Q&A for How to Play on the PlayStation 2

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Question

My PS2 game isn't starting but I don't have a memory card -- does that have something to do with it not working?

Community Answer

It shouldn't. If your game requires a memory card, it will usually give you an error saying so or it will say that it requires one on the back of the game's case. The memory cards just allow you to save your game, so if you get to level 100 in game x, you can turn off your console and when you get back to it, you can start on level 100 instead of level 1. If you are having issues playing a game, try cleaning the disc. Also try a different game to make sure it isn't the game itself.

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Question

What do I do if it says no disc?

Community Answer

Check the disk, the PS2 is so sensitive if the disc is even slightly scratched, it won't get read by the PS2. If there are no marks, your PS2 is gone. If there is nothing wrong with the disc, check the wires connected to the PS2 and make sure they are plugged in properly. If they are, and the disc still isn't reading, then it is the PlayStation, not the disc.

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Question

When I turn my PS2 on, it doesn't go to any of my games. They aren't scratched. It just says browser and system configuration right after I turn it on. What is wrong?

Community Answer

You have to configure your system before you can play any games.

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Question

What if I insert the disc, but it doesn't show the game on the screen and says "disc not read"?

Community Answer

There's either something wrong with the system, or there's most likely a scratch or foreign object on the disk. Try wiping the disk with a soft cloth from the center outwards and try it again.

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Question

Is there a way to shut the PlayStation 2 off with the controller?

Community Answer

No. You need to hold the reset button to turn it off.

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Question

Is it easy for files to get corrupted?

Community Answer

If you're sloppy, yes. Never turn the console off during saving or directly with the power switch.

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Question

Why are PS2 graphics so bad?

Alpha Electro

Community Answer

This is a 6th generation console, so it cannot play games in 1080p, unlike the PS3 or PS4.

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Question

Can I play PC games on a PlayStation 2?

Community Answer

The answer is no for most people. If you're a programmer or computer genius, it's possible.

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Question

Can playing PS1 games on a PS2 mess it up?

Community Answer

No, it shouldn't cause any problems, but you won't be able to save the games since the memory card is not compatible.

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Question

What happens if I close the game tray while the game isn't in it properly?

Cole Mihalijevich

Community Answer

You should never do that. The game can get jammed inside the machine and break.

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Question

What should the setting be on disk speed?

Community Answer

It should be normal. If the disk speed is turned too fast, it won't work smoothly.

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Question

Where can I trade my PS2 for a PS4?

Community Answer

I would recommend looking to sites like Craigslist where someone might be willing to trade their PS4 for your PS2.

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Question

Can I play PSP games on the PS2?

Alpha Electro

Community Answer

Unfortunately, PSP games are not compatible with a PS2, due to the UMD disc. There might be PS2 games for purchase on the PSP's PlayStation Store.

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Question

Can I download PS2 games online?

Community Answer

If you mean the DVD games, then yes, but if you mean can you go online with the PlayStation 2 and play games, then no you can’t.

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Question

Am I supposed to remove the memory card after every game I want to save?

Alpha Electro

Community Answer

No. When you save your game, you have to keep the memory card intact before and after to prevent corruption of data.

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Question

Does a PS2 need Wi-Fi?

Denzel Dominic Calica

Community Answer

PS2 needs Wi-Fi if you are visiting any websites such as PSN (PlayStation Network).

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Question

What should I do if I keep seeing a screen that reads "Browser" and "System Configuration," and the game won't launch?

Alpha Electro

Community Answer

That means the system's function to start games automatically is disabled. To enable it, press the Triangle while on that screen to access your options. Then, highlight Auto Start and set it to "On."

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Question

How do I open games on my PS2?

Alpha Electro

Community Answer

If you want to start games on your PS2, go to Browser, and select the yellow disc. If enabled in Options on the PS2 main menu, it should start automatically.

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Question

I am using a USB memory card and it doesn't show game 1 or 2. What can I do?

Community Answer

Check to make sure you saved the games. They could have been erased if you unplugged it while using it or did not choose eject on the system.

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Question

When I start the game, it says "No destinations available to copy." What does this mean? What can I do?

Community Answer

It means you either did not specify an area to copy it to (i.e a hard drive or solid state drive), or there is not enough space in the given storage unit(s) your device possesses.

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Question

Do I have to install the game on PS2 like I would for PS3 or PS4?

Community Answer

No, just insert the disc and it should load (usually after a demo video or something else plays). You will need a memory card to save, though, it doesn't save onto the disc or into the system. (WiFi should only be needed for online multiplayer games.)

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Question

What should I do if I put a disc in and it says "No data"?

Alpha Electro

Community Answer

This is normal for a PS2. If you have memory cards (MagicGate type), insert the card (before you start the game, as this may corrupt data) into memory card Slot 1 or 2 respectively. If the card is in and is not working, remove it and check to see if you have data.

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Question

If you download a game from the Internet, how do you play it on the PS2?

Community Answer

The PS2 is a 6th gen console and therefore can only play CD games. There is no way unless you are a computer genius.

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Question

Can I play games on my PS 2 without a CD?

Community Answer

PS 2 can't be played without a CD, because PS 2 is programmed to be played with CD. The Memory Card is only for the saving the game in the CD.

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Question

What do I do if my PS2 isn't reading discs?

Community Answer

Check to see if the game is dirty or scratched. There are a ton of tutorials online to help clean discs. If the disc is not scratched or dirty, call an expert.

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Question

How do you open cheat code level?

Community Answer

It depends on the game. Some games don't have cheats, but some others do. The PS2 itself has nothing to do with it.

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Question

What games can I play on my PlayStation 2?

Community Answer

You can play PlayStation 1 games and PlayStation 2 games in your PS 2. The game should be Blu Ray disk.

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Question

What do I do if I insert my PlayStation 2 disc and it's telling me to insert the disc?

Community Answer

Check the disc first. If it is very scratched, it won't read it. If it isn't very scratched, get a new PS2 disc drive. There are instructions on YouTube on how to install disc drives in the PS2.

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Question

How would I start a video using the controller?

Community Answer

Turn on the console, then go to browser. Now insert the disc and press X. This should start the video. In the video menu, press X again.

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