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How Can I Modify My PS2 to Play Japanese Games?

Unlike the Sony PS3, the PS2 will only play games within your region. For instance, if you own a North American PS2, you cannot play Japanese games. But you can easily bypass the lockout with HDLoader software. This program installs the PS2 game onto the PS2 hard drive.

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off your Sony PS2 and remove all of the cords going into the console. Place these aside for now.
- 2
  Remove the screws on the expansion pack on the rear of the PS2. Slide the expansion cover off of the PS2. Insert the new hard drive into the PS2 expansion slot and place the expansion back on, reattaching the screws. Reinsert the power cord and composite cables, and attach to a TV. Turn the PS2 on.
- 3
  Insert your HDLoader disk into the disk drive and it will start automatically. Select "Install" when you are greeted with the main menu. The disk drive will open. Remove the HDLoader disk and replace it with the Japanese game. Close the drive and it will automatically be copied to the hard drive.
- 4
  Remove the game disk when the install is completed and reinsert your HDLoader disk. Select "Play" from the main menu and select your game from the list that is displayed.

PlayStation 2