A long dead project, but kernels and compiled releases are still available online. Seems like it may actually have some interesting features available within it. Also available on various other consoles. Capable of 1080i and SVGA with dithering, check the website.

https://github.com/rickgaiser/bricks-os

https://code.google.com/archive/p/bricks-os/

https://web.archive.org/web/20090222060403/http://bricks-os.org/

Console emulation (potential)

Whether these emulators support operating systems for these consoles is unknown; it must be looked into further. Consoles without meaningful OSes are not included.

https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Emulators_on_PS2

Atari 2600 – PVCS

Bandai WonderSwan (Color) - WonderStation

Coleco ColecoVision - ColemPS2

NEC TurboGrafx-16 – PS2PCE

Nintendo 64 – DaedalusX64 “belek alpha git”

https://www.psx-place.com/threads/daedalus-x64-ps2-port-early-poc-port-mario-64-runs-20-30-fps-other-issues.27200/ https://www.psx-place.com/threads/n64-emulation-on-ps2-a-discussion-about-a-possible-structure-release-alpha-beta-test.21439/ https://github.com/belek666/daedalus

Nintendo Entertainment System – FCEUltra PS2, FCEU-mmPS2, pNESx, InfoNES, imbNES, rarch

Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Snes9x PS2, SNES Station

https://www.psx-place.com/threads/snes-station-mod-by-pinguinoctis.19025/ https://www.psx-place.com/threads/super-nintendo-snesstation-0-2-4s.10548/

Nintendo Game Boy (Color) – InfoGB, rarch

Nintendo Game Boy Advance – VisualBoy Advance, GPS2kai 3.3test, ReGBA, TempGBA, rarch

Sega Genesis – Pgen, PicoDrive, JVSG SMD Conversor, SMD Vol.17 Constructor, rarch

Sega Master System – PicoDrive MS libretro, PISS PS2, PSMS alt+, PSMS Reloaded

Sony PlayStation 1 – POPStarter, PS2PSXe

plus retroarch others missed

Debian (KernelLoader)

Installation is for experts

Debian 5.0 using Linux 2.6 and KernelLoader. Slow but stable, apparently.

https://sourceforge.net/projects/kernelloader/files/Debian%205.0/

DOSBox (Windows 1-98?)

It's based on psp port and has working dynamic core.

It can only be assumed that, whatever works on PSP DOSBox will work here.

http://ps2dev.karashome.tk/ (alternative port?)

https://www.vogons.org/viewtopic.php?t=20120

https://www.psx-place.com/threads/dosbox-by-belek666.19030/

Emulation Nest

This device runs an operating system which is known to emulate various devices with EOPs. See the AmigaOS, DOS, and MSX pages.

FreeBSD

To boot the kernel, you will require a special boot disc from SONY

An old port, but still has some potential. Requires RedBoot or the original Kit DVD.

http://www.de.netbsd.org/ports/playstation2/

Linux (2020 work)

A much older version 2.6.35.14 kernel from 2010 supports more devices

An attempt of porting 5.x kernel to PS2, with 4.x and 3.x. This also rehosts the 2.6 and 2.2 versions that have superior device support.

https://github.com/frno7/linux

Linux (MegaMan’s KernelLoader)

Kernelloader is a bootloader for PS2 Linux and other PS2 operating systems

Custom kernel tool to load various non-official OSes, or just the kernel (2.6) on it’s own.

https://sourceforge.net/projects/kernelloader/files/Kernelloader/Kernelloader%203.0/

https://web.archive.org/web/20180823085755/https://www.linux-mips.org/wiki/PS2

http://kernelloader.sourceforge.net/tutorial/howtoinstalllinux.html

http://kernelloader.sourceforge.net/linux.html

https://oitofelix.github.io/ps2-linux/

Linux PlayStation 2 (Sony) + optional 2.4.17 kernel

a kit released by Sony Computer Entertainment in 2002

The official Sony distro for the PS2, based off of Kondara Linux. The loader DVD here is used for Blackrhino (original) below. Apparently, a 2.4.17 kernel is on the playstation2-linux site.

