FEATURES | Setting up the Ultimate PS2 in 2020
SONY'S PlayStation 2 turned 20 years old in March of this year and if you still have the system, you'd probably thinking of taking a trip down to memory lane.
So after hooking up up the AV composite cable, pop in your favourite game and grab the analogue controller, only to find out that modern-day HDTV display don't really play nice with relics such as PS2 in the visual department.
The video output looks washed-out and blurry, in extreme cases incompatible with certain Smart TVs. Then there's the DVD lens that is prone to fail after two decades of use and the short distance between you and the TV due to the length of the controller's cords. Nobody wants to tangle with cords in this day in age!
But with the vast library of excellent games during the PS2 era plus the backwards compatibility with original Playstation One games, surely there are ways in the year 2020 where we can be reunited with one of the best selling systems outside of using emulators?
Luckily, there are a few ways:
1. GOING WIRELESS
Wireless controllers such as Logitech Cordless Action Controller for PS2 was a great option for wireless PS2 gaming a decade ago, those looking to update can try out the Brook PS3/PS4 to PS2 Super Converter - an attachment that connects to the PS2 letting you play with your PS3 or PS4 controller wirelessly.
You can even hook up compatible PS3 or PS4 arcade stick for those who want to get into PS2 fighting games like the Japanese exclusive Fist of the North Star: The Twin Blue Stars of Judgment - History of the Fist Masters.
The only caveat to the Brook converter is that you probably have to buy a pair of these to enjoy two-player wireless play as it only allows you to sync one PS3/PS4 controller per dongle. Also, updating the firmware can be finicky as it will not detect the dongle for some reason.
Pro tip: Run the program as Administrator and use a Dual 2.0 USB to Mirco USB for the extra juice.
2. CABLES CABLES CABLES
For a crash course on how to get the best picture for your Playstation 2, check out this hour-long video below on how you can get your PS2 running the way it's supposed to on modern TVs.
Personally, the component cable is the simpler option, giving our game much clarity, a good example is Final Fantasy XII, when using the component cable, it comes off looking like an early PlayStation 3 game.
3. SOFT MODS & HDD
Let's face it, some games are asking way too much in the secondhand aftermarket (I'm looking at you Rule of Rose). Those DVD lenses from 20 years ago ain't gonna do you good in the long run when it eventually wears out. So having the option to play your PS2 games on an HDD is a godsend especially if you plan to keep your original PS2 discs in pristine condition.
On the plus side, with a higher hard disk RPM, you can expect better loading times for those games that would have taken forever to load up. While setting up the softmod, compatibility issues and question on legality might make you wanna think twice before diving into this, it does make for the ultimate PS2 build.
Final Thoughts
Obviously, all these will require some spending money to get your PlayStation 2 up and running in 2020. The hardcore PS2 enthusiast out there probably call foul for not playing the system in its purest form, so to each his own. But if you're like me and appreciate a bit of upgrade, there's no better time than now to start and try out some the suggestions above. Happy gaming!
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