Hard Drive

Overview

Connecting a hard drive to the PS2 requires a Network Adaptor.

All official hard drives run special firmware, that implements some additional proprietary ATA-commands. Thus, official software requires official Sony PS2 hard drives. Homebrew software such as OPL does not require any of the proprietary commands, which means that a generic hard drive can be used as well for this purpose.

The PSX's internal hard drive implements the same proprietary ATA-commands, which are required for the console to boot. That's why the PSX's hard drive can only be replaced by another PSX's hard drive or one of the official Sony PS2 hard drives (which however only have a capacity of 40 GB, vs. 160 GB or 250 GB in the PSX).

For external hard drives (used with early SCPH-1X000 consoles), a special expandable vertical stand (SCPH-10220) was available separately, which allowed the external hard drive to be placed vertically next to the vertical PS2 console

Models

SCPH-20400

• Japan-only external hard drive for use with the PCMCIA type Network Adaptor (SCPH-10190) on SCPH-1X000 consoles.
• Requires an external power supply (SCPH-10200)
• Capacity: 40 GB

SCPH-20401

• Internal hard drive for use with an expansion bay type Network Adaptor (SCPH-1025, SCPH-10281, SCPH-10350) on any console that has the expansion bay (SCPH-3XXXX or SCPH-5XXXX)
• Comes with mounting brackets preinstalled
• Power is provided by the console through the Network Adaptor
• Capacity: 40 GB

Bundles including the hard drive

Japan

Hdd, external (SCPH-10210)

• Japan-only bundle meant for use on SCPH-1X000 consoles. Contains:
  • PCMCIA Network Adaptor (SCPH-10190)
  • External hard drive 40 GB (SCPH-20400)
  • Power supply for the external hard drive (SCPH-10200)
  • Network Utility Disc
• Released July 19, 2001

Hdd, expansion bay (SCPH-10260)

• Japan-only bundle meant for use on any console that has the expansion bay (SCPH-3XXXX or SCPH-5XXXX). Contains:
  • Expansion bay Network Adaptor, old revision (SCPH-10250)
  • Internal hard drive 40 GB with mounting brackets(SCPH-20401)
  • Network Utility Disc
• Released July 19, 2001

Linux Beta release kit, external (SCPH-10270 K)

• Japan-only bundle meant for use on SCPH-1X000 consoles. Contains:
  • PCMCIA Network Adaptor (SCPH-10190)
  • External hard drive 40 GB (SCPH-20400), pre-formatted for Linux
  • Power supply for the external hard drive (SCPH-10200)
  • USB mouse (SCPH-10230)
  • USB keyboard, japanese (SCPH-10240)
  • VGA cable, Sync on Green, stereo cinch audio jacks (SCPH-10320)
  • PS2 Linux Beta Release 1

PlayStation BB Unit, external (SCPH-10390)

• Japan-only bundle meant for use on SCPH-1X000 consoles. Contains:
  • PCMCIA Network Adaptor (SCPH-10190)
  • External hard drive 40 GB (SCPH-20400)
  • Power supply for the external hard drive (SCPH-10200)
  • BB Navigator Disc
• Released June 12, 2003

PlayStation BB Unit, expansion bay (SCPH-10400)

• Japan-only bundle meant for use on any console that has the expansion bay (SCPH-3XXXX or SCPH-5XXXX). Contains:
  • Expansion bay Network Adaptor, newer revision (SCPH-10350)
  • Internal hard drive 40 GB with mounting brackets(SCPH-20401)
  • BB Navigator Disc
• Released June 12, 2003

US

Final Fantasy XI

• US-only bundle. Contains:
  • Internal hard drive 40 GB with mounting brackets(SCPH-20401)
  • HDD Utility Disc
  • Main game + manual
• Does not include the Network Adaptor (required, had to be purchased separately)
• The US PS2 release of Final Fantasy XI was only available in this bundle; no standalone release
• In the US, the hard drive, too, was only available in this exact bundle (except as part of the Linux kit)
• Released March 23, 2004