PS2:PS2 Model Differences

Page content & researching taken from io55.net's PS2 page with permission, in collaboration.

Models + Revisions
''Models are arranged chronologically. Revisions are underneath their respective model.''

“PlayStation 2 (original)” (2000-2004)
Commonly referred to as the “fat”, these systems have the most concise set of features, compared to the Slim. DVD drive + buttons, 2 memory card and controller slots, 2 USB ports, 1 IEEE 1394 port (earlier revisions), AV out, IR port (later revisions), and an expansion bay for the Network + HDD adapter. Quality and featureset varies by the revision, which obviously is covered shortly. Typically the most reliable, with some variance across revisions.

“SCPH-30001(R)/35001” (2000-2002)
The launch revisions of the PS2 in the United States, with the IEEE 1394, no integrated IR, etc. These lack the ability to use the DVD remote without installing software onto the memory card. Furthermore, they have pretty unreliable lasers that are prone to failing. Lots of motherboard/chassis sub-revisions exist for this revision, and for the most part, they don’t really impact the user. Their one positive is high quality motherboards, which are surrounded by metal shielding. Overheating may be an issue. Be careful with these and their varying reliability.

“SCPH-39001” (2002-2003)
One of the two “ideal” fat revisions, and typically seen as the “best” by most. Has the IEEE 1394, no integrated IR, etc. These systems upped laser and system reliability, at the cost of increased fan noise. They’re also well built, and it’s possible to swap in the fan from a 50001 into this revision.

“SCPH-50001” (2003-2004)
The other “good” revision of the fat PS2. These consoles don’t have the IEEE 1394 anymore, but have included an integrated IR sensor. This allows the DVD remote to simultaneously do a lot more, while taking less space (controller spot isn’t occupied by a receiver). It’s fans are also much quieter than any prior revision. DVDs will also play at a higher quality (default res is 480p, not i). However, some say they have “cheaper” build quality. One significant caveat is within the lasers, which normally are fine, but are prone to the rare “MechaCon” issue. Such an issue occurs when a certain drive chip “overdrives” the laser in response to a difficult-to-read or unofficial disc. This damages the drive mechanisms, and can even damage the chip itself. Because of this, it’s advised to steer away from using the drive, swap it’s laser, or swap the entire drive (if possible).

“PlayStation 2 Slim” (2004-2013)
A much smaller version of the PS2 that was manufactured for quite some time. These systems lose the extension port and the IEEE 1394, and often times required an external power brick. Furthermore, their individual revisions are quite hit-or-miss when it comes to homebrew, game compatibility, or laser reliability.

“SCPH-70001/70012” (2004-2005)
With the Slim, Sony removed the expansion slot and integrated networking. This results in the loss of easy HDD installation. However, this revision actually retains a full network adapter internally, which means a drive still can be installed via modding. In essence, this Slim is just a smaller 50001. However, the “shrinking” actually worsened their reliability, making them especially prone to MechaCon & overheating. Note: 70001 has only Ethernet port; 70012 has both Ethernet and 56k line port.

“SCPH-75001” (2005-2006)
Starting with this version of the Slim, the ability to mod in HDD support has been completely axed. Furthermore, internal chip changes cause these systems to run into game compatibility issues (notably, the I/O processor containing a MIPS R3000A CPU core previously used for backwards compatibility among other things was replaced with a PowerPC-based I/O processor called "Deckard"). In essence, this revision has none of the benefits of either the 70000s or the 77000s and above. They only come with minor negatives, so it’s best to avoid these. Homebrew is still possible.

“SCPH-77001” (2006-2007)
Not much has changed with these, compared to the 75001, except game compatibility. Software changes starting from this revision improved compatibility with both PS1 and PS2 games, which in essence makes it a slightly better 75001. Homebrew is once again, still possible.

“SCPH-79001” (2007)
Sony’s “shrinking” trend has continued, as the 79001 is the lightest and smallest (internally) of all Slims. Otherwise, they’re pretty much the same as the 77001, with potential minor aberrations in compatibility with games. Homebrew still works fine.

“SCPH-90001” (2007-2013)
Finally, the “shrinking” trend has reversed with the final Slim. This is because Sony returned to an internal PSU design with these systems, while also adjusting the external cosmetics slightly. Reliability has also been enhanced a significant amount. However, the one huge issue is that most all 90001s are very difficult for homebrew, as a change to the BIOS disabled FreeMcBoot (the easiest method). Only a console manufactured before Fall 2008 (datecode 8C) can still use FreeMcBoot, and finding one of those consoles can be hard.