Okay, so after some time StuntmanSnake and I realized that it would be helpful to create a topic on what new players would need to buy to get started playing on the server. This is not a guide! This is only a shopping list. This list is based of the intentions that you are trying to use a non Japanese PS2 to run the
HDD OSD exploit. The HDD OSD exploit has much more to offer than buying a standard Japanese PS2. These include vastly improved load times, translation patches, transferring downloaded saves to your memory card via USB, and playing all your games straight from your HDD!
I DO NOT CONDONE PIRACY! IMPORT THE GAMES AND RIP THE ISO's LEGALLY TO YOUR HDD! These are my recommendations:
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A NTSC-U or PAL Phat model PS2 (with all the proper accessories, duh.)
You can buy these pretty cheap on Ebay with prices ranging between 30-70 USD used. Now I know what you're thinking, "Don't I need a Japanese PS2 to run a Japanese game?" Nope, you don't. You can run imports on an American or a PAL PS2 if you softmod it with the exploit stated above. Softmodding an American or PAL PS2 is relatively easy and costs the same if not LESS than buying a Japanese console that can only play Japanese games.
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An IDE Hard Drive Disk
This is what you will use to store your ISO's on. It's also what the HDD OSD exploit is installed on. Make sure the one you buy is compatible with the PS2 though! You can get the standard 40GB PS2 HDD used on Amazon or Ebay for a low price. If you plan on housing your entire PS2 library on one, I'd recommend a
Maxtor 320GB HDD. I bought mine used for 30 USD.
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A PS2 Network Adapter
This attaches to your IDE HDD and is installed in the Phat model's expansion bay. This is required in order to connect your Ethernet cable to the PS2. You can buy these used really cheap on Amazon for 5 USD or Ebay for cheaper than that!
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IDE to USB cable w/power source
In order to install your ISO's and the HDD OSD exploit, you'll need to connect your HDD to your computer. This is where the IDE to USB cable comes in handy! Remember that if you buy the IDE to USB cable, you'll still need the power brick for the HDD! Unfortunately, it's hard to find reliable cables these days without spending a little extra.
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Biohazard Outbreak File 1 and 2 JAPANESE IMPORTS
Surprisingly cheap for Japanese Imports. I bought mine used off of Ebay for 20 USD each with original cases, game manuals, and FREE shipping! It only took 6 days to reach me too! So no more excuses that they're too expensive to import! Just
LOOK at these
PRICES!
OPTIONAL:
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A Wireless Ethernet Adapter
This helps if your PS2 is not close to a computer or a laptop. You'll be able to connect the ethernet cable to this to play wireless. Unfortunately, these do not come that cheap on Amazon. I bought the NETGEAR WNCE2001 Universal WiFi Internet Adapter for about 40 USD off Amazon. I'd recommend buying these cheaper from Ebay for about 15 USD.