Personally I find the fan noise and disk drive to be relaxing and nostalgic

The PS2 still looks great for being 23 years old. To put that into perspective the PS2 (North America launch) in the same time frame would be like being in the year 2000 looking at a gaming console from 1977.The original members of Lynyrd Skynyrd was still touring 23 years before the launch of the PS2. That's how fast time goes by.

These are GREAT videos. I love to see old consoles getting refurbished and upgraded and customized. Keep bringing us all this content please.

The clear and obvious choice for a new ps2 shell is the translucent ocean blue to match the translucent ocean blue dualshock 2. Also, the Gam3gear Brook Super Converter is a great option for making the ps1/2 wireless. It connects to dualshock 3/4 (my preference is dualshock 3 for battery life), dual sense, pro controller, xbox controller, etc. and has plenty of range to sit as far away as you can while still being able to read text.

This could not have come out at a more perfect time! Because I just finally got a hold of networking, PS2, classic myself, as well as the modem for it. And I was thinking about looking into ways to do exactly what you’re talking about. So once again thank you! You always seem to have impeccable timing with videos pertaining to what I want to do.

Nice mods! I like it being as stock, original as possible. The SSD is definitively my favorite upgrade since heat and noise reduction are so much welcomed. The Retro Fighters controller is also something I'd look into, given that the original Dualshock 2 controllers are also getting old and hard to come by in case you need replacements. As for video quality, I simply use a CRT and a 32" or smaller TV, both with component inputs. Bigger screens usually tend to make the experience lesser without upscalers or converters. And just before I forget: the PS2 has built-in digital audio output, so you can plug any surround bar if you want to improve your audio through the console itself.

Love these episodes...very informative!

glad to finally see you check out some of the retrotink stuff.

Great mod! The only thing I did different about my PS2 mod was adding a 3d printed bracket to the inside of the PS2 hard drive slot so the SSD wouldn't hang in there loosely. Other than that, my mod is identical. Has OPL, LaunchElf, all that good stuff. Was just playing Ace Combat Zero the other day as a smooth 60 FPS on the CRT. Good stuff.

If you want some good wireless pads, just use your Dualshock 3 and 4 controllers. Bluetooth adapter with pademu turned on in OPL. It's a good low cost alternative.

Blue retro is also an affordable and low lag solution for pairing a wide range of Bluetooth controllers with retro hardware. Will’s Console Mods is working on a PS1/PS2 dongle for 30 GBP.

Last time I was this early I was walking out of GameStop with the launch PS3.

For the PS2 you should've looked into the GBS-Control as a scaler. It uses the same deinterlacer as the Retrotink 5x and its something you could build yourself

I suggest getting a Brook PS2 to PS3/PS4 converter. It will let let you use any dualshock 3 or dualshock 4 and it can sink them by USB connection. It also works for usb wired to controllers and arcade sticks. Plus they work with all PlayStation 1 & 2 converters which will allow you to use your modern stuff on all your retro systems you have a old converter for. I play all my retro fighting and beat'em up games with my modern arcade sticks using it. Lol

I have been waiting to do the exact same thing. So glad I watched this because the controller was my hold up.

i recently bought a stock ps2 and i love it so much but this could actually improve my experience, thank you so much

That’s controlled is legit, I’m gonna buy a few for my ps3 and PS2 when I upgrade it thanks! I’m gonna start my project soon!

That Retro controller actually looked really nice. Like the buttons a lot

Great video man

that defender controller is awesome, I waited a long time for that to come out

There are pros and cons to an SSD on PS2. Pros: Faster transfer rates from PC, Smaller size than HDD; Cons: Some games have been reported to not run well on SSDs (run too fast), Need to buy & bolt in a separate SSD holder for PS2 so that the SSD doesn't flop around loose. I was about to get an SSD for my PS2 until I started hearing about its issues. As for the fan, I'm thinking about doing that some day. Though I will say my PS2 is already running quiet with the OEM fan. You can spray paint the fan black if you want it to match.

