Pricing a PS2 - All these options! What do they mean?

So I'm really missing the fun of Katamari Damacy, which gets me to looking up on eBay the price of a Playstation 2 console. I've never owned one before, and suddenly there's a lot of terms popping up.

I thought I'd at least seek counsel before possibly spending $120 on the wrong thing. Could you help me understand this?

I assume color is just cosmetic (silver seems nice). "Slim" sounds like it's a later version that was trimmed down size-wise (no effect on gameplay, just on storage).

There's a "GT 3 Racing Pack" that's half the price of the others ($45 vs. $120) but I assume that's because it's used and the $120 models are new, not because the racing pack is lacking anything in the hardware department. "Pack" and "Bundle" in general are going to mean "the console plus these games and/or parts" right?

"Japanese version" and "Australian version" aren't going to work for me here in the States, right? due to country codes (though I assume the Japanese version would play my Japanese-coded Digimon DVD).

Beyond that, is there anything specific I should be looking for—or looking to avoid—while browsing for this item? I've used eBay before a few times, I'm familiar with the system and some of the risks inherent in auctions, and I'm not a "new items only" kind of buyer so a used but in good condition item would be fine by me (though obviously being able to get a new one at good price would be great).

Thanks for helping me with making a wise purchase!

Avoid the slim like the plague. If you could find the original refurbished it will give you the best bang for your buck.

There's nothing wrong with the slim. I've had mine forever and its always worked fine... o__o

2 years overheated.

I got mine near to when it first came out (I think). I still play the hell out of it. I'm talking 6-8 hours at a time.

edited 8th Jul '11 6:43:38 PM by Zeromaeus

Actually, the key is the model number. For the large ones, SCPH-1xxxx are glorified doorstops and tend to develop Disc Read Errors. Not sure about the SCPH-2xxxx series, but I'm almost certain SCPH-3xxxx is completely fine.

Slims had a similar defect that could cause them to overheat and break. These were fixed somewhere around SCPH-75xxx; I'm also almost certain you'll be fine with SCPH-77xxx or higher. Avoid slims with model numbers SCPH-70xxx like the plague.

If you're buying on eBay, I suggest asking the seller for the model number if it's not already written in the item's details.

edited 8th Jul '11 6:46:18 PM by PoochyEXE

I have a Slim and it's worked flawlessly for years. You'll need a system for your region, because the PS 2 is region locked unless you mod it.

They're quite cheap now so I'd suggest just buying one new instead of getting one second-hand.

You'll need a memory card, of course, in order to save games. Also, if you plan to play PSX games you'll need a PSX memory card to save data as PS 2 memory cards can't record PSX save game data.

And if you want to play with more than two players (Like with Gauntlet dark legacy or Amplitude) you will have to invest in a multitap. Also try to get the dual-shock base controller. Certain versions of earlier games are... Picky with controller requirements.

I still have mine from 2004, and it works like a charm. Never unlocked it, though.

Buying a used PS 2 on eBay might be a way to save some money. But only if you think the person selling it is reputable, and that they'll include things you want and need. You need a power cable, a controller, a PS 2 memory card, and a cable to connect with your television. If you want to use North American games, make sure to get that type of system.

If you have a nearby store that sells used media (such as DV Ds, C Ds, and games), you might save a little there. Ask about their return policy, and hold on to your receipt.

My original PS 2 was purchased in new condition around 2002. A few years later, I had some troubles using DVD movies, demos, and CD-ROM games (RPG Maker 2, Taito Memories, and Chulip). So I bought a used PS 2 at a Gamestop in used condition. It seems to work better. Both are "fat" models designed to play US/Canada games and region 1 DV Ds. I haven't looked at the exact number of the systems.

x5. My PS 2 is SCPH 70012.

I've had it for about 2 years too.

You do know getting a new PS 2 isn't hard? They go for 100 now.

You might actually be fine with a 70012, since the confirmed reports I know of were all 7000x models. But for buying one on eBay, I'd say avoid 70xxx altogether just to be safe, since Sony generally increments the leftmost 2 digits for major hardware changes and the rightmost 2 digits for small tweaks.

edited 8th Jul '11 9:35:36 PM by PoochyEXE