For most people, the choice is simpler than all those SCPH numbers make it appear.
Model Size PSU Key differences 3XXXX Fat Internal Expansion Bay and i.LINK 5XXXX Fat Internal Quieter, Expansion Bay, built-in IR 7XXXX Slim External Built-in Ethernet, external PSU 9XXXX Slim Internal Refined Slim with internal PSU If you want a Fat PS2, we'd generally choose the 5XXXX. It's quieter than the earlier models while retaining the useful Expansion Bay.
There are smaller revisions within each family, but for most players the differences are minor. We generally recommend the 5XXXX if you want a Fat, and either 7XXXX or 9XXXX if you want a Slim.
The PlayStation 2 was produced for more than a decade, and Sony revised the hardware many times along the way. That leaves us with a surprisingly large number of model numbers for what is essentially the same console.
Here at RetroQuest, we simplify things by splitting the PS2 into four main families:
- 3XXXX Fat
- 5XXXX Fat
- 7XXXX Slimline
- 9XXXX Slimline
There are several sub-revisions within these groups. A 3000X and 3900X aren't technically identical, for example, nor are a 7000X and 7900X. Most of those differences are relatively minor internal revisions, though, and make little difference to the average player.
PS2 Fat
PS2 Fat 3XXXX
The 3XXXX family covers the earlier versions of the familiar full-size PS2, including the 3000X, 3500X and 3900X revisions.
These have the classic chunky PS2 design, motorised disc tray and internal power supply. They also feature a rear Expansion Bay, which can be used with a Network Adaptor and internal hard drive.
Another distinguishing feature is the i.LINK port on the front. This allowed certain games to connect multiple PS2 consoles together, although relatively few games actually supported it. We have a guide for the i.LINK port and which games support it here.
There are internal differences between the various 3XXXX revisions, particularly around the motherboard, optical drive and cooling. For most players these don't meaningfully change what the console can do, which is why we group them together at RetroQuest.
PS2 Fat 5XXXX
The 5XXXX was the final major revision of the original Fat PS2 and made several improvements.
The biggest difference is noise. Sony redesigned the cooling system, making the 5XXXX much quieter than earlier models.
It also gained a built-in infrared receiver for the official DVD remote and improved DVD playback support.
The rear Expansion Bay remained, so internal hard-drive setups are still possible. However, Sony removed the i.LINK port found on the 3XXXX.
If you want the original Fat PS2 experience, the 5XXXX is generally our pick here at RetroQuest. It retains the features that matter while being a slightly more refined machine.
PS2 Slimline
PS2 Slimline 7XXXX
In 2004, Sony completely redesigned the PS2 with the introduction of the 7XXXX Slimline.
It's dramatically smaller and lighter than the Fat. The motorised disc tray was replaced with a flip-top lid, and an Ethernet port was built directly into the console.
The biggest sacrifice was the internal power supply. In older models (and later Slimline models), the power supply is built inside the console. However, the 7XXXX PS2s need an external power brick.
Another removal was the Expansion Bay. There's no straightforward way to install the same internal hard-drive setup used by a Fat PS2.
The 7XXXX family includes several revisions, from the early 7000X through to the 7900X. Sony gradually simplified the internal hardware, reducing the number of components and improving efficiency.
These later revisions can have some minor compatibility differences with a small number of PS1 and PS2 games. For the overwhelming majority of players, though, a 7000X, 7500X, 7700X or 7900X provides essentially the same experience.
That's why RetroQuest groups them all under the 7XXXX Slimline family.
PS2 Slimline 9XXXX
The 9XXXX was the final major version of the PlayStation 2.
It retains the tiny Slimline form factor but makes one particularly useful change: the power supply is built back into the console.
Earlier 7XXXX Slims require an external power brick. With a 9XXXX, you simply connect a mains cable directly to the console.
Sony also continued simplifying the internal design. Some later 9XXXX consoles are less compatible with certain traditional homebrew methods, which is worth knowing if that's specifically what you're buying one for.
Which PS2 Should You Buy?
For most people, the choice is simpler than all those SCPH numbers make it appear.
| Model | Key differences |
|---|---|
| 3XXXX Fat | Classic design, Expansion Bay and i.LINK |
| 5XXXX Fat | Quieter Fat, Expansion Bay, built-in IR |
| 7XXXX Slim | Much smaller, built-in Ethernet, external PSU |
| 9XXXX Slim | Refined Slim with internal PSU |
If you want a Fat PS2, we'd generally choose the 5XXXX. It's quieter than the earlier models while retaining the useful Expansion Bay.
If you want a Slim, the 7XXXX is a great choice, while the 9XXXX is particularly neat thanks to its internal power supply.
There's a load of smaller revisions within each of these families, and PS2 enthusiasts will chew your ear off discussing their differences (not an insult, we're those people). But for the vast majority of players, the differences simply aren't significant enough to worry about.
More important is the condition of the individual console. These machines are now around 20 years old, so a clean, properly tested PS2 is far more important than chasing one particular minor revision.
That's exactly why we use these four groups at RetroQuest. They capture the differences that actually matter without turning buying a PS2 into a lesson in Sony motherboard revisions.
