My big brother used to use a toothpick instead of a springy thing and would leave the lid open. I used to love this trick. Thanks to this I was able to play a super cool Sailor Moon video game. I was the happiest 9 year old.
Basically the spring holds the button down that tells the system that the door is closed. W/O it, when open, the drive stops and rechecks the disc to see if its another game or not, region etc. With the spring in place, the system doent recheck the disc when swapping. Also once the import is read, the door can be closed to prevent anything from getting into the system. -The spring is more reliable. The best alternative is a mod chip.
Dood you are awesome I have that old gameshark disc and it totally works XD Im playing my import or Medabots right now man. Thanks =D I never thought my old gameshark would come in handy ever again LOL
Thats the thing with the spring, once the swap has been made, you can just cose the lid. Since the spring is able to adjust to the position of the lid without releasing the button, it can easily be shut. I just have it open in the video, but I don't think anyone really leaves the lid open afterwards. I guess anything can really be used to hold that button down, I've even used silly putty when I was a kid many years ago.-For the chips, you may have to use google to find a vendor,model, etc.
The wear I speak of is with the motor. Some people think hot swaps (swaping disc while the spindel is spinning) are fine, but you're stressing the gears and motor when powered, no matter how fast someone thinks they are. Since the system stops the disc for you to sawp discs, it is a lot safer to use by comparison.
Japanese games should be NTSC. I've ran PAL games on a modded system, and it comes down to if your tele can read the PAL signal or not.The game reads and the audio is fine, but the video feed garbled on a NTSC only television.
If its the one that says action replay pro, it may be the one. Without seeing the gamescreen for it, its hard to tell sometimes. But most likely. I would ask them to describe the screen, if it matches the one on the video.
A place I use to work for carried them, but that was in the late 90's. Te blue one is an Action Replay. It was one of the last runs for the old Playstation, and has a few more functions. Unlike the newer Gamesharks that went in the back, it retained the ability to play imports. Used game stores would probably be your best best these days tha sell older items.
The ARs seem to be a better bet, although they are basically the same thing. usually they will also pormote that they run imports or come with a spring to let you know that they can.
I'm from the Philippines and during the PS1 & PS2 era practically all PS1 & PS2 systems are modded out of the box so playing imports is not a problem. However 99% of games here were fakes and many freezes in the middle of the game. But they only cost around $ 1 U.S. each.
i used to have "Dragon Ball Z : Legends" and i STILL have the blue plug in thingy and the spring for my ps1. When I had to use that device, I had to go through the menus and and select "CD ROM" and let the domestic game play till it stopped spinning, THEN i could swap in the import, file back through the menus and start up the game. Is that process necessary with the blue thing?
I think that particular title required a mod chip and a code for the Gameshark to run. Don't quote me on that, but there is a Gameshark code created just for that to run on a modded system. I'm not sure if an unmodded system will bypass it simply with just a Gameshark. Also not all Gamesharks play imports. It more likely if you have an older version, your chances are better that it does. Later versions seemed to have removed this on both expansion or CD versions.
@RaulBillieJean My brother sent me some PAL games years ago. I can say that the modded system ran them, but since the game was PAL, the US television didn't show the correct video output. I was able to play them through the pip screen the TV had, but it was black and white unfortunately. I cannot confirm the other methods since I no longer have those PAL titles.
Forget what I said about the Action Replay method wearing out the PS1, you said it shouldn't wear it out later down the line, so it should be fine. The only reason why I asked that is because I had a GC that I used AR a lot on, and it had issues reading discs later on into it's life (though that may have been the dust, since the Gamecube stops reading the discs if the lid is open) I am still curious as to how the spring lets the imports work. Speaking of which, couldn't I use paper towels?
That would be a region bypass block. Some newer PS1 games have that. I ran into myself with Rockman 3: Complete Works. Only way I know of to bypass them is if you're using a method with the game enhancer there are codes you can enter.