Definitely look into the brook wingman as a controller solution. Let's you use all your wireless Xbox controllers, ps3-5 controllers, and switch too! Even let's you use different usb controllers like fightsticks!

Good for you on your projects.

I'd like to think it was my comment that got you going on this.Good on you for refreshing it. 👍🏻

There is a controler addon called the wingman that's recently been released for ps2 that will allow for the use of any 3rd or even first party wireless controler including ps3/4 and 5 and also has a USB port so will accept any wired USB controller as well. From what iv seen it looks pretty damn good with even low latency. Price wise it's comparable to your retrofighter controler. Downside is its for the Bluetooth dongle? (that bit that slots into the controler port) only so you would have to provide an additional controler. But for the most part that controler can literally be any Bluetooth or USB wired that already exists on the market. Chances are it will even be compatible with the retrofighter you've just bought as well. My mods aren't as extensive for mine it's just a 500gb sata drive with free mcboot. For my sons it's an mx4sio card and free mcboot. The latter is a great option although one downside is the cost of sd/micro sd cards are comparatively more expensive than a hard drive so the same size sd is going to be orders of magnitude more costly than just using an hdd. It's a more convenient form factor though and can be discreetly packed into a wallet and used in any ps2.

Great video! Love being nostalgic about this console and how you upgraded it for today. One thing bugs me is why did you not turn the PlayStation loco around when standing it upright!!! HERACY!

Great video! Thanks!

The only reason I won't just dive into ps2 games and stop playing new stuff is the lack of a upscaler that works great and doesn't cost half my salary. Emulator is good but the experience on the console is another thing. And that controller seems to be very nice indeed. Great video and if you have more videos related to ps2 and nintendo ds phat model, please do them because even so there's videos of those systems, your opinion and coverage is great!

The RetroTink is great. The 5x has so much more options. That 4K RetroTink is probably still a couple years out for a production run and the resale value of it should hold up pretty well if you sell it when the 4K comes out.

The fan and disc noise brings so much memories back, sometimes I turn on my PS2 just yo hear the sound of the fan.

Using a retro think here w/ a mclassic and component cables. Yeap. Pretty awesome. Good video. Very tempted to do the nocturnal fan mod.

i was amazed how clear the video is. when i tryed to record my ps2 screen with obs via hdmi converter, and hdmi splitter, that caused an extreme screen break in obs, that i had to lower the max fps to 30. intrestingly enough, the tv screen is allright.

I did the same set of upgrades for mine last year, but added a 3d printed SSD bracket as well, topped off with the Defender. I also have one of the Blue Retro adapters that works great with a Dualshock4 on PS2! Like others here, I'd also recommend the RT5x Pro. The motion adaptive de-interlacing is fantastic. Though totally understandable if you'd want to skip it if the PS2 is your only system going through it.

I like these reviews and upgrades to older systems.

HD Retrovision components connected to my big old Sony Trinitron looks absolutely stunning.

I had my PS2 since 2002, and had a hard drive with HD Loader in it since about 2004 or 2005. I skipped out on the PS3 and 360 until 2010, so my PS2 really saw some use with the HDD. Having all of the games in there at the press of a button has been so good that I kind of miss it when my PS4, Switch and X1 games aren't digital to this day. I need to go pull it out and play some games on it again during the times when all my friends and family are asleep. Seeing these videos are making me want to upgrade it the same way. I still need a scaler since I don't have my CRTs anymore (broke during winter in storage).

I have to admit this is getting me excited to do the same I remember seeing these fat PS2's everywhere before the pandemic I bet they're all snatched up now. Luckily I got at least one dirt cheap so that will probably be the one I go with.

Really wanted to see how an SSD performed with a PS2. Thanks for the video brother. By the way, you're looking really great man. Looking healthy and happy.

I used to swear by my slim model ps2 purely because of its compact size. That was until I realized there is a pretty wide spread issue where over time the ribbon cable for the disc drive raises from the glue wearing down and eventually it'll make contact with the underside of your discs. Completely ruining your games by scratching rings into them. I'm now in the market for a fat ps2 model.

