PS2 Hard Drive question...

[dema]

Many are familiar with modding an XBox to allow for a larger hard drive and even going as far as to download games directly to the hard drive. This is an ideal set up for an arcade cabinet because it eliminates the need to swap games in and out of the Xbox console, which can then be stored within the cabinet.

Well, the PS2 now offers a Hard Drive unit, selling with the console version of FFXI.  I was wondering if any of you were aware whether or not this will be moddable so that you can similarly download PS2 games to the hard drive and access games from that, instead of swapping discs in and out. I'm hoping this is possible because there are a ton of games that would be great on an arcade cabinet.

[abrannan]

I'd say give it about a year and somebody will have a Mod Chip and software to do just that.  Right now it's too new, and the 'chippers haven't had enought time to develop the right tools.  Plus, it's was easier with the Xbox as the hard drive was native, and built into every game's awareness.  

[dema]

I'd say give it about a year and somebody will have a Mod Chip and software to do just that.  Right now it's too new, and the 'chippers haven't had enought time to develop the right tools.  Plus, it's was easier with the Xbox as the hard drive was native, and built into every game's awareness.  

That makes sense. Thanks for the help. I'll keep my eyes peeled for when someone cracks it.

[MadEditor]

Your dream has come true ... and even better the PS2 does'nt need to be modded for it to work !!!

http://www.hdloader.com/

[abrannan]

Your dream has come true ... and even better the PS2 does'nt need to be modded for it to work !!!

http://www.hdloader.com/

Sweet!  First the Dreamcast emulator and now this!  I'm getting proven wrong left and right, and it's a *very* good thing!

[dema]

Your dream has come true ... and even better the PS2 does'nt need to be modded for it to work !!!

http://www.hdloader.com/

Thank you so much for the link and great eyes to catch that! Now I need to do a little more planning (and spending) in order to accomodate your awesome find. I really appreciate your help.

[dema]

Your dream has come true ... and even better the PS2 does'nt need to be modded for it to work !!!

http://www.hdloader.com/

Sweet!  First the Dreamcast emulator and now this!  I'm getting proven wrong left and right, and it's a *very* good thing!

I wasn't even aware that there was a functional Dreamcast emulator. That's awesome!

[Generic Eric]

So...How much is the HD loader thingy?  Wonder if can save any of the cheats on the drive.

[abrannan]

So...How much is the HD loader thingy?  Wonder if can save any of the cheats on the drive.

From the distributor linked on the site it looks like it's going to be about $30 (plus the cost of the hard drive).  

[Stingray]

Still in the pre-order phase though. I do plan to get this once it's shipping though.

-S

[bigmoe]

So...How much is the HD loader thingy?  Wonder if can save any of the cheats on the drive.

From the distributor linked on the site it looks like it's going to be about $30 (plus the cost of the hard drive).  

Plus the cost of the Sony-brand PS2 network adapter (unless I misread?)

[Dave_K.]

Its too bad sega never released the Zip Drive attachement for the Dreamcast.  I'm sure someone would have been able to hack a real IDE drive to that interface....  

[abrannan]

So...How much is the HD loader thingy?  Wonder if can save any of the cheats on the drive.

From the distributor linked on the site it looks like it's going to be about $30 (plus the cost of the hard drive).  

Plus the cost of the Sony-brand PS2 network adapter (unless I misread?)

You didn't misread.  The IDE interface is on the back of the network adapter.  There's no way to install a drive without it (Unless sony releases an IDE bay for those who don't want the network adapter)

[AmericanDemon]

Like that would ever happen.  

The product is actually being shipped thats what the developers have told via E-mail.

[abrannan]

Still in the pre-order phase though. I do plan to get this once it's shipping though.

-S

I pre-ordered mine yesterday, and the site indicated that it should be shipping today.  We'll see.  I'm going to pick up a Maxtor 5400 RPM 120 Gig drive this weekend.  I'll be sure to let everyone here know how well it works out once I have all the parts and pieces.

[Luxury]

I pre-ordered mine yesterday, and the site indicated that it should be shipping today.  We'll see.  I'm going to pick up a Maxtor 5400 RPM 120 Gig drive this weekend.  I'll be sure to let everyone here know how well it works out once I have all the parts and pieces.

update! update! update!

[AlanS17]

Would such a device interfere with the original intentions of the HD (such as use with FFXI)?

[AmericanDemon]

The developers stated in an e-mail to myself that this shouldn't effect HD based games, however you cannot load the images onto the HD and have them work....  

easier explanation...  if the game needs the web and stores data on the HD by default, you must use the original game EVERY time.

Disks that do not use Web or HD, then you are fine.  

[crashwg]

This is sooooo, awesome!  I'm getting this ASAP.  Maybe even two!  Not sure why... but whatever.

[abrannan]

I pre-ordered mine yesterday, and the site indicated that it should be shipping today.  We'll see.  I'm going to pick up a Maxtor 5400 RPM 120 Gig drive this weekend.  I'll be sure to let everyone here know how well it works out once I have all the parts and pieces.

update! update! update!

You wanted an update, well here it is....

My hdloader is still on pre-order.  It hasn't shipped yet, but according to the site, they should be shipping tomorrow (something about having the Discs, but needing to wait for the documentation and case covers, which are somehow more bulky *see below).  I did pick up a 120 GB 7200 RPM Maxtor drive at Office Depot for $80 Tuesday night, so that's all ready to go.  Fortunately, the shipping is FedEx Air Express, so I should get it by Monday, hopefully.