Do you happen to know where you got your "blue gameshark" that goes in the back of the ps1. I had one, but it broke and my friend got it from malaysia. I have tried looking online for a similiar one, but the only ones i have found are the gray ones. Do you know if there is a difference. my ps1 is dated july 1997
That I figured. Plus, the swap trick seems ridiculous thanks to these much easier to use tricks. So I guess it's all good. I'm still curious as to why you need the lid open in the AR and Gameshark method, and can't I use paper towels instead of a spring? I swear I remember hearing that you could use those to trick the PS1 into thinking the lid is closed. Wouldn't keeping it open also allow dust to get inside the PS1 easier, too? Also, were could you obtain these mod chips for the PS1?
I believe you can power on with the US game first, and it will stop. From there you should be able to do the swap and start games w/without codes. Unless you have another version, it sound like you're just having the US disc read later rather than at start-up.
I was thinking about buying an imported version of Crash Bash (Crash Bandicoot Carnival) simply because it's a bit different from the version released in the states. I want to use the Gameshark region lock bypass trick, but I noticed you said that this doesn't work with ALL Gameshark discs. Is there a way to tell what version number you have so I can know which version to get, or should I try the AR method? Which do you recommend?
Hmmm. Sounds like a TOC issue with the game. Have you trie another import using the same method? Try placing the game into the CD menu and see if there are tracks you can listen to. If you can listen to the music on the menu, then I would think the ps-xchange has issues providing a good or large enough toc for the game...or something towards that manner. But yeah, see if another import works. Music and everything should play fine on US systems.
I just got the ps-xchange 2 and Donpachi for my ps1. It basically does the disc swap method without you having to pull take the disc in and out. My problem is this. The game plays fine and there's sound effects but no audio tracks. When playing any import on the American ps1 does the sound not work on all the games? Thanks
Hey I was wondering where I can get an action replay like that one? I remember borrowing one from a friend back in the 90s lol. The ones on ebay all look different.
Ah, that makes sense. So it doesn't have to recheck the whole disc again? Thanks for the explanation. Now I think maybe I'll search for some imports now, may be easier than signing up for a Japanese PSN account, and I can still play it on an actual PS1.
Out of curiosity, why do you need the spring with those methods? I've own the Gamecube version of Action Replay, so I have experience with a cheating device. Wouldn't enabling the AR by flipping that "on" switch bypass the region check completely? With the Gameshark, which is more like the GC AR, wouldn't you need to open and then close the lid anyway? How does keeping the lid open bypass the region lock? I Also, could these methods damage or wear out the laser quicker?
What other options are there? Would a gameshark work? Someone said its because of redbook audio for the music not working. What about the game freezing?
Sorry Steven, this never came up on my inbox. Push button switches are where I usually get these from, but I'm sure places like Lowes have something similar in their "parts" bins.
I have Winning Eleven 3 and 4. Winning eleven 3 works on my US PS1 but Winning Eleven 4 won't do. After PS1 logo goes I see Japanese words with red sign and it stay there. Also I don't have a memory card. Do I need a memory for it to play or it won't?
Adrean Vega Hmm....its hard to say, but since one is a State and the other US territory, I know that US games do exist in those areas. Just as long as they sport a NTSC on them, they should work though.
Adrean Vega Its most likely locked for the older systems, like the PS1. I was reading that Oceania region code runs off of PAL, so there could be issues there, granted that info I read was correct. I had a few PAL games before and although they ran on my modded system, the image was scrambled on my NTSC crt.
Im just wondering. I just got a gameshark that plugs behind the ps1port. Its title says game shark on it. Got it off of ebay for under 10 US dollars. Would this also work for booting ps1 back up games?
You would have to try, some will work while others had it removed. Its hard to tell sometimes when they are loose. If the disc reads then comes to a complete stop, you may have one that works.
My big brother used to use a toothpick instead of a springy thing and would leave the lid open. I used to love this trick. Thanks to this I was able to play a super cool Sailor Moon video game. I was the happiest 9 year old.
Yes, I always close mine whenever I use this method, but make sure the spring is seated correctly.
Basically the spring holds the button down that tells the system that the door is closed. W/O it, when open, the drive stops and rechecks the disc to see if its another game or not, region etc. With the spring in place, the system doent recheck the disc when swapping. Also once the import is read, the door can be closed to prevent anything from getting into the system. -The spring is more reliable. The best alternative is a mod chip.
