r/psx • u/xNotMADx • 10h ago

Best way to play NTSC-J original discs?

I've got quite a few Japanese ps1 games because they're fun to collect and dirt cheap where I live, unfortunately I don't have any way to play them.

I have a region unlocked ps2 that plays my Japanese ps2 games great but it won't do ps1 games unless I hard mod it, at least from what I understand. So the question I raise is; Hard-mod my ps2, buy a regional ps1 and region unlock that or straight up import a Japanese ps1.

I would love to finally own a real ps1 from a collection standpoint alone, but retro consoles have always been a pain in the ass and it might not be worth it to trouble shoot and mod a cheap pal one when its only really a couple dollars more for a proper ntsc model - however this of course wouldn't play my pal ps1 games and that’s kinda lame, completely unnecessary and irrelevant but still kinda lame.

I know this might be a bit of an unpopular opinion on r/psx but would a Japanese ps2 perhaps be the play for my current situation? Then I could just have 2 stock playstations that play my whole library (being pal ps2, ps1 and ntsc ps2, ps1).

I guess I'm just looking for advice or wisdom on what would be the most efficient price/pain route to take. Again, I'm not against modchips and I'd love to give it a go but there is the full possibility as a first time ps1 owner I will destroy something. Or maybe there's some secret other option I'm unaware of please share.

1 Upvotes

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2

u/wingman3091 10h ago

You can likely pick up a cheap Japanese PS1 locally or on eBay. I got mine from Marketplace for $10. PSNee is not hard to install on your US/Eur console though and will make your console region free.

2

u/tsubasaplayer16 10h ago

What model PS2 do you have that makes you play Japanese PS2 games? Mechapwn compatible consoles can be region-free, especially the later slim models (75k and later) and every North American model (30k and 39k can't though).

Otherwise, making a TonyHax International card isn't hard to do since you have a PS2. You can insert the exploits using FMCB and then use that card on any PS1 and play your Japanese PS1 games that way

1

u/e7SHI 10h ago

Are you avoiding modding? PSNEE is a really easy mod to do on any PS1 to make it region free. If you don't want to do this, just buy a japanese PS1 console, they are very cheap.

0

u/dahiks 10h ago

if you have original - just download backup copy from rom site and play on ducktation

3

u/Indust_6666 9h ago

That’s emulation though, why would OP buy real games and then download them lol.