Written by Brakken
June 2006
Introduction
I’d like to start with a big thanks to eXtreme-mods the company who sent the Swap Magic v3.6 in for
review. If you haven’t heard of them before eXtreme-mods is a very reliable source for your console
modification needs in the USA. The product they’ve sent for review is meant for users who with to boot
homebrew and back images on their Playstation 2 video gaming console without the need for any type of
internal modifications.
Features
Boot Backup Discs
Boot Homebrew Discs
Region Fix
Supports Large TOC Discs
Contents
Swap Magic v3.6 DVD
Swap Magic v3.6 CD
Swag Magic Key
Installation & Usage
If you’re one of those people who won’t dare open their Playstation, be it because of the fact it will
void your warranty or because you aren’t skilled in the art of soldering then you may wish to consider
purchasing a “swap” based solution. Swapping is simply inserting a “boot disc” and then removing it and
inserting your burnt CD/DVD. That’s all there is to it – well, at least in theory.
The Swap Magic v3.6 is based on this principle, but uses a “key” to open and close your Playstation 2’s
DVD drive and locking mechanism allowing you to complete the swapping process. It’s a pretty straight
forward approach which will boot most of your discs without any negative side effects.
One thing that caught me off guard was the lack of any documentation included with the Swap Magic v3.6.
Just sitting there holding the “key” along with the discs was a bit unnerving, but after some Google
searching and a little bit of luck I found a video demonstrating how the process is done. Keep in mind
after watching this video that the product is only compatible with the older/larger Playstation 2 models
and not the newer "PSTWO" consoles.
The process itself is simple. You insert either the Swap Magic v3.6 CD or DVD (depending if you’re booting
a CD or DVD) and the Playstation 2 will load it up. Once it’s loaded you’re greeted with a simple welcome
screen and then a basic menu. In this menu you can switch the region from Auto, PAL or NTSC and boot
the disc. Additionally, if you eject the Swap Magic v3.6 disc you can insert another one with a larger
TOC which is needed for backups on Dual Layer (DVD9) media.
Okay, so once you’ve selected or not selected your region (I left it on Auto) you are required to
insert the “key” underneath the front panel of your Playstation 2’s DVD-ROM tray and slide it towards
the right. Once you insert it you can feel it snap around the locking mechanism that keeps the drive
closed and tells the console that it’s safe to spin up.
When you slide it to the right you’ll hear it unlock and then the try will come out a little bit. Next
you pull forward on the key to bring the tray out. Next insert your burnt media and repeat the process
in reverse to close and lock the tray. Once it’s locked you press “X” on the controller and your
homebrew or backup disc will boot.
I tested the device with a few of my own personal backups along with a few homebrew images and it
booted them flawlessly. Sadly, I don’t own any of the “problem” games to test the unit with, but I’ve
been assured that these “problem” games don’t work.
You see certain games have built in protection or weird configurations that prevent them from being
booted in backup form. I was told that the compatibility of the Swap Magic v3.6 is around on par with
the HD Loader software, but as I said was unable to verify these claims. None the less, the majority
of your backups will boot as HD Loader has a really good compatibility rate.
Conclusion
When all is said and done if you’re looking for a way to boot your backup and homebrew discs on your
Playstation 2 without the need to “mod” anything the Swap Magic v3.6 is a very viable solution. Due
to compatibility issues you may want to consider having your console professionally modified by a
well respected and quality reseller (which eXtreme-mods offers), but if you can’t fork up enough
cash to buy a chip and have it fitted the Swap Magic v3.6 could be just what you’re looking for.
Positives
 No Opening Your Playstation 2
Easy Swapping Process
Average Comatibility
Doesn't Void Your Warranty
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Negatives
 You Have to Swap Discs
Average Compatiblity
Not Upgradable
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-=[ Swap Magic v3.6 Review Discussion Thread ]=-
Product(s) were received from the website above. ISO-420 will always link back to whomever sent the
product(s) *respect*, but please remember that the reviews are independently written by our staff
and are not subject to alteration by whomever supplies us with the review product(s).
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