The PlayStation 2, or PS2, is a classic game console released in 2000 that continues in popularity today. If you own one then chances are you have a huge library of games for it. To get some continued life out of your PS2 console, you may wish to take it on the go, especially if you're a frequent traveler or are in a dorm room. However, you always need a monitor to hook it up to. Luckily, a laptop provides just that. With a simple tool you can find at most electronics retailers, you can hook your PS2 to your laptop in no time.
Things You'll Need:
- Vga Cable, Male-To-Male
- Laptop With Vga Input
- Composite-To-Vga Converter
Attach the video/audio output cable of the PS2 to the video/audio input of the VGA converter. The video output of the PS2 will be a small cable attached to the back of the console and divides into three separate heads: yellow (video) and red and white (audio) heads. These should plug into the corresponding input slots of the VGA converter, which should have colored rