Table of Contents
Sony PlayStation 2
includes PSX DVR
Sony's record-smashing and astronomically popular followup to the PS1. Releasing on October 26th, 2000 in North America, the PS2's “Emotion Engine” CPU + GPU (16.7 mil colors; 640×480 or 1920×1080(!!) with mods) + 32 MB of RAM wasn't extremely powerful, but this did not matter to the market. Selling 155 million units over more than a decade, the PS2 became the best selling video games console in history, a title it still holds today.
Operating Systems (MIPS R5900 “Emotion Engine”)
Blackrhino Debian (first)
a free Debian-based GNU/Linux software distribution
Originally made by a business, rather than a bunch of FOSS hackers. Eventually, it was adapted to support the KernelLoader method of running Linux. These files are the “corporate” version, which was meant to tie into the official PS2 Linux kit. As a distribution, it was probably one of the better ones available for the PS2, although this older version is now superseded by the KernelLoader variant.
https://web.archive.org/web/20080312083725/http://blackrhino.xrhino.com/main.php?page=download
https://web.archive.org/web/20080308075211/http://blackrhino.xrhino.com/main.php?page=howto
Blackrhino Debian (KernelLoader/Independent Live DVD)
the Linux Live DVD for the PlayStation 2
The aforementioned KernelLoader version of BlackRhino, which is now also available as a Live DVD or a Live USB. Of course, it's still one of the better Linux distributions available for the PS2.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/kernelloader/files/BlackRhino%20Linux%20Distribution/
Bochs (Windows 3.11-98?, FreeDOS, KolibriOS)
I booted into kolibri image with bochs which took ages, but at least it worked to start the tetris
A common program for emulating x86, now found on PS2. While support is foggy/uncertain for almost everything listed on the linked pages, Windows 3.11 is known to work and is documented on video. Windows 95 apparently also works, but has not been documented (yet).
http://board.kolibrios.org/viewtopic.php?t=2627
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cS5lYK1pgk (Windows)
https://sourceforge.net/p/bochs/discussion/39592/thread/6822cba8/
https://web.archive.org/web/20210616195335/http://ps2dev.karashome.tk/
Bricks-OS
a microkernel based network distributed operating system
A dead project, but kernels and compiled releases are still available online. This OS was ported to many other game consoles, with the PS2 port being one of the more feature-filled ones, albeit in a somewhat tunnel-vision fashion. Using this OS, the PS2 can output 1080i and SVGA with dithering, as noted on the bricks-os website archive.
https://github.com/rickgaiser/bricks-os
https://code.google.com/archive/p/bricks-os/
https://web.archive.org/web/20090222060403/http://bricks-os.org/
Console emulation (potential)
Whether these emulators support operating systems for these consoles is unknown; it must be looked into further. Consoles without meaningful OSes are not included.
https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Emulators_on_PS2
Atari 2600 – PVCS
Bandai WonderSwan (Color) - WonderStation
Coleco ColecoVision - ColemPS2
NEC TurboGrafx-16 – PS2PCE
Nintendo 64 – DaedalusX64 “belek alpha git”
https://www.psx-place.com/threads/daedalus-x64-ps2-port-early-poc-port-mario-64-runs-20-30-fps-other-issues.27200/ https://www.psx-place.com/threads/n64-emulation-on-ps2-a-discussion-about-a-possible-structure-release-alpha-beta-test.21439/ https://github.com/belek666/daedalus
Nintendo DS - melonDS https://www.psx-place.com/resources/melonds-ps2.1335/
Nintendo Entertainment System – FCEUltra PS2, FCEU-mmPS2, pNESx, InfoNES, imbNES, rarch
Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Snes9x PS2, SNES Station
https://www.psx-place.com/threads/snes-station-mod-by-pinguinoctis.19025/ https://www.psx-place.com/threads/super-nintendo-snesstation-0-2-4s.10548/
Nintendo Game Boy (Color) – InfoGB, rarch
Nintendo Game Boy Advance – VisualBoy Advance, GPS2kai 3.3test, ReGBA, TempGBA, rarch
Sega Genesis – Pgen, PicoDrive, JVSG SMD Conversor, SMD Vol.17 Constructor, rarch
Sega Master System – PicoDrive MS libretro, PISS PS2, PSMS alt+, PSMS Reloaded
Sony PlayStation 1 – POPStarter, PS2PSXe
plus retroarch others missed
Debian (KernelLoader)
Installation is for experts
One can install Debian 5.0 on their PS2, running off Linux 2.6. This requires KernelLoader of course. There are no PS2-specific changes to the sourcecode.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/kernelloader/files/Debian%205.0/
DOSBox (Windows 1-98?)
