It's no exaggeration: the PlayStation 2 remains at the top of the list with 155 million units sold, and after 23 years, we've learned a lot about this console. In fact, the number of available mods is impressive, and Zac from the Zac Builds channel decided to apply some of the most important ones to modernize and optimize his PS2.
13 years on the market, more than 4,000 official games, 155 million units sold. If you need an example of a successful console, the PlayStation 2 checks all the boxes. Today it's shaping up as a great candidate to start exploring the world of retro hardware, and the best part is we can mod it at several levels. Zac from the Zac Builds channel bought a PlayStation 2 online and decided to install several upgrades on it, starting with the simplest.
The best mods for a PlayStation 2 in 2024
His first mods were replacing the thermal pad to improve heat dissipation, and installing a Noctua fan, much quieter and more efficient than the original (he first used a 5V model, then installed a 12V one). Another notable change (and one I was completely unaware of, I must admit) is replacing the power supply with a RePS2 module, and a USB-C connection that negotiates 12V.
By far, the most complicated mod Zac installed is the HDMI output. The RetroGEM module is known as a universal upscaler, compatible with several consoles in addition to the PS2... but it requires microsoldering, and a microscope is recommended for the most challenging sections. As for games, a combination of Free McBoot, an SSD, and a replica of the Network Adapter compatible with the SATA interface confirmed the retirement of the optical drive.
The aesthetic section is undoubtedly Zac's strongest point. His ability to design alternative cases and access to important tools like 3D printers and CNC cutting put the final design on a different level. The last detail is an adapter for connecting wireless gamepads. Sony never created wireless controllers compatible with PS2, but this receiver opens the possibility of using gamepads intended for PS3, PS4 and/or PS5.
Of course, nothing is mandatory here, and Zac is convinced he could have achieved a better design for the case using resin, but all the same, I think it turned out very well.