Dood you are awesome I have that old gameshark disc and it totally works XD Im playing my import or Medabots right now man. Thanks =D I never thought my old gameshark would come in handy ever again LOL
Thats the thing with the spring, once the swap has been made, you can just cose the lid. Since the spring is able to adjust to the position of the lid without releasing the button, it can easily be shut. I just have it open in the video, but I don't think anyone really leaves the lid open afterwards. I guess anything can really be used to hold that button down, I've even used silly putty when I was a kid many years ago.-For the chips, you may have to use google to find a vendor,model, etc.
right on, thank you. I was going to rebuy the DBZ game just because its so fuggin epic, i just needed to know what was up.
The wear I speak of is with the motor. Some people think hot swaps (swaping disc while the spindel is spinning) are fine, but you're stressing the gears and motor when powered, no matter how fast someone thinks they are. Since the system stops the disc for you to sawp discs, it is a lot safer to use by comparison.
I used to do this with the cheat cartridges for PSX
Japanese games should be NTSC. I've ran PAL games on a modded system, and it comes down to if your tele can read the PAL signal or not.The game reads and the audio is fine, but the video feed garbled on a NTSC only television.
Usually the Action Replays come with them, but you can also take them from push buttons like from parts of old electronics.
If its the one that says action replay pro, it may be the one. Without seeing the gamescreen for it, its hard to tell sometimes. But most likely. I would ask them to describe the screen, if it matches the one on the video.
A place I use to work for carried them, but that was in the late 90's. Te blue one is an Action Replay. It was one of the last runs for the old Playstation, and has a few more functions. Unlike the newer Gamesharks that went in the back, it retained the ability to play imports. Used game stores would probably be your best best these days tha sell older items.
Usually you can tell it the disc actually stops, a good indicator if it is able to run imports, but not fullproof.
The ARs seem to be a better bet, although they are basically the same thing. usually they will also pormote that they run imports or come with a spring to let you know that they can.
I'm from the Philippines and during the PS1 & PS2 era practically all PS1 & PS2 systems are modded out of the box so playing imports is not a problem. However 99% of games here were fakes and many freezes in the middle of the game. But they only cost around $ 1 U.S. each.
very cool video bro! I bought a psx exchange disc for mine cause slim model but I really like the gameshark
i used to have "Dragon Ball Z : Legends" and i STILL have the blue plug in thingy and the spring for my ps1. When I had to use that device, I had to go through the menus and and select "CD ROM" and let the domestic game play till it stopped spinning, THEN i could swap in the import, file back through the menus and start up the game.
Is that process necessary with the blue thing?
Hello bray8916
Great video. Where can I get one of those springs you are using?
Regards,
Steven
I think that particular title required a mod chip and a code for the Gameshark to run. Don't quote me on that, but there is a Gameshark code created just for that to run on a modded system. I'm not sure if an unmodded system will bypass it simply with just a Gameshark. Also not all Gamesharks play imports. It more likely if you have an older version, your chances are better that it does. Later versions seemed to have removed this on both expansion or CD versions.
Great video, you also have a very nice psx colection :)
@RaulBillieJean My brother sent me some PAL games years ago. I can say that the modded system ran them, but since the game was PAL, the US television didn't show the correct video output. I was able to play them through the pip screen the TV had, but it was black and white unfortunately. I cannot confirm the other methods since I no longer have those PAL titles.
Forget what I said about the Action Replay method wearing out the PS1, you said it shouldn't wear it out later down the line, so it should be fine. The only reason why I asked that is because I had a GC that I used AR a lot on, and it had issues reading discs later on into it's life (though that may have been the dust, since the Gamecube stops reading the discs if the lid is open)
I am still curious as to how the spring lets the imports work. Speaking of which, couldn't I use paper towels?
That would be a region bypass block. Some newer PS1 games have that. I ran into myself with Rockman 3: Complete Works. Only way I know of to bypass them is if you're using a method with the game enhancer there are codes you can enter.
Do you happen to know where you got your "blue gameshark" that goes in the back of the ps1. I had one, but it broke and my friend got it from malaysia. I have tried looking online for a similiar one, but the only ones i have found are the gray ones. Do you know if there is a difference. my ps1 is dated july 1997
Wow this never popped up in my inbox, but yes, these methods should work on your model. The most common swapping discs methods are good.
