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How to Soft Mod a PS2

Swap Magic is a soft mod alternative for PlayStation 2 that lets the user play back-up games without a mod-chip installed on the motherboard. Console modification previously meant taking the console apart and soldering a mod chip in place, but another way exists to soft mod the console. Soft-modding changes the console with an alternative disc swap method and a flip-top lid added to the console. The swap disc boots up the PS2 and allows the user to swap the disc with a back-up game, which then loads normally.

Things You'll Need

Swap Magic disc set
Flip-top lid
Philips head screwdriver
�Philips head screwdriver

Instructions

Installing Flip-top Lid on PS2 Original Fat Version
- 1
  Order the Swap Magic with Flip-top lid for the original PS2 Fat version. This installation involves removing or slicing the warranty sticker on the back of the PS2, which will void the warranty on the system.
- 2
  Remove the expansion bay door and turn the PS2 over. There are six to eight screws and covers on the bottom of the PS2, depending on the model. Remove all covers and screws.
- 3
  Remove the top by gently pulling the top toward the power button, being very careful around the power button ribbon, because it is delicate and easily destroyed.
- 4
  Remove the power switch and reset button from the lid, by gently popping out of the seat. This will completely remove the top cover from the PS2.
- 5
  Remove the four screws holding the lid of the disc tray in place and remove the lid. Take the white plastic circle out of the lid. This holds the disc in place as it spins and needs to be added to the flip-top.
- 6
  Snap the Power and Reset button into place on the flip-top lid, being careful not to rip or disconnect the power ribbon.
- 7
  Place the flip-top lid onto the PS2 by sliding the front over the memory card bay and sliding the top into place. Check the power ribbon and make sure it is inside the PS2 correctly and that the lid is flush with the bottom.
- 8
  Turn the PS2 over and replace the screws and screw covers.
- 9
  Flip the PS2 to the upright position and open the flip-top. Place the whit circular disc in place and close the lid. Turn on the PS2, insert the CD or DVD swap disc in the tray and allow to start-up. When asked to Load Program, open the flip-top, switch the swap disc with the back-up game disc, and press "X." Back-up will load as a normal game disc.
Installing Flip-top Lid on a PS2 Slim
- 10
  Order a set of Swap Magic discs and the slim version flip-top lid.
- 11
  Flip the PS2 slim over and remove the screw covers and six screws holding the case together.
- 12
  Turn the PS2 back to an upright position and gently start to remove the top of the PS2, being careful around the power switch cable.
- 13
  Remove the two screws and brackets, and one lone screw with no bracket, that hold the original lid in place. Open the lid cover half way and remove, then snap the flip-top lid into place and replace the two screws with brackets and the one screw with no bracket back into place.
- 14
  Place the top back onto the PS2 Slim, being careful not to disturb the power switch cable and turn the PS2 over. Place the six screws and covers back into place. Turn on the PS2, insert the CD or DVD swap disc in the tray and allow to start-up. When asked to Load Program, open the flip-top, switch the swap disc with the back-up game disc, and press "X." Back-up will load as a normal game disc.

PlayStation 2