The PS2 out of the box plays one particular region plus region ALL movies/discs. A breakdown of standard regions is as follows:
- USA Version PS2: Plays Region 1 and Region 0 (Region ALL) Movies/Discs
- Japan Version PS2: Plays Region 2 and Region 0 (Region ALL) Movies/Discs
- Aus/NZ Version PS2: Plays Region 4 and Region 0 (Region ALL) Movies/Discs

The original Japan model PS2 consoles (10,000 and 15,000) used a memory card software control for playback, however Sony have now opted to use a hard encoded chip to control playback for the Japan 18,000 series and all US and PAL versions.

With the v1.0 PS2 Utility Discs and a 10,000 series Japan version PS2 only you can use a cheat code that lets you play movies from any region (1~8 and ALL). To do this simply hold the L1, Select & O buttons while turning the console on and hold them down until the movie starts or using a non-dual shock controller, hold up after you select the movie to play in the Browse Menu of the PS2 until the movie starts.

Sony have made a recall of v1.0 discs to offer a new disc which does not allow the cheat code to work, so if for some reason you would like to send your disc back and get another one with less functionality, of course you are welcome to do so (but you may also want to go into a mental ward for a check up! ^_^).

UPDATE: The DVD Region X will allow all Region Movies to be played on the PS2 console, for more information, please check the PS2 Hardware Section and look for the DVD Region X.

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DVD Movies contain a copy protection encryption algorythm that is designed to stop you playing movies through a VCR to copy them. If you have your PS2 connected through the VCR and are getting fading in and out or fuzziness when watching a movie, then you need to connect the PS2 directly to the TV.

Even if you do not have the obvious fading in and out whilst having your PS2 connected through a VCR you will still get some video signal degredation and lower quality picture than if you connected it directly to your TV.Sony have made a recall of v1.0 discs to offer a new disc which does not allow the cheat code to work, so if for some reason you would like to send your disc back and get another one with less functionality, of course you are welcome to do so (but you may also want to go into a mental ward for a check up! ^_^).

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The Japanese and US version consoles are 60Hz NTSC output consoles and require 110v power supply.

Depending on your countries power supply, you will have anywhere from 110v (US/Japan/Asian etc.) to 240v (Europe/Australia/New Zealand etc.). All consoles we sell are transformed to 240v for use in any country, regardless of the power supply you have. The transformers are included free of charge when purchasing a console. If you live a country that uses 110v, you do not need the transformer and can ask for it to be left out to reduce shipping costs.

There are four general types of TVs available: Multi-System, NTSC only, 50/60HZ PAL only and 50Hz PAL only.

The Japan and US version PS2 will work on any Multi-System or NTSC compatible TV. Most newer TVs are Multi-System, meaning they can accept a signal from anywhere in the world (PAL, SECAM or NTSC).

If you own a PAL only TV, you will only get a black and white signal unless you use a PAL Converter (which are available separately) to convert the colour signals. If you have a 50/60HZ TV you will still get full screen and no borders. If you own a 50Hz only TV you may get borders similar (but smaller) than a PAL version console. You may also get a rolling picture which will need an adjustment of the V-Hold or Vertical Hold control on your TV (for more details click here).

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As standard no, like all other consoles the PS2 incorporates a standard territory lockout to only play the particular region it is made in. Mod chips are available and being tested to allow all region games to play on any console, this will be a simple installation such as that is used on the PS1, DC and SS.

The territory lockout scheme is basically designed as one measure to try and slow down or stop piracy on the particular console, however in the PS2 situation, as with the DC situation, this is not too much of a problem for DVD-ROM titles, due to the DVD-ROM discs holding up to and over 4.3GB of info (as opposed to 650MB for a regular CD-ROM) and not being able to be copied (atleast not without prohibitively high costs).

To sum up, out of the box, PS2 consoles will only play their native region PS1 and PS2 games without a conversion or converter. Burn Game Station will be offering these conversions as soon as they are proven reliable and compatible. Keep an eye on the site and in E-News for updates!we expect there is a conversion already being worked on and it will be the prime objective of some of the 3rd party companies to allow PAL/US PS1 games (and PS2 when they are available) to be played . Again we will be keeping on top of the situation and as soon as news breaks, we'll keep you posted on the site and in E-News.

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Yes and No, while we understand the real necessity for backups of your original games, we do not condone or promote piracy in any way. DVD-ROM titles cannot be copied as is it not feasible or cost effective to do so with DVD formatted titles. For those who genuinely want to keep a backup of their original game (that they actually own) this is a bummer, however hopefully it will mean more people will buy originals and Sony will lower the prices of games to remove the need for piracy in the industry - then we all win out!

If you have PS1 backup games of your originals, the mod chips will allow you to play these similar to a PS1 console.

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Yes! All your Playstation accessories are fully compatible with the new PS2, this means everything from Multi-Taps to Controllers, Extension Cables and even custom made RGB and VGA adaptors/cables. It also means any accessories for any region (PAL/US/Japan/Asian) are compatible.

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Unfortunately we can't predict what peripherals will come out in the future, however we can be fairly certain that any company bringing out an accessory now or in the future would want to capture as much market as possible from the one product, so they will make it compatible with both PS1 and PS2 standards.

If for some reason it is not, they will most likely include multiple plugs (as they do now for steering wheels etc to play on Saturn, N64, PS, DC etc.) to work on different platforms.

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The Japan and US PS2 has an output signal in NTSC 60Hz frequency, this is standard for all Japanese and US consoles. Most newer TV sets that are purchased now are world compatible or 'multi-system' compatible, this means they will run PAL, NTSC and SECAM signals from any device. If you only have a PAL 50Hz TV you will still be able to play the console, however it will be in black and white without a PAL converter.

PAL converters, convert the NTSC signal to PAL output and allow it to run in full colour on a PAL only TV (or a multi-system TV). AV - AV PAL converters which work on any console (including PS2) will convert the signal and are available for purchase separately should you require one.

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No, the PS2 games utilise new technology and processor intensive tasks that the PS1 cannot perform. The PS2 is a whole new machine, however Sony have included the original PS1 chipset for backwards compatibility, meaning you can play [some] PS1 games on a PS2, but not the other way around.

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Your TV is 50Hz PAL only and the rolling picture is a result of the extra speed (up to 20% faster) of the NTSC signals. Because they run at 60Hz and your TV is only 50Hz, you will need to adjust the V-Hold or Vertical Hold to compensate for the extra speed. You will usually find this control on the outside of the TV and can make the slight adjustment yourself. Make sure to place the setting so you can play your console and watch your normal TV stations/Videos.

Some TV's may have the V-Hold adjustment inside the TV, if this is the case, we would recommend getting a technician to make the adjustment, the fee for this service is fairly minimal, please check your local area for a suitable professional.

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Burn Game Station is testing all mods released for the PS2 and so far no solutions have proven to be fully reliable and offer enough functions for us to offer them to Members. New mods and designs have now been finalised for playback of all import games (US/JAP on PAL and vice versa). These mods are currently in the final stages of manufacture and once finished will be tested for quality. If these mods pass our Quality Assurance Program, they will be offered to all Members in the form of a fully installed Modification, by qualified technicians, backed by the Burn Warranty.

Keep an eye here for updates on the PS2 Mods as we will post all the latest news that is available on the Burn Site.

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