking mechanism on the DVD bin to allow the DVD tray to slide in and lock properly.
- Slide the Slide Card to the left until it reaches the end of the gap. This will close the DVD tray. After that, you can remove the Slide Card.
Step 6. Press the "X" button on the controller
This will start the game. After that, you can play any copy of the game.
Tips
- When copying (burning) PlayStation 2 games to a disc, try to use a lower copy speed so that the contents of the disc are not damaged.
- If you are skilled in making goods, you can make Slide Cards from credit cards.
Warning
- There is other software that will allow you to play copies of PlayStation 2 games. However, such software is hard to find in trusted stores. Game experts recommend Swap Magic because the software is safe and easy to use.
- Although a modified PlayStation 2 is sold in some computer stores, it does not carry a warranty. Thus, if the console is damaged, you cannot exchange it.
- Modchips are illegal hardware in some countries.