You forgot to demo the breaker pro boot disc and/or the ps-x-change boot disc.
That I figured. Plus, the swap trick seems ridiculous thanks to these much easier to use tricks. So I guess it's all good. I'm still curious as to why you need the lid open in the AR and Gameshark method, and can't I use paper towels instead of a spring? I swear I remember hearing that you could use those to trick the PS1 into thinking the lid is closed. Wouldn't keeping it open also allow dust to get inside the PS1 easier, too?
Also, were could you obtain these mod chips for the PS1?
I believe you can power on with the US game first, and it will stop. From there you should be able to do the swap and start games w/without codes. Unless you have another version, it sound like you're just having the US disc read later rather than at start-up.
I was thinking about buying an imported version of Crash Bash (Crash Bandicoot Carnival) simply because it's a bit different from the version released in the states.
I want to use the Gameshark region lock bypass trick, but I noticed you said that this doesn't work with ALL Gameshark discs. Is there a way to tell what version number you have so I can know which version to get, or should I try the AR method? Which do you recommend?
Hmmm. Sounds like a TOC issue with the game. Have you trie another import using the same method? Try placing the game into the CD menu and see if there are tracks you can listen to. If you can listen to the music on the menu, then I would think the ps-xchange has issues providing a good or large enough toc for the game...or something towards that manner. But yeah, see if another import works. Music and everything should play fine on US systems.
I just got the ps-xchange 2 and Donpachi for my ps1. It basically does the disc swap method without you having to pull take the disc in and out. My problem is this. The game plays fine and there's sound effects but no audio tracks. When playing any import on the American ps1 does the sound not work on all the games? Thanks
Dose the action replay plays the imported version of crash bandicoot 1???
Hey I was wondering where I can get an action replay like that one? I remember borrowing one from a friend back in the 90s lol. The ones on ebay all look different.
Ah, that makes sense. So it doesn't have to recheck the whole disc again?
Thanks for the explanation. Now I think maybe I'll search for some imports now, may be easier than signing up for a Japanese PSN account, and I can still play it on an actual PS1.
Haha thanks, and thanks for watching!
Out of curiosity, why do you need the spring with those methods? I've own the Gamecube version of Action Replay, so I have experience with a cheating device. Wouldn't enabling the AR by flipping that "on" switch bypass the region check completely? With the Gameshark, which is more like the GC AR, wouldn't you need to open and then close the lid anyway? How does keeping the lid open bypass the region lock? I
Also, could these methods damage or wear out the laser quicker?
@thehumansilversurfer Thanks, and thank you for sharing that information.
What other options are there? Would a gameshark work? Someone said its because of redbook audio for the music not working. What about the game freezing?
Sorry Steven, this never came up on my inbox. Push button switches are where I usually get these from, but I'm sure places like Lowes have something similar in their "parts" bins.
I have Winning Eleven 3 and 4. Winning eleven 3 works on my US PS1 but Winning Eleven 4 won't do. After PS1 logo goes I see Japanese words with red sign and it stay there. Also I don't have a memory card. Do I need a memory for it to play or it won't?
you only showed japanese games.. do you think it will work the same way with PAL games?
A spring came with my ps-x-change2 boot disc.
also I have a question can i close the lid once I get the game running or does it have to be open at all time
would I be able to run a import with a gameshark lite?
I know the Dreamcast one works, but I have never tested the Playsation version if it does or not.
Adrean Vega Hmm....its hard to say, but since one is a State and the other US territory, I know that US games do exist in those areas. Just as long as they sport a NTSC on them, they should work though.
Adrean Vega Its most likely locked for the older systems, like the PS1. I was reading that Oceania region code runs off of PAL, so there could be issues there, granted that info I read was correct. I had a few PAL games before and although they ran on my modded system, the image was scrambled on my NTSC crt.
I use the Breaker Pro boot CD.
Im just wondering. I just got a gameshark that plugs behind the ps1port. Its title says game shark on it. Got it off of ebay for under 10 US dollars. Would this also work for booting ps1 back up games?
You would have to try, some will work while others had it removed. Its hard to tell sometimes when they are loose. If the disc reads then comes to a complete stop, you may have one that works.
bray8916 yea it should work i think. I know its version 2.2
i like it