Playing imports

Playing Import Games

Importing PS2 titles opens up a huge catalogue of games that never released in your region, from Japan-only RPGs to PAL-exclusive editions. The two hurdles are the console's region lock and the difference in video standards between regions. Both are solvable once you understand what each one affects.

Clearing the region lock

Original imported discs are blocked by the console's region check. Patching the system with MechaPwn removes that block so genuine discs from any region boot normally. If instead you are playing an imported title as a backup through Open PS2 Loader, OPL already ignores region and will launch the image directly.

Matching the video standard

Region and video format usually go hand in hand. Japanese and North American games expect NTSC, while European games expect PAL, and the two differ in resolution and frame rate. Running a mismatched game can produce rolling pictures, black borders, or incorrect speed on a TV that only supports one standard.

• Modern displays and upscalers often accept both standards, which solves most problems automatically.
• OPL's force-video and patch options can convert a game's output to match your TV.
• An NTSC game on PAL hardware may run faster or slower than intended until corrected.

With the lock cleared and video sorted, imports run just as smoothly as local releases.