It's based on psp port and has working dynamic core.
It can only be assumed that, whatever works on PSP DOSBox could work here. While the PSP port works quite well, this port seems to be a bit “rough” which could impact compatibility. Probably needs more research.
http://ps2dev.karashome.tk/ (alternative port?)
https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?t=20120
https://www.psx-place.com/threads/dosbox-by-belek666.19030/
https://web.archive.org/web/20210616195335/http://ps2dev.karashome.tk/
Emulation Nest
This device runs an operating system which is known to emulate various devices with EOPs. See the AmigaOS, DOS, and MSX pages.
Gentoo
Some madman ran Gentoo on one of these.
Linux (2020 work)
A much older version 2.6.35.14 kernel from 2010 supports more devices
A recent attempt of porting 5.x kernel to PS2, with 4.x and 3.x also being worked on. The supplied GitHub repository also re-hosts the pre-existing 2.6 and 2.2 kernel versions that have superior device support on the PS2.
Linux (MegaMan’s KernelLoader)
Kernelloader is a bootloader for PS2 Linux and other PS2 operating systems
An essential custom tool used to load various non-official OSes, or just the kernel (2.6) on it’s own. Required for many of the best OSes available for the PS2.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/kernelloader/files/Kernelloader/Kernelloader%203.0/
https://web.archive.org/web/20180823085755/https://www.linux-mips.org/wiki/PS2
http://kernelloader.sourceforge.net/tutorial/howtoinstalllinux.html
Linux PlayStation 2 (Sony) + optional 2.4.17 kernel
a kit released by Sony Computer Entertainment in 2002
The official and somewhat widely known Sony distro for the PS2, which is based off of Kondara Linux. The loader DVD supplied by Sony can also be used for a few other OSes, such as the original version of BlackRhino. Apparently, a 2.4.17 kernel from Sony themselves was available on the playstation2-Linux site at the time.
https://sourceforge.net/projects/kernelloader/files/Sony%20Linux%20Toolkit/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWmJ0RH_Feo
https://www.reddit.com/r/ps2/comments/9g8mc3/does_anybody_have_a_iso_or_can_make_one_of_the/
NetBSD
To boot the kernel, you will require a special boot disc from SONY
One of the OS ports that may require either RedBoot or the original PS2 Linux boot disc. The port hasn't been supported by NetBSD for a while.
OpenWRT
booting from usb with a custom kernel and custom initrd
This forum thread linked is the only place where one can find documentation about this OpenWRT port, and there are no files supplied. However, it looks as if the person who did this simply used OpenWRT's sources, which means that their work could theoretically be reproduced.
https://web.archive.org/web/20120429175741/http://forums.ps2dev.org/viewtopic.php?p=86605
PC emulation (potential)
Whether these emulators support operating systems for these computers is unknown; it must be looked into further. Bochs is excluded, as it is known to run OSes. PCs without meaningful OSes are not included.
https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Emulators_on_PS2
Amstrad CPCs – PCPC
https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Emulators
Commodore 64 – VICE 2.2, PS2-DC64 2.0
Commodore Amigas – Amiga PS2, UAE retroarch
https://www.ps2-home.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5692
MSXs – ps2fMSX, rarch
Sinclair ZX Spectrums – PS2 DreamSpec, rarch
plus retroarch others missed
Redboot (ECOS Bootloader)
RedBoot is a debug and bootstrap system running on eCos
Can theoretically be used in place of the official Sony loader disc, although it might not actually work.
Stock BIOS
The stock OS of the PS2. Some nice ambiance and a few options to mess with, but not much else.
Stock BIOS - XMB (PSX)
Unlike the stock OS of the normal PS2, the PSX DVR has a lot more. In fact, it's the first Sony product to use the XrossMediaBar that was eventually found in the PSP and PS3. If one puts this on their PSX DVR, do NOT use the Russian-originated translation, only the western firmware translation.