*My guess is they sent an ISO image or Gold copy of the disc, but are shipping pre-printed manuals/covers?  Why not send electronic copies of those as well?  Just license out the ability to manufacture and print copies, as long as they meet certain specs, for 25% of the retail cost per copy sold.  

[pointdablame]

O man, I think I have to get this.  It is sooooo nice to just load a game from my Xbox's hard drive.... to do that with PS2 also would just rule.  Looks like I have to go hard drive shopping.

[abrannan]

Looks like I have to go hard drive shopping.

If I may make a recommendation, www.salescircular.com is a good place to check for specials in your area.  They summarize and categorize the ads from the Sunday papers.  

[crashwg]

O man, I think I have to get this.  It is sooooo nice to just load a game from my Xbox's hard drive....

Could someone please point me to information on doing this?

[abrannan]

O man, I think I have to get this.  It is sooooo nice to just load a game from my Xbox's hard drive....

Could someone please point me to information on doing this?

You need a mod chip to do this.  Check any of the Xbox Mod scene sites.  

[Stingray]

Any new info yet? Has it arrived?

-S

[abrannan]

Any new info yet? Has it arrived?

-S

According to the site, they're getting all the parts and pieces today, and are shipping out pre-orders over the next 2-3 days.  Maybe by the end of the week?

[Stingray]

Keep us updated.  

-S

[abrannan]

Keep us updated.  

-S

Don't worry, I will.  Hopefully it will be waiting for me when I get home.  *crosses fingers*

[Generic Eric]

Keep us updated.  

-S

Don't worry, I will.  Hopefully it will be waiting for me when I get home.  *crosses fingers*

tell us, tell us, tell us, tell us!!!

[dema]

Keep us updated.  

-S

Don't worry, I will.  Hopefully it will be waiting for me when I get home.  *crosses fingers*

tell us, tell us, tell us, tell us!!!

I received mine in the mail yesterday, but I need to purchase a hard drive for it. Hopefully I'll have time to tackle it this evening.

[2muchmojo4u]

Does anyone know if the 120 gig hard drive work?

[AlexC]

If anyone finds a good deal on a 120GB HD please post. Fry's had a 120gb Maxtor for $69.99 (no rebate)but I think the sale is over.  

 

[abrannan]

Keep us updated.  

-S

Don't worry, I will.  Hopefully it will be waiting for me when I get home.  *crosses fingers*

tell us, tell us, tell us, tell us!!!

I received mine in the mail yesterday, but I need to purchase a hard drive for it. Hopefully I'll have time to tackle it this evening.

*grumble*  Lucky SOB.  Mine still hasn't arrived, and I *do* have a hard drive for it.

[AlexC]

FYI : http://www.modchipworld.com/
Has the the HDloader for $27.99. Not sure what there shipping charge is.
If anyone knows of a cheaper place, please post  
I still need to order mine.

[AlexC]

A review from Modchip (I"m at work today and bored lots of kill time   ) :

HD Loader testing results:


USING PS2 with online adapter and 120 Segate/Maxtor Hard Drive

1. Followed the instructions on the HD Loader instructions manual to install Hard Drive. It is quite easy and simple the only thing to remember here is that only certain 3rd party drives actually fit the Sony PS2 Hard Drive. We found that the Maxtor/Seagate brands work well with the online adapter. Western Digital would not fit. Don

[dema]

Okay, I know many of you have been waiting for the information and I have the news to report. I got my HD Loader in the mail on Friday night and on Saturday I bought a 120 gig Maxtor 7200 rpm hard drive. I already owned the Network adaptor so I didn't have to pick one up this weekend.  All I had to do was slide the hard drive into the Network adaptor and then slide that into the PS2. That was it! I then put the HD loader disc into the PS2 and followed the on-screen instructions. Everything worked perfectly.

I only had time to download a couple of my games and I tested one, so I'm not entirely sure how well everything works, although from the look of it the load times were significantly improved. The only question I have about the program is how to go from a game back to the main HD Loader screen. Obviously to put it in a cabinet it would work best if it could be done by a certain button press.

That's the only issue I have. Other than that it's easy to accomplish (albeit a little expensive between the HD Loader, 120 gig Hard Drive, Network adaptor) and well worth it. I love the idea of putting it in my cabinet, or even taking it with me when I'm on the road without needing to bring a ton of extra games as well.

[Stingray]

Thanks for the info on this. I don't own a network adaptor as I don't really have any interest in online gaming, but I think it will be worth picking one up just to be able to add a HD. It looks like HDloader works just as I'd hoped it would.

-S

[Stingray]

FYI : http://www.modchipworld.com/
Has the the HDloader for $27.99. Not sure what there shipping charge is.

Turns out it's $9.76 to the US, which is pretty freaking outrageous for a single CD.

-S

[dema]

One issue I found last night is that the HD Loader couldn't install my game of Contra: Shattered Soldier. It seems to be because the game has a blue back to the CD, which I'm guessing the HD Loader has problems recognizing. It gave an error message saying it wasn't a valid PS2 game, which is obviously not the case.

Anyhow, not all games will install. At least it will do most of them.

[Luxury]

Thanks for the info.  I think I'll order my copy in the next few days.  I just wish that it had a hd broswer (mp3/mpgs) and memory card save features (which i think the sony hdd has)

But here is something to think about.  Costco is selling FFXI + HD for $60.  It's only a 40gig hd, but also comes with the game.  (+$13 a month)

http://www.costco.com/frameset.asp?trg=product.asp&catid=2805&subid=3578&hierid=3585&prdid=10040883&log=