I've created this thread to answer all major questions. This means if someone asks a question, there is an answer easily available for you to give them. If you don't want to wade through all the info to look for an answer to your question, hold down [ctrl] and press [f] Then you can search for a keyword relating to one question .If you feel a question should be added to the FAQ, then feel free to post it in this thread. Anyway, on with the FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How much does a PS2 cost today?

$99.99 brand new.

2. What are the console's release dates?

Japan: March 4th, 2000
North America: October 26th, 2000
Europe: November 24th, 2000
Australia: November 30th, 2000

3. Can a PS2 play games from other regions?

Without modifications, it can't play games from other countries or continents.

4. Is the PS2 compatible with all PlayStation games?

Yes. Most of the original PS1 games will work on the PS2.

5. Is it possible to play PS2 games on the original PlayStation?

No, doing so wouldn't work and shouldn't even be tried since it wouldn't make sence.

6. What is "Magic Gate" and why is the name on my PS2 memory card?

Magic Gate is a system used to secure and hold together files on your memory card. It keeps important information from getting into harmful hands.

7. How fast is the disc drive?

CD-ROM: 24X spd (PS1 has 2X)
DVD-ROM: 4X spd

8. Does a PS2 overheat if left on for too long?
Fortunately, No. Unlike the PS1, the PS2 has a cooling fan that prevent overheating.

9. Why is putting the PS2 to "sleep" important?

Putting the system on sleep before turning it off, protects it from any Network Adaptor damage. Turning the power off while online can be dangerous.

10. Does the DVD feature of the PS2 contain parental control?

Yes. Parents can look after kids, worry-free. If a code is forgotten, press the select button while a movie is playing to show the system menu and input the number code: 7444, to unlock it.

11. Where can I get updated PS2 drivers?

New PS2 drivers can be added when a PS2 DVD remote is bought.

12. Where and how can the PlayStation 2 go online?
Currently, it can go online right now in all the major regions. A PS2 can connect online by plugging in a USB cord from the PS2 to a computer modem with internet connection.

13. What resolution do most PS2 games run at?

Most run at 640 x 448 interlaced. Unless playing on an HDTV, you won't get a much higher resolution than that.

14. Can you use PS2 memory cards to correspond with PS1 games on a PlayStation 2 console?

No, you can not, but a PS1 memory card does work on the PS2 but only with PS1 games.

15. Can memory cards and controllers from other regions work with my PS2?

Yes, they are all official Sony products and components of the PS2.

16. Is the PS2 capable of burning DVDs?

The console cannot burn discs, but Sony's PSX can. The PSX can also play PS2 games and record TV shows. It also has plenty of other features.

17. Can the PS2 be modified to store games on the hard drive?

Yes, but a program called the HD Loader (not available in stores). The device can rip all the data from a PS2 game (doesn't work with PS1 games) and store it onto the HDD.
Note: HD Loader is NOT a licensed Sony product.

18. What new features and improvements does the new slimmer PS2 offer?

First, the PS2-Slim is 75% smaller. In addition, there is no need for a network adaptor, as the North American model is equipped with Ethernet built in the back. The new power supply is on a "block" on the power cord instead of inside the console. The disadvantage is that the new PS2-Slim does NOT support any type of hard drive. The add-on just won't fit inside the console.

19. How come the old models of the PS2 can't be found for sale anymore?

Sony has discontinued these older models because the slimmer version is cheaper to produce and easier to ship. Regular sized PS2s must be bought used in game stores.

20. Is the newer version of the PS2 more prone to overheating?

No. The slimmer console has an internal fan, despite rumors saying otherwise.

Hope this was helpful! If anything should be added or if there are any further questions. Please feel free to PM me and expect an answer.

This message was edited by Aimkidd on May 20 2009.


This message was edited by Aimkidd on May 21 2009.

This message was edited by Aimkidd on May 29 2009.

I didn't know that you can use a PS1 memory card in a PS2. I thought that was going to harm the system. Now I can save my progress in my old PS1 games.

I may just be nitpicking but this may be helpful to add in the facts. I noticed that the slot for memory cards are smaller in the slimline model. The official Sony cards will fit. The competiors brands are a different story. They were originally made for the first playstation models. Newer ones however fit the slimline version.

The PS2 can overheat. You must make sure that you position the PS2 in a way so that the vents will do their job. My nephew always placed his PS2 on top of the rug on the floor so the vents were always blocked. Not suprised he went through two systems recently.

Great job on the fact sheet. Thank you!

This message was edited by vgf_4life on May 27 2009.

This message was edited by vgf_4life on May 27 2009.

quote Krunal

Good guide, just the one suggestion, at the moment as it is, it's quite difficult to differentiate the questions from the answers, what you should do is make the questions bold, and indent the answers. Will make the thread look far more presentable, and make it easier to see what the questions are and what the answers are.

Thanks for the compliment and suggestion.

How does it look now?