https://sourceforge.net/projects/kernelloader/files/Sony%20Linux%20Toolkit/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWmJ0RH_Feo

https://www.reddit.com/r/ps2/comments/9g8mc3/does_anybody_have_a_iso_or_can_make_one_of_the/

https://ps2linux.no-ip.info/playstation2-linux.com/

OpenWRT

booting from usb with a custom kernel and custom initrd

Port only found in a single forum thread, so the files may not be out there. Looks to be based off OG sources, however, so may not be an issue.

https://web.archive.org/web/20120429175741/http://forums.ps2dev.org/viewtopic.php?p=86605

PC emulation (potential)

Whether these emulators support operating systems for these computers is unknown; it must be looked into further. Bochs is excluded, as it is known to run OSes. PCs without meaningful OSes are not included.

https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Emulators_on_PS2

Amstrad CPCs – PCPC

https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Emulators

Commodore 64 – VICE 2.2, PS2-DC64 2.0

Commodore Amigas – Amiga PS2, UAE retroarch

https://www.ps2-home.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5692

MSXs – ps2fMSX, rarch

Sinclair ZX Spectrums – PS2 DreamSpec, rarch

plus retroarch others missed

Redboot (ECOS Bootloader)

RedBoot is a debug and bootstrap system running on eCos

Apparently doesn’t work.

http://ps2hacking.sourceforge.net/dists/ecos/

Stock BIOS

Not much to do here, but it has some options fiddling and such.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G4yRe288Os

Stock BIOS - XMB (PSX)

A lot more to do here. Do not use the Russian-originated translation, only this western firmware.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRGCsJIO6D4

https://www.videogameconsolelibrary.com/pg00-psx.htm

Internet

“DNS hijack” within broadband setup

Very similar to the method for browsing internet on the Nintendo Switch, just requires some disc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lT0IETYWAKI (Old web portal example)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtZeIR8QfDo (Typical example)

EGBrowser

the only official web browser for the PlayStation 2

Released in Japan only, but a ROM with English menus exists.

https://wiki.pcsx2.net/EGBrowser

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gYqMWBDq8U

https://forums.afterdawn.com/threads/egbrowser-the-official-ps2-web-browser.627387/

Other

Minecraft PPC Edition

Sony PlayStation 2 and 3 (if you can live with major lag spikes)

This port, normally meant for old PPC macs, can apparently run on the PlayStation 2. No further detail is divulged… certainly it means thru Linux or something similar?

http://macintoshgarden.org/games/minecraft-152

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/minecraft-powerpc-edition-redesigned-for-vintage-macs.2200729/

Version & Revision Guide

For general information, see the Game Console Revisions Overview.

Versions

There are two versions of this console, arranged chronologically.

“PlayStation 2 (original)” (2000-2004)

RECOMMENDED OVERALL; BEST RELIABILITY

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.

“PlayStation 2 Slim” (2004-2013)

LOWEST PRICE

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. They do appear to be a bit cheaper than the original PS2s, however.

Revisions

There are three revisions within the PlayStation 2 (original), and five revisions within the PlayStation 2 Slim.

PlayStation 2 (original) 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)

BEST RELIABILITY; RECOMMENDED OVERALL (if you like IEEE 1394)

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 still very well built, and they have no “sub-revisions” within. It’s possible to swap in the fan from a 50001 into this revision.

“SCPH-50001” (2003-2004)

RECOMMENDED OVERALL (if you like fancy IR/remotes) 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 revisions: === == “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. It’s probably best to not get one of these Slims, since all of their “benefits” are simply what they didn’t ax from the fats. Note: 70001 has only Ethernet port; 70012 has both Ethernet and 56k line port. == “SCPH-75001” (2005-2006) == DO NOT PURCHASE 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. 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) == DO NOT PURCHASE if you want homebrew**

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 with a console manufactured before Fall 2008 (datecode 8C) can still use FreeMcBoot, and finding one of those consoles can be hard. It’s fine, if you care nothing of EOPs.

https://tcrf.net/PlayStation_2

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_2_models

https://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?t=61337 (community “bests”)

https://gametrog.com/playstation-2-two-ps2-slim-info-specs/

https://playstationdev.wiki/ps2devwiki/index.php/Chassis_types

https://www.reddit.com/r/ps2/comments/a4iolm/what_ps2_is_the_best/ (community “bests”)

https://www.reddit.com/r/ps2/comments/oil2a6/scph70012_vs_scph70001/

https://www.ps2-home.com/forum/app.php/page/fmcb-compatible-ps2-models-chart