Play Copied PS2 Games

Playing copied PlayStation 2 (PS2) games used to be impossible without installing a modchip. Modchips, which must be connected to the motherboard with a soldering iron, are difficult to install and can damage the laser. In some locales, modded PS2s are even illegal. Now, thanks to the magic of software-modding, hardware mods are no longer necessary. You can play copied PS2 games with software called Swap Magic and a tiny plastic tool called a Slide Card. You will have to remove the front cover of the CD/DVD tray for this to work, but it’s simple to do with just two small screwdrivers.

Steps

Gathering Your Tools

  1. Get the Swap Magic 3.6 software suite.[1] Swap Magic 3.6 is software that allows you to play copied PlayStation 2 (PS2) games on a regular PS2 or a Slimline without having to install a modchip. Swap Magic is commonly found at independent gaming or computer repair shops. You can also purchase it online, but make sure you buy it from a reputable place, such as Amazon.
    • You’ll need to buy CD/DVD copies of the software, as burning your own copy will not work. Any site that demands payment for a download of Swap Magic is likely a scam. Only buy software from sites you trust.
    • Swap Magic 3.8 also allows you to play games that are not rated for your country. Make sure you know the laws before playing games that aren’t designed for use in your area.
  2. Get a Slide Card. Swap Magic removes the need for modchips by working in tandem with a Slide Card. The Slide Card, a small plastic device, is designed to open your PS2 while a disc is spinning so you can swap out games. Swap Magic 3.6 and up almost always comes with a Slide Card (and Slide Cards are universally compatible), however, if you find a copy that doesn’t include one, you can almost always order one from the same place you found Swap Magic.
  3. Arrange your workspace. You’ll need a small Phillips-head screwdriver, a small flathead screwdriver, and a well-lit flat surface on which to work. You’ll only need to remove the front cover of the PS2’s DVD drive, which doesn’t involve taking the whole machine apart.

Removing the DVD Tray Cover

  1. Turn on the PS2 and press the Eject button. The DVD tray will slide out, which is the position you’ll want it to be in when you remove its cover.
  2. Power off and unplug the PS2. Use the power switch on the back of the unit, as the front switch will close the drive. Unplug the unit from its power source.
  3. Bring the unit to a flat, well-lit surface and flip it upside-down. The screw you’ll need to remove is located on the bottom of the DVD tray.
  4. Unscrew the screw on the DVD tray.[2] This screw attaches the cover (which you’ll be removing) to the DVD tray. Using a small Philips-head screwdriver, remove the screw at the lower right corner of the tray. Keep the screw nearby, as you’ll be screwing it back in shortly.
  5. Separate the cover from the clips which hold it in. The cover is the front of the DVD drive, and it’s held in by two small clips on the left and right edges of the drive. Using a small flathead screwdriver or a pin, gently separate the cover from each clip while pulling the cover toward you. Don’t use too much force or else you’ll break the plastic. But if you do break the plastic, you can repair it with super glue.
  6. Replace the screw in the tray. Use the Phillips head driver to gently reinstall the screw.
  7. Flip the unit back over and turn it on. You’ll need to plug it back into the power source and reconnect it to your television.

Playing Your Game

  1. Insert the Swap Magic 3.6 (or later) disc into the PS2. Swap Magic 3.6 comes with 2 different discs: a CD and a DVD. If the game you want to play is burned onto a CD, insert the Swap Magic CD. If your game is burned on a DVD, insert the Swap Magic DVD.
  2. Turn on the PS2 and wait for on-screen instructions. Once the PS2 loads the Swap Magic disc, the words “Insert disc” will appear on the television screen.
  3. Remove the CD/DVD using the Slide Card. With the arm facing right, insert the Slide Card under the tray on the left side of the drive tray. There should be a 2 centimeter gap between the Slide Card and the left edge of the tray. Once the Slide Card is inserted, grip the DVD tray firmly and slide the Slide Card to the right. The tray will eject. Remove the Swap Magic disc from the tray.
  4. Insert the copied game into the drive. When the game is inserted, gently push the tray back into the PS2.
  5. Slide the Slide Card back beneath the tray facing the same direction as before. The next few motions are slightly different than the removal of the Swap Magic disc:
    • Slide the Slide Card to the right once more, but this time, when the tray ejects slightly, release some of the pressure on the Slide Card, then continue sliding it to the right. This slight break in the sliding motion will allow the Slide Card to move around the locking mechanism to ‘catch” properly.
    • Slide the Slide Card back to the left, as far left as it will go. This will close the tray. You can remove the Slider Tool once the tray has closed.
  6. Press the X on the game controller. This will start the game. You should be able play any copied game.

Tips

  • When burning PS2 games to disc, try burning them at a low speed for best results.
  • If you’re feeling handy, you can make your own Slide Card from a credit card.[3]

Warnings

  • There are other software titles that will allow you to play copied PS2 games, but it’s difficult to find trustworthy sites online. Gaming experts recommend Swap Magic because it’s safe and easy to use.
  • While modded PlayStation 2 systems are available from some independent retailers, they aren’t covered by warranties and could break at any time.
  • In some locales, modchips are even illegal.

Things You'll Need

  • A PlayStation 2
  • Swap Magic 3.6 (or later)
  • Slide Card
  • Small Phillips-head screwdriver
  • Small flathead screwdriver

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtosI9ERpM8
  2. ↑ https://www.estarland.com/images/documents/slide-card_instr.pdf
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWVyu1xYPlc
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