Internet
“DNS hijack” within broadband setup
This is very similar to the method for browsing internet on the Nintendo Switch. In essence, one must input a different DNS address to any disc which has an internet configuration page or setup process.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lT0IETYWAKI (Old web portal example)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtZeIR8QfDo (Typical example)
EGBrowser
the only official web browser for the PlayStation 2
This was only released in Japan, but it is the only official way to browse the internet on a PS2. Despite it's JP-only status, an English-translated ROM exists.
https://wiki.pcsx2.net/EGBrowser
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gYqMWBDq8U
https://forums.afterdawn.com/threads/egbrowser-the-official-ps2-web-browser.627387/
Other
Crafti
(there might be a CD release in the future with CDDA music as well, stay tuned for that)
A Minecraft clone which has been ported to a variety of devices. Performance is not ideal but more than playable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS_ZwuHFvsY
https://gitlab.com/gameblabla/gameblabla-website-files/-/tree/simp/files/ps2
EJay Clubworld
a series of musical arrangement software and games, primarily for Microsoft Windows
Another piece of music making software available for the PS2, with this one stemming from a software “franchise” originally released on PC.
Java (thru Java Grinder)
extending it mostly required creating a Playstation2 class that extended a new R5900 class that extended the main Generator class
Thru Mike Kohn's Java Grinder, it is now possible to run and write Java programs for the PS2! Of course, these programs need to take into account the technical limitations of the system.
M-PS2Craft
IT'S NOT A PORT. This game was created totally from 0
Another, more comprehensive Minecraft clone for the PS2. Takes on an appearance similar to the original game, featuring a pleasant variety of blocks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwmfJ7t8QzI
https://www.ps2-home.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10762
https://ps2revivalproject.jimdofree.com/juegos-games/m-ps2craft/
Minecraft PPC Edition
Sony PlayStation 2 and 3 (if you can live with major lag spikes)
This port, normally meant for old PPC macs, can apparently run on the PlayStation 2. No further detail is divulged… certainly it means thru Linux or something similar?
http://macintoshgarden.org/games/minecraft-152
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/minecraft-powerpc-edition-redesigned-for-vintage-macs.2200729/
Music Maker Deluxe Edition
Yet another piece of music creation software on the PS2, originating from the company “Magix” which is known for it's PC versions of Music Maker.
MTV Music Generator 2
The 2nd release of the MTV Music Generator series. As per usual for this series, it's software that allows users to create their own songs via a large variety of samples, effects, and more.
MTV Music Generator 3
The final release of the MTV Music Generator series. Like the other MTV Music Generators, this is a piece of software that allows users to create their own songs using a large realm of samples and effects.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZDMAiCPCJY
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MTV_Music_Generator_3:_This_Is_the_Remix
Version & Revision Guide
For general information, see the Game Console Revisions Overview.
Versions
There are two versions of this console, arranged chronologically.
“PlayStation 2 (original)” (2000-2004)
RECOMMENDED OVERALL; BEST RELIABILITY
Commonly referred to as the “fat”, these systems have the most concise set of features, compared to the Slim. DVD drive + buttons, 2 memory card and controller slots, 2 USB ports, 1 IEEE 1394 port (earlier revisions), AV out, IR port (later revisions), and an expansion bay for the Network + HDD adapter. Quality and featureset varies by the revision, which obviously is covered shortly. Typically the most reliable, with some variance across revisions.
“PlayStation 2 Slim” (2004-2013)
LOWEST PRICE
A much smaller version of the PS2 that was manufactured for quite some time. These systems lose the extension port and the IEEE 1394, and often times required an external power brick. Furthermore, their individual revisions are quite hit-or-miss when it comes to homebrew, game compatibility, or laser reliability. They do appear to be a bit cheaper than the original PS2s, however.
Revisions
There are three revisions within the PlayStation 2 (original), and five revisions within the PlayStation 2 Slim.
