PS2 finally died, get a refurbished one, or move on?

My @ 10 YO PS2 console seams to be shot. It won't read any disk or DVD. I tried cleaning it out, cleaning the laser lens, and adjusting laser track. It tries real hard to read a disk after adjusting the track, but it just won't.

We are not serious gamers in my house, and the unit has many more hours of DVD play time than game time. Whatever I get next must do double duty as a DVD player. I also have no need, desire or cash for the most recent, latest and greatest consoles

So, the question is, should I go to GameStop and pick up a refurbished PS2 and keep on going with the status quo, or take this as an opportunity to switch platforms?

I'd really like a Wii, but they don't play DVDs without a seemingly complicated hack. I also think that the PS3 doesn't really offer that much more to a non online gamer than the good old PS2. Xbox? They seem about the same as the PS3 in relation to my needs.(And I loathe MS)

Is there something noteworthy that I'm missing? Is there a more current, easier hack for the Wii? Does anyone here have first hand experience with the Wii DVD player hack?

Thanks.

I have an Xbox 360. Mostly gets used for redbox but if you sign up for the online stuff it comes with Netflix which I enjoy

I can provide feedback on many of these points...

I own and Ps2 and a PS3 (because I'm a nerd and love to ply wierd "vintage" games I couldn't younger in life) and the playback is very different between the two. DVD quality on the PS3 makes the PS2 look like a relic especially on a modern TV. Also, the PS3 will play blueray and PS3 games which are worlds better than anything the PS2 could offer. There are also features you are missing the PS3 interface offers.

HDMI output

Netflix Capability

Youtube Capability

Web Browsing

Wireless Controllers

WiFi Capability

I use my PS3 all the time as a media station and it beats my PS2 hands down in every way. The only thing I would remind is, except for one specific release of the console, the PS3 will not play PS2 games.

I lothe MS as well and have no knowledge of the Xbox and it's capabilities.

I also have 2 WII consoles. These are fun, but as a media device they are awful. The main weakness is a lack of an HDMI port. On a HD TV the Netflix and DVD videos always come out looking dark and lacking contrast. For this reason alone I would not consider utilizing the WII as a media device, but I will say the games are very fun.

Cost for me is a concern and it sounds like it is for you as well. I have bought several systems from pawn shops and been very satisfied. Especially around the middle of the year pawn companies are attempting to dump anything gaming related and you would be amazed at the deals you can get. I bought my PS3 from a pawn show 2 years ago and paid $119 for the console, 2 controllers, and 2 games.

Hope this helps.

I'd vote for a replacement PS3. It's not THAT much more money than a used PS2 thanks to today's "retro gaming" craze, and you get a Bluray player and can use Netflix and Hulu on it without a paid subscription to the Playstation network. (I know that's not the case for PS4, but AFAIK I think that's still how the PS3 works.)

I have a 120 GB PS3 with Gran Turismo 6 that I should list on here, it's just taking up space in a computer box.

When my PS3 died, all it needed was a new laser scan reader thingy. Cost me a touch over $100 at http://www.reaperselectronics.com/ Getting your PS2 repaired is an option, but I'd probably just move onto a PS3 unit. Being able to watch Blu Ray discs is a big plus in my book.

If it gets so little game play time, just buy a DVD or BR player?

I know my Wii had a Netflix to game ratio of higher than 100:1, and aside from a few games of Mario party hasn't been used for more than an hour since I went to a smart BR player 4 years ago.

Yeah, if all you need is a disc player, you can get them for like $30 these days. But I concur with the used PS3 recommendation. Blu-ray, HDMI, streaming, etc. We bought one new in like 2009 and my son has put thousands and thousands of hours on the thing, and other than blowing out the dust a couple of times because it was overheating, it's never skipped a beat.

I vote ps3. There are a lot of great games for it if you decide go play some more and you get a Blu ray player plus streaming apps all in one device.

Tactical Penguin wrote: I'd vote for a replacement PS3. It's not THAT much more money than a used PS2 thanks to today's "retro gaming" craze, and you get a Bluray player and can use Netflix and Hulu on it without a paid subscription to the Playstation network. (I know that's not the case for PS4, but AFAIK I think that's still how the PS3 works.) I have a 120 GB PS3 with Gran Turismo 6 that I should list on here, it's just taking up space in a computer box.

If OP doesn't want your ps3 I'd be interested.

Cna you play PS2 games on the PS3? Mine just took a dump and I'm itching to play Starwars Battlefront again.

Appleseed wrote: Cna you play PS2 games on the PS3? Mine just took a dump and I'm itching to play Starwars Battlefront again.

