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How to Put Internet on the Playstation Two

The year 2011 may seem to be the height of the era of online console games, with the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii having large online communities for gamers, but the PlayStation 2, which was released in 2000, was Internet-ready. Sure, the number of online games was considerably fewer in the heyday of the PS2 than in 2011, when nearly every game has an online component, but some games -- first-person shooters and sports sims in particular -- were enhanced with online play.

Things You'll Need

Sony Network Adapter, for the original (thick) PS2
PS2 memory card
PlayStation Startup Disc or Network Access Disc (varies depending on model)
Internet service provider login information

Instructions

- 1
  Check your manual or look in the box the PlayStation Startup Disc and Sony Network Adapter, if you have an original PS2 (the thick one). The second-generation PS2 had the network adapter built in, but the adapter was an add-on for the first generation. The Startup Disc is very important, as it contains the configuration software for the network connection.
- 2
  Turn the PS2 and your broadband modem off. Plug your network cable directly into the back of the PS2 from the broadband modem. You can run the PS2 as part of a network through a router, but need to manage IP address settings from your PC to do so. For a guide to this more complex connection setup, go to playstation2.onlineconsoles.com/phpBB2/guides_getonline.php#3.
- 3
  Turn the broadband modem and wait for all of its signal lights to flash. Then turn on the PS2 without a disc in the tray. Make sure you have a memory card inserted. Insert the Startup Disc into the tray and wait while the system loads the software.
- 4
  Use the PS2 controller to navigate the menus and choose items with "X." Agree to the license agreement. Select "LAN" for "network type" and press "Next." You will be prompted to enter your network information, including the login and password for your Internet service provider. The configuration information is saved on your memory card, and you will have to make sure you use this particular card every time you want to play online.
- 5
  Eject the PlayStation Startup Disc when the network setup is complete. Insert a game with online capabilities into your PS2 and press the reset button. Wait while the game loads. Navigate through the game menus to "Online" mode, which is in different locations in different games. Check the instruction booklet for a specific game if you aren't sure how to access its online play. When the PS2 is connected directly to the Internet, the system will join or host games accordingly. If you experience lag during gameplay, see if you can change host servers within the game menus. Games sometimes lag naturally if the online players are from different regions of the world.

PlayStation 2