Thanks for the video! Just did this myself

I love having my Noctua and SSD in my PS2. Super stealth and I did the mod where the expansion bay still had Ethernet capabilities so I can connect online for private servers or even some NAS loading.

My PS2 has a 1Tb hard drive. FreeMcboot, HD Retrovision component cable connected to a Framemeister and in to an Mclassic. I also have a Brook adapter to use an official PS3 controller wireless on a PS2 and it includes being able to use the pressure sensitive buttons.

PS2 was the last new console I bought. Got it about a month after release here in the UK. Didn't have it long, went on to PC gaming from there. All these years later though, I do have another PS2 and do still use it.

Amazing video and I was not expecting such a great controller recommendation! Seriously, how have I not heard of this thing? 8bitdo could only dream.

The goat of consoles. Still.

I have the Japanese clear blue PS2 and I love it. Currently looking for a Xbox Halo Special Edition at a good price to complement the transparent aesthetic for my retro game room.

Yup this is pretty much my setup apart from a Retrotink 5x and 1TB instead of a 500gb. Just got a Defender in today. Pretty fantastic.

I got into this scene earlier in the year, I couldn't believe how easy it was.

😎 Tech Wave 🌊

I use the gbs-c for upscaling. You need to do some mods to it and use the custom firmware but its great for the price.

Great video!

I actually bought a fat PS2 after your first video, and because my local store had a 39000 for 35 bucks with an OG controller in great shape. With the HD Retrovision cable and my Retrotink 5x Pro the picture quality is superb. I also managed to get a cheap original network adapter with ethernet port so I've loaded mine up over network. Took about 16 hours total for nearly 450gb transfer, but at least I didn't have to open up my PC to insert the SSD as I don't have any other way to connect internal drives at the moment. All in all it's a pretty good system and it's been a blast playing it again, and without graphical glitches emulators still have in a few games.

8:33 How I wish we had a remake of Maximo games! The art style would be awesome on Nintendo Switch.

There are kits that let you use an SD card instead. Probably a better choice if you looking for a quiter system and don't want to spend on an ssd.

4:35 Yes, the seeks are actually VERY noticeable in some cases! The HDD-OSD is one of these cases, especially when it has many games installed. PS.BBN also boots faster.

I purchased a Brook adapter that works with PS3 and PS4 controllers. Super cool tech!

If you want to get rid of the network adapter and get a more stock look, it might be worth looking into the MX4SIO stuff. Haven't looked into it much myself but it uses a custom card that takes an SD/micro SD card that goes in the memory card slot instead of a drive at the back.

Personally, I hope Mike Chi releases the 5X for individual consoles like he did with the Rad2X. I know he was talking about it, but now all I hear is the 4K option.

Have a original ps2 only swapped out the fan for an original one and I still love it.

Looks great 😌 ❤👍

I'd love to get a hold of one of those Bravia TVs with the built in PS2, make it region free, and plug all my other Playstations into it and turn it into a Playstation center

Currently, my PS2 is my Steam Deck. Been diggin it so far. That silent build is pretty sweet. If you could get it upscaled to 1080p or higher that would be friggin sick.

The 5x looks great on my 4k, it’s a must have! 🍻

I was lucky enough to find an unopened ps2 controller at my local game store. The dude said it had fallen behind the rack and sat there for YEARS before they had found it that weekend and put it out for sale. So now I have a brand new controller and I had forgotten how good they feel new.

Those wireless defender ps pads are great, got mine a few weeks back and I've been playing Suikoden 4 with it and it feels great.

I would sometimes recommend decals to just completely cover up the PS2 shell if all else fails. I mostly did that for a lot of my systems because I'm going for a red & black Devil May Cry theme.

Still love how the ps2 looks still one of my favourite designs

A question, Can you use the Action Replay with the Harddrive? like some how rip the launch disc onto the harddrive with it's memory card as well, or does the mcboot have actionreplay/other cheat devices built right in?

Do this video but for the other sixth gen consoles (dreamcast, xbox, GC)

Wish we could get a remake of God Hand.