Only the original 20/60 and early 80GB systems.

I wish I still had my ps2 so I could play.hot shots golf games. I could play those for hours.

In reply to Tactical Penguin:

Is this one of the models that will play ps2 games, and how much do you want for it?

i see used PS2's with extra controllers and games for sale on facebook garage sale sites all the time for $100 or less..

neon4891 wrote: If it gets so little game play time, just buy a DVD or BR player? I know my Wii had a Netflix to game ratio of higher than 100:1, and aside from a few games of Mario party hasn't been used for more than an hour since I went to a smart BR player 4 years ago.

This. I used to be a pretty hardcore console gamer, but slowly stopped playing over the years. When I bought my motorcycle I figured it was better to go ride than play a motorcycle video game, so I sold it all to buy a Shoei helmet and haven't looked back. Ymmv

Given that software costs generally dwarf the cost of the hardware, I would vote for a refurbished unit or repair your existing unit or find a more modern PS that is backwards-compatible with your game titles.

That said, a ten-year old computer or gaming console is an antique and way overdue for replacement unless you're happy with the games you own and have no particular desire for new ones.

If you want a DVD player, then buy a DVD player.

This thread got me to look at PS3s. At first I was kind of shocked that used consoles are still over $100 from GameStop. I was pleasantly surprised to find that GT6 is only $15 though!

So leaving the wheel out of it (due to the range in prices) is there a bunch of pricey DLC for GT6, or is it as simple as getting the $15 game?

I have a PS2 (SCPH-79001) that ran when parked. In original box, with controllers. My kids moved on.. I'll send it for cost of shipping (paypal), and after you confirm it works as it should, you can send me $40 or something. I have a couple games that can be included. Until then, it'll all be collecting dust.

bgkast bought my old Wii about a year ago, same situation.

asoduk wrote: ...So leaving the wheel out of it (due to the range in prices) is there a bunch of pricey DLC for GT6, or is it as simple as getting the $15 game?

No DLC to pay for. There will be a LOT of updates when you install (unless they re-pressed the discs), which includes cars and tracks, so be prepared.

asoduk wrote: This thread got me to look at PS3s. At first I was kind of shocked that used consoles are still over $100 from GameStop. I was pleasantly surprised to find that GT6 is only $15 though! So leaving the wheel out of it (due to the range in prices) is there a bunch of pricey DLC for GT6, or is it as simple as getting the $15 game?

Get a PS3 and GT6 and come race with us https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/simulation-central/grm-gran-turismo-6-racing-league-series-7/105169/page1/

You will have about three hours worth of updates to download and install but I don't believe I've ever bought any DLC for GT6.

I need a new PS3. My PS3 broke awhile ago. All I ever played on it was GT6 and MGS. Now I'm starting to miss GT6, I was very sucessful before the PS3 broke. I'd have to figure out how to get my data from the broken PS3 though. But, E36 M3 my PS4 is the media center for my house. It's almost always on streaming video's on netflix, funimation, or something. Damn I love that thing.

In reply to OHSCrifle:

It's still going strong too. Thanks!

If you like the PS2, and have a library of games for it that you still play, you can pick up a used one pretty cheap. Try and get a "Slim" one if you can. I find that they are generally more reliable than the older "Fat" ones. I saw a complete slim one at a yard sale yesterday for $25. If I saw this thread yesterday, I would have picked it up for you!

That said, the PS3 is a far superior media machine. I have game systems ranging from the Atari 2600 to the 360/Wii/PS3 generation, and since picking up the PS3 a couple years back, that gets the most use. It plays DVD's and Blu Ray discs, has tons of online video streaming apps that in my opinion work and look better than the ones on the Xbox 360, and you can even use Spotify on it. PS3's are getting cheap too, and the games are bottoming out of the market right now, so you can build a collection of quality titles for not a lot of cash. And yes, only the very early PS3's have backwards compatibility. The 20gb and 60gb models command a premium on the used market because of this. It's probably cheaper to get a PS2 and a newer, more reliable PS3.

The only reason I'd consider a Wii for anything is the excellent first-party (aka Nintendo made) games, and the fact that you can easily soft mod it to emulate older systems, like the NES, SNES, Genesis, etc. I have done this to both of mine and it rules!

You should be able to get either a PS2 or a PS3 on here for not much: http://www.shopgoodwill.com/.

bgkast wrote: In reply to OHSCrifle: It's still going strong too. Thanks!

I'm glad to hear that. Much better outcome than the Civic I sold to a Co-worker... which lost 5th gear about 2 months later .