PlayStation 2 (original) revisions:
“SCPH-30001(R)/35001” (2000-2002)
The launch revisions of the PS2 in the United States, with the IEEE 1394, no integrated IR, etc. These lack the ability to use the DVD remote without installing software onto the memory card. Furthermore, they have pretty unreliable lasers that are prone to failing. Lots of motherboard/chassis sub-revisions exist for this revision, and for the most part, they don’t really impact the user. Their one positive is high quality motherboards, which are surrounded by metal shielding. Overheating may be an issue. Be careful with these and their varying reliability.
“SCPH-39001” (2002-2003)
BEST RELIABILITY; RECOMMENDED OVERALL (if you like IEEE 1394)
One of the two “ideal” fat revisions, and typically seen as the “best” by most. Has the IEEE 1394, no integrated IR, etc. These systems upped laser and system reliability, at the cost of increased fan noise. They’re also still very well built, and they have no “sub-revisions” within. It’s possible to swap in the fan from a 50001 into this revision.
“SCPH-50001” (2003-2004)
RECOMMENDED OVERALL (if you like fancy IR/remotes)
The other “good” revision of the fat PS2. These consoles don’t have the IEEE 1394 anymore, but have included an integrated IR sensor. This allows the DVD remote to simultaneously do a lot more, while taking less space (controller spot isn’t occupied by a receiver). It’s fans are also much quieter than any prior revision. DVDs will also play at a higher quality (default res is 480p, not i). However, some say they have “cheaper” build quality. One significant caveat is within the lasers, which normally are fine, but are prone to the rare “MechaCon” issue. Such an issue occurs when a certain drive chip “overdrives” the laser in response to a difficult-to-read or unofficial disc. This damages the drive mechanisms, and can even damage the chip itself. Because of this, it’s advised to steer away from using the drive, swap it’s laser, or swap the entire drive (if possible).
PlayStation 2 Slim revisions:
“SCPH-70001/70012” (2004-2005)
With the Slim, Sony removed the expansion slot and integrated networking. This results in the loss of easy HDD installation. However, this revision actually retains a full network adapter internally, which means a drive still can be installed via modding. In essence, this Slim is just a smaller 50001. However, the “shrinking” actually worsened their reliability, making them especially prone to MechaCon & overheating. It’s probably best to not get one of these Slims, since all of their “benefits” are simply what they didn’t ax from the fats. Note: 70001 has only Ethernet port; 70012 has both Ethernet and 56k line port.
“SCPH-75001” (2005-2006)
DO NOT PURCHASE
Starting with this version of the Slim, the ability to mod in HDD support has been completely axed. Furthermore, internal chip changes cause these systems to run into game compatibility issues. In essence, this revision has none of the benefits of either the 70000s or the 77000s and above. They only come with minor negatives, so it’s best to avoid these. Homebrew is still possible.
“SCPH-77001” (2006-2007)
Not much has changed with these, compared to the 75001, except game compatibility. Software changes starting from this revision improved compatibility with both PS1 and PS2 games, which in essence makes it a slightly better 75001. Homebrew is once again, still possible.
“SCPH-79001” (2007)
Sony’s “shrinking” trend has continued, as the 79001 is the lightest and smallest (internally) of all Slims. Otherwise, they’re pretty much the same as the 77001, with potential minor aberrations in compatibility with games. Homebrew still works fine.
“SCPH-90001” (2007-2013)
DO NOT PURCHASE if you want homebrew
Finally, the “shrinking” trend has reversed with the final Slim. This is because Sony returned to an internal PSU design with these systems, while also adjusting the external cosmetics slightly. Reliability has also been enhanced a significant amount. However, the one huge issue is that most all 90001s are very difficult for homebrew, as a change to the BIOS disabled FreeMcBoot (the easiest method). Only with a console manufactured before Fall 2008 (datecode 8C) can still use FreeMcBoot, and finding one of those consoles can be hard. It’s fine, if you care nothing of EOPs.
https://tcrf.net/PlayStation_2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_2_models
https://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?t=61337 (community “bests”)
https://gametrog.com/playstation-2-two-ps2-slim-info-specs/
https://playstationdev.wiki/ps2devwiki/index.php/Chassis_types
https://www.reddit.com/r/ps2/comments/a4iolm/what_ps2_is_the_best/ (community “bests”)
https://www.reddit.com/r/ps2/comments/oil2a6/scph70012_vs_scph70001/
https://www.ps2-home.com/forum/app.php/page/fmcb-compatible-ps2-models-chart