How to Connect and Play PlayStation 2

Check the input options on your TV. There are multiple ways to connect your PlayStation 2 to a TV or receiver, depending on the available inputs. Different inputs offer varying levels of picture quality. Inputs are typically located on the back of the TV, though sometimes they can be found on the side or front.

• Composite/Stereo AV - This is the most common method for connecting a PlayStation 2 to a TV, receiver, or VCR. Composite cables have three connectors: yellow (video), red, and white (audio). These cables usually come with every PlayStation 2 model. However, newer HD TVs may not support this connection.
• Component/YCbCr - This is the best method for connecting a PlayStation 2 to newer TVs, as most HD TVs have this port. Component cables also deliver the highest possible picture quality for the PlayStation 2. These cables have five connectors: red, blue, and green (video), and red and white (audio). Component cables are not included with the PlayStation 2. If you purchase one, ensure it has connectors compatible with the PlayStation 2's ports.
• S-Video - This port is less common on newer TVs. While S-Video provides better picture quality than composite cables, it falls short of component cables. S-Video connectors are typically yellow and have pins instead of standard AV connectors. PlayStation 2 S-Video cables include an S-Video connector along with red and white audio connectors.
• RF - This is the least recommended method for connecting a PlayStation 2 to a TV or VCR, as it delivers poor picture quality. RF connects through the coaxial port of the TV/VCR (the same input used for cable boxes or older antennas). Avoid this method unless you have no other options.

Prepare the correct cable type. If you purchase a new PlayStation 2, it will come with a composite cable included in the box. If you need a different type of cable, you can order it directly from Sony or online retailers like Lazada. Since the PlayStation 2 uses a unique connection port, double-check the product description to ensure the cable is specifically designed for the PlayStation 2.

• Video cables for the PlayStation 2 are compatible with all models of this gaming console generation.

Place the PlayStation 2 near the TV or receiver. The PlayStation 2 should be positioned in an open area to prevent overheating. Avoid stacking the PS2 on top of or beneath other electronic devices. If you have a stand, you can place the PlayStation 2 vertically to save space. Ensure the PS2 is close enough to the TV and power outlet so the video and power cables are not stretched too tightly.

Connect the video cable to the back of the PlayStation 2. All PlayStation 2 video cables plug into the same port on the back of the console. The video port is located at the bottom right corner of the original PlayStation 2 fat model and next to the power connector on the right side of the PlayStation 2 slim model. This port is labeled "AV MULTI OUT."

Connect the other end of the video cable to the TV. Take note of the port you are using to ensure you select the correct input when turning on the TV. Insert the cable into the corresponding colored ports.

• The audio connectors (red and white) may not match the video input on the TV. If the TV only supports mono audio, use the red audio connector.
• When using component cables, there are two red connectors: one for video and one for audio. If the cable is laid flat, the order of the connectors is red, blue, green (video), and white, red (audio).
• If your TV only has component ports and you only have a composite cable, you can still connect it. Plug in the red and white audio cables as usual, then try inserting the yellow connector into the green port. If the image appears in black and white, try plugging the yellow connector into the blue or red port instead.
• In Europe, you may need a Euro-AV adapter to connect the composite cable to the SCART port on the TV. This adapter is included with new PS2 models sold in Europe.

Connect the digital audio cable (optional). For a 5.1 surround sound system, you may need to connect the Digital Out (Optical) port on the PS2 to the receiver using a TOSLINK cable. This method is only applicable if you have the necessary equipment and want to experience 5.1 surround sound. The Digital Out (Optical) port is usually located next to the video port on the back of the PlayStation 2.

Connect the PlayStation 2 power cable. The PS2 fat and PlayStation 2 slim use different power cables. For the PS2 fat, plug the "figure-8" end of the power cable into the back of the console, then connect the other end to a wall outlet or power strip. For the PS2 slim, insert the power cable into the yellow "DC IN" jack on the back of the console, connect the power brick, and plug the final end into a wall outlet or power strip.

• Ensure the cable has some slack to avoid straining the connection.

Connect the Ethernet cable (optional). Some PS2 models support online features, requiring you to connect the PlayStation 2 to your home network via an Ethernet cable for internet access. The PS2 slim has a built-in Ethernet adapter, while the PlayStation 2 fat requires an external network adapter.

• No system-level network setup is needed. Each game handles network settings individually when you attempt to connect.
• Some PS2 multiplayer online games no longer support network access due to discontinued servers.

Connect the game controller to the PlayStation 2. You’ll need to use an official PlayStation 2 game controller (called the DualShock 2) or a third-party controller designed for the PS2. All new PlayStation 2 models come with a DualShock 2 controller. While PS1 controllers cannot be used permanently with the PS2, they are compatible when playing PS1 games.

Insert a memory card (optional). To save your game progress, you’ll need a PS2 memory card with an official capacity of 8 MB, which provides enough storage for many games. Additionally, there are official memory cards with larger capacities, such as 16 MB and 32 MB. Unofficial memory cards with much larger storage are available, but they may cause conflicts or corrupt saved data. An external hard drive can also replace a memory card, but you’ll need a memory card to install the hard drive’s software.

• You can play games without a memory card or HDD, but your progress will be lost when you turn off the system or switch to another game.
• The memory card slot is located above the controller ports. Note: The memory card label should face upward when inserted.

Turn on the TV and switch to the correct input. Power on your TV and select the input where the PlayStation 2 is connected. If the PS2 is linked to a VCR or receiver, ensure the VCR/receiver is set to the corresponding input, and adjust the TV settings accordingly.

Power on the PS2. Press the power button located on the front of the PlayStation 2. The indicator light will turn green, and if the correct input is selected, the PS2 welcome logo will appear. If no game is inserted, the system menu will load. If a game is already in the console, it will start automatically after the boot screen.

Insert a game. Press the Eject button on the front of the PlayStation 2 to open the disc tray (PS2 fat) or lift the disc cover (PS2 slim). Place the game disc onto the tray or spindle. Close the cover (PS2 slim) or press the Eject button again to retract the tray (PS2 fat).

• Avoid removing the game disc while playing, as this will exit the game without saving progress.
• Note: Do not touch the disc's surface when inserting or removing it to prevent scratches, damage, and ensure longevity.

Start the game in progressive scan mode (component connection only). If the PS2 is connected via component cables, you can enable progressive scan mode (480p), which delivers sharper visuals. However, this feature is only supported by specific games. To activate it, hold down the △+✕ buttons after the PlayStation 2 logo appears during game startup. If the game supports progressive scan, a prompt will guide you through activation. There are no system-wide settings for this feature.