I'm glad I didn't get rid of my PS2. I had the slim model but recently I bought a fat model from a seller on OfferUp. I bought it specifically for playing backups off a hard drive

pretty cool mods! The only thing is, the TV volume was always way higher than any noises the console made so I never noticed! lol

the PS2 is still the greatest game console of all time to me the library of games is so good

Isn't there an upgraded fan that goes inside just like the original but it's quiet instead of using the external looking thing?

It's good to know that they still run after 20 years.

hands down, the greatest upgrade I ever did to my Slim PS2- FreeMcBoot and SMB Ethernet streaming of games. Godsend.

The PS2 is my favorite console of all time. I owned 200+ games for it.. BUT PCSX2 is the way to go now. A moderate computer will run it, you can upscale games to 4k,etc.

most PS2 in other colors were Japan Exclusive at the time in the west I can actually only remember the silver one next to the regular black one

this is dope. I would buy one of these since i most likely wouldn't be able to do this myself.

Nice vid. Makes me want to give my fat aqua PS2 some loving. Have the original p-ata network adapter and HD advance, should really go s-sata and a beefier drive/ssd

The retro tink 4k will not be available for a long time, at least not until FPGA prices fall. The 5X is going to be what you want, particularly because you get access to the holy grail that is 480p. The 2X does not support 480p which may be why you were having some issues previously

so, mr. spawn wave - what title is getting the most play now that you've built this futuristic ps2 beefcake?

Translucent purple with a purple rgb kit sounds pretty dope if you're going all out...

Those NFL2k5 replays are gonna be so smooth.

The Defender Controller seems nice, but you could also have used "PADEMU" in OPL and a USB BT Dongle and a DS3/DS4.

I don't get why everybody (especially those from the PS1 and PS2 era) feel the need for upgrading the graphics, resolution and frame rate so badly and can't apprechiate the flaws as something that is similar to the good old crackle of a vinyl. I got the DuckStation now to run PS1 games and yes, you can get vast "improvements" out of it, but it kills all the charme and nostalgia for me, so I leave everything on default settings to get the true PS1 experience. Especially the dithering did it for me. The makers had certain things in mind how they tweaked the limited possibilities of rendering back then, so body models would "take shape" a certain way when the aliasing hit and textures were "improved" to fit the low resolution CRTVs with their dot matrix to make for a "pleasing" look. I know we are spoiled today with graphics, but I really think that cranking up the graphics with apps like DuckStation is a cool thing but over-smoothens everything, so it looks sterile and empty. Damn you can play a PS1 game in more than 4K resolution which blows my mind. But it just doesn't do it for the old games. It's like being able to enjoy a good modern and powerfully compressed major label song in maximum modern quality, but a nice 70's kick drum sound or the quality of recording tape clipping is just unmatched and like a good wine. Maybe I am alone with this opinion.

Personally the fan noise is relaxing to hear (feels really good to hear after a long school day), as well as the slight noises of the harddrive, if ever possible i would pay for the same stock fan but with more white noise

I always thought of the fan and disc drive noise as the system flexing its strength! Lol

The best wireless controller for the PS2 is the Dualshock 3. If you're using OPL all you need is a cheap USB Bluetooth adapter and you're ready to go

One thing you forget to mention is just how hard it is to find third party controllers with pressure sensitive buttons lol. It was essential for the PS2

I'm so glad you invested in the Retrotink! That old HDMI adapter you were useing in the first part looked absolutely dreadful!

Good choice on the controller. I have one of the Defenders too, good controller.

Hey y’all

Crash Bandicoot the Wrath of Cortex had crazy long loading times. I think that game would actually benefit from the SSD

That maximo footage really brought me back though holy shit

Makes me want to upgrade mine.

I was bored at work so… 1:27- Noctua Fan. 4:09- SSD. 5:47- RetroTink. 9:42- Defender Controller.

First watch your videos all the time

I'm personally running a PC emulating a PS2. I can download any game and run it perfectly. Plus I also have a wireless ps2 controller. It's pretty dope. Love seeing more folks out there that love this console. It was my favorite console growing up.

That controller was a good choice. Many games using the button pressure sensitivity. Most of them are unplayable without it.