PS2 HDDs

[ATG]

I don't really know much about this thing since my PS2's only about 7 months old. I've heard somewhere that it helps make loading times for games faster. What exactly are its uses, and does it have any restrictions for systems in other countries (since I have an NTSC-J system)?

[matt1freek]

http://www.ugo.com/channels/tech/features/ps2_hdd/default.asp
as far as i know the only game's it helps with load times is the resident evil outbreak games that support it. and by use it I mean practically unplayable without. actually final fantasy Xi and resident evil are the only games that "use" it really. And since it was so delayed and the price really helped it never get off the ground, Sony decided to discontinue support for them anyways. So i wouldnt expect to see any more game relying on the HDD. Apparentyl it was goign to be so great.. downloadable content which would increase the replay value of games by infinity.. as far as i can tell this never really got off the ground either. or i never really heard anythign confirming it. Oh and you can backup your memory cards on it. Also the HDD does not work without the network adapter. bringing the total of retail price up to $140.

Save your money, If you must play FFXI get it for Pc.
The Ps2 HDD is the equivelent of the Sega 32x. Nothign really supports it and what does is far little too late.

[ATG]

Hmm...it's a good thing I haven't seriously thought of buying it, then. I don't think I should waste money just because I have RE:Outbreak, either. The wait for that game's load time is bearable enough compared to the wait for your next allowance. :D

[KilaRay-]

You should know there's a 3rd party software called Harddrive loader. That you run it in ur ps2 with ur harddrive then u get a legal disk and it will dump it and run it from the disk. I dont run it since i semeed to have broken my ps2 networkcard(how? i dunno it doesnt work i guess the fuse blew up). But according to ps2info(ps2nfo.com now) and other sites that tested the software it improves the loading times from man games by alot. The most noticible is Grand Theft Auto from 10-13 secs(not talking about the first load) down to 1-3 secs. ^^. but 100+ USD for a ps2 HD and network card is just nasty. You can use regular 40+ gigabyte that cost as little as 45 bucks(shipping & handling is not included XD) with HD loader. But really do alot of research about this. I'll give you a compability page but the research i'll leave up to you and who ever is thinking about buying a ps2 HD.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/casey.miller/HD%20Loader%20Compatibility.htm


Edit: I forgot to mention the ps2 network card costs around 24-34 USD alone.

[AngelOfDeath]

You could put Linux on a PS2 HDD :)

https://playstation2-linux.com/
http://www.us.playstation.com/peripherals.aspx?id=SCPH-97047
http://www.linuxdevcenter.com/pub/a/linux/2002/03/21/linuxps2.html

Note: They're all information about the same product, I'm just showing more sources to prove it's legit

Oh and don't forget putting ROMs and emulators on the HDD

[davidw89]

Ok iam not sure..but is HD Loader a hardware u buy to plug into your computer and then you put you PS2 game on that HD Loader and then you copy it onto your computer and BINGO you can play PS2 game on your computer? Is that wat is it? Do i need a PS2? And also where do i buy a HD Loader in Australia (checked ebay the only one was in U.S. and i dont have paypal)

If this is what it does why cant the emulator do the same thing..

[matt1freek]

Australian HD Loader site (http://www.hdloader.com.au/)

It loads games off the PS2 HD onto the PS2..
The reason you cannot do the same thing with emulators is because no PS2 emu can play many games at full speed , if at all.