Identifying your model

Identifying your PS2 model

Before you mod anything, you need to know exactly which PlayStation 2 you own, because the right method depends on it. Every PS2 has an SCPH-##### model number printed on a label on the back or underside, along with a date code.

The first thing to note is the obvious physical split: the "fat" consoles (SCPH-10000 to 50012) are the large, boxy original design, while the "slim" consoles (SCPH-70000 to 90000) are the thin redesign. Fats have an expansion bay on the back for an internal hard drive and network adapter; slims do not.

The more important hidden detail is the boot ROM version, which decides whether the classic FreeMcBoot exploit can auto-boot your console. You can read it in software (for example in uLaunchELF) once you have any homebrew running. As a rule of thumb, the latest slim models are the ones to watch — see Boot ROM versions explained.