Debug versus modded retail PS2

[Stupid Dufus]

Hi all, this is my first post on ASSEMblergames.

I'm trying to get into freelance writing covering video games. I'm currently an assistant editor at a publication with circulation of around 8,000. I write an article or two for my current magazine, so I do have a PR contact with Nintendo and Microsoft (not Sony yet, though I'm trying), but my chances of getting anything other than retail copies a week or so early are still slim to nil.

When I spoke to the editor of major video game publication I'd like to freelance for, he asked if I had access to debug equipment, which I do not. I assume this is something most major publications would like their writers to have, obviously.

So here's my question: Could a modded PS2 allow for the playing/use of pre-release copies of games? I realize debug systems are expensive for companies to send out to just anyone, and as I'm just trying to start out freelance, I'm not established, so getting my hands on a debug console is pretty hard, though any tips/suggestions would be appreciated.

I realize some dev/debug systems have extra RAM, serial ports, etc., but is that really needed? Sorry if I sound like a newb/amateur/take your pic, but I'm trying to become as knowledgeable about the subject as I can.

[jccochez]

if it's only to test games, a degug system is not required; a chipped PS2 will do,

but you'd better thake a matrix infinity/ O2/crystal/DMS4 SE/ghost
chip to make sure it will boot it perfectly.

For uses of pre-release copies:
Ps1 debug isn't really different from a modded retail playstation
Ps2 Test have more ram (64mb instead of 32) but you won't use it.
Xbox can be modified to use the DEBUG dashboard(you would be still able to launch the old one)

The only problem you'll have would be if you're gonna test
GC (no chipped console read NDp/ds-r), ps (you need the devkit complete, as the prerelease are probably not on UMD/cartrige) or Xbox 360 (a bit complicated for this one...)

[joehax]

ps2nfo.com mentioned some method or app called "SB" that turns a regular PS2 into a dev unit or something like that (without any hardward modification).

[Alchy]

I imagine the question will be more where you're going to find the games. I'd be surprised if any of the companies you mention are going to send you beta discs unless they think they've given you the appropriate hardware to play them on. don't know for sure, though.

[Stupid Dufus]

True, obtaining the discs would be the next challenge. I think by telling the magazines I have adequate hardware to play a pre-release, they'd be more willing to send me the disc to review and/or give me assignments.

Looking for SB info, it seems it's an unreleased (to the public) application/software package with source that does what joehax mentioned.

Regarding the mod methods for a PS2, would I have to chip it, or would some of these case mods/slidecard combos work? I hope discussion of those is not against forum rules, or outside the scope of it (didn't appear to be from the general rules of the board).

[DevL]

common, SB is really a fake,
TEST tool is just playground to have "non special" ps2, just with different label on the box.
if it is not released year ago for public, who would need this SB at the end of the life for console.

[DevL]

btw I think it is chat not about dev/debug systems but only test console, correct me if I am wrong

[Stupid Dufus]

True. I'm wanting to know what steps I'd have to take to play pre-release games on a retail PS2.

However, are there any other features a debug system would offer that a retail system wouldn't allow for? Hi-quality screen caps or things like that?

[jccochez]

test ps2 is exacltly the same for taking screen caps. honestly, take a moded ps2, it would do the same

but can we have more informattions about that "sb"?

[Stupid Dufus]

Thanks for the info everyone.

[joehax]

test ps2 is exacltly the same for taking screen caps. honestly, take a moded ps2, it would do the same

but can we have more informattions about that "sb"?

http://www.ps2nfo.com/modules.php?na...threadid=11894

The FileSize for the entire SB package including source code and PC/PS2 clients we're told is 18.6 MB (19,565,077 bytes), but until an actual public release that information isn't of much use. However, for those interested we DO have exclusive screenshots of it as follows: Pic #1, Pic #2, Pic #3, Pic #4, Pic #5, Pic #6, and Pic #7.

Let me know if you can't view the images and I'll mirror them somewhere.

Someone said its fake but ps2nfo isn't too bad with their news :shrug:

[jccochez]

can't see screenshots :(

[Pikkon]

can't see screenshots :(

Here you go.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y10...on/Codeine.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y10...odeine_PS2.gif
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y10...son/Launch.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y10...uperBender.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y10...on/SurReal.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y10...n/SurReal1.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y10...urReal_PS2.gif

[jccochez]

thanks.

would be great to find a Sb disk someday ^^

[APE]

The only problem you'll have would be if you're gonna test
GC (no chipped console read NDp/ds-r), ps (you need the devkit complete, as the prerelease are probably not on UMD/cartrige) or Xbox 360 (a bit complicated for this one...)

Nintendo sends out a whole kit with a cart fitted with an internal hdd. AFAIK they are true, full devkits. The thing has a physical lock on it too and I think some reviewers have stated that Nintendo Personell never leave the room without it. They're dead set on not allowing a leak.