This auction is for is my Sony PlayStation 2 TEST Debugging Station console (model no: DTL-H10000).

These consoles were used by game developers and testers during the development phase of a game. This particular console is the earliest model, which outputs the PS2 home screen browser in NTSC, but outputs PS2 game content in both NTSC or PAL (depends on the game obviously).

The console will boot both retail game discs and official developer burned discs (if burned with official Sony PS2 development software). If you’re playing a retail game, only NTSC-J region coded discs will boot. This is because this type of debug console was the first version created. The other region codes (USA and Europe) hadn’t yet been created. Having said that, the console will boot any region developer burned disc. You can insert a USA preview disc of a game, or a European beta disc and the game will run fine. The console operates on standard UK/European 220-240v as this was the region this particular model variant was aimed at.

The console also has the ability to execute PS2 game code through the front facing i-Link port, and through the network port on the rear. Obviously you need to use special software to do this.

For those interested, the console was originally owned by Ratbag Games (Australia), which was then bought out by Midway in the early 2000s. The console had a Ratbag Games created boot disc inside when I first got it. This disc will be included. The console still has its “Property of Midway” asset tag affixed to the top.

Included with the console is an external 40Gb HDD hard disk drive and the 16-bit PCMCIA network interface card. The HDD is a little noisy when it first turns on, but after a few minutes quietens down. It works perfectly. There is some data on the HDD. The separate power adapter for the HDD is included which runs on worldwide voltages between 100v-240v.

Finally, the special wide vertical stand you see in the pictures is also included. It is a genuine product SCPH-10220.

No cables, memory card, control pads are included. You will receive just the console, the external HDD with network interface card, the stand, and the Ratbag Games development boot disc (not pictured).

In terms of condition, the exterior casing looks pretty good for a 25 year old development system. There are a few scratches, please see the photos attached as they effectively form part of the description. You will receive the exact item pictured.

I have attached photographs of the console booting a God of War development DVD (this particular disc requires a matching USB dongle to be inserted into the console for the game code to run - developers often did this for anti-piracy) and as you can see, the console reads the USB key and it then boots the game fine. I also attached a photo to show the console booting some actual PS2 development software (Atwinmon and HDD Checker). Atwinmon is a CD based disc, and this version of HDD checker is DVD based). Both softwares run perfectly.

As per normal, this console plays all region retail PS1 game discs, including development gold discs (CD-R types) and will run them with NTSC output at full speed.

Please be aware that this console behaves quite differently to a retail model, so please be mindful of that when bidding.

The console is surprisingly heavy, and combined with the HDD and power adaptor weighs quite a lot. Worldwide shipping is possible, but it seems to be expensive. I can only set one amount for worldwide shipping, so will refund any large difference in actual costs versus the amount eBay charges at checkout. As usual, import fees are the recipient’s responsibility and are outside of my control.

Please feel free to ask any questions you might have.

Reason for sale: Downsizing a little bit to make room for some other items I would like to get instead.

I am also selling some other retro PlayStation goodies including PS1 game (Salamander), which is the Gradius shooter spin-off game. Check out my other listings if you have the time.

Notes:

1) The disc tray operates smoothly, however, if the console isn’t used for a while, when the tray is ejected in the vertical position, sometimes it won’t come out. If you use your finger to press the tray edge a little to one side, it then ejects properly and after that is fine.

2) There is some wear to the network PCMCIA slot on the rear. When inserting the network card, you need to press it in extra firmly to make sure it locates and connects well to the console.