I'm new to imports and need help with mod chips.

I thought I should add: my PS2 is a North American model.

Well, whaddya know. A little self initiative can produce great results.

^_^

I searched around and was able to find some great information about playing imports, with some good specific information about mod chips:

http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/304534

The information I found most useful in this particular thread was:

"Summary- Pros and Cons of PS2 Backup Methods"

Located just a few paragraphs down from the top, it discusses the different types of ways to play imports (Swap Magic, HD Loader, Mod Chips, etc.).

It sounds like a Mod Chip is the best way to go, even if it may be more expensive.

Thought I should add:

If you have a slim PS2 and want to get a mod chip, make note of the "Laser Fix" required for installation.

One of my concerns about getting a chip installed was because I kept reading about PS2s getting damaged by mod chips. I guess this laser fix makes it okay.

Here's one of my earlier posts from another thread:

You could either mod your PS2, or you could use plastic pieces with a boot disc such as "slide card" or "twist tool."

Personally, I'm just not comfortable with openning my consoles and tinkering with their circuit boards.

So I use a "slide card" on my original, thicker PS2 and a "twist tool" on my newer, Slim-Line PS2.

A word of caution though, the "twist tool" "tool C" is a bit tricky to install. You'll need good lighting, a tiny screwdriver, and plenty of patience to correctly install it. But the "twist tool" is only necessary if you have a V13 or V14 Slim-Line PS2. If you have V12 Slim-Line or below, then you can use the more basic plastic parts (their name escapes me).

If you have an older/fatter PS2, then the "slide card" would be a piece of cake to install. You'll still need a tiny screwdriver, but the process is much less difficult.

Check out the following sites:

http://www.modchip.com/ps2/

http://www.twisttool.com/product_info.php/products_id/71

Thanks for the links.

I think the swap disc may be the way to go, simply because it's so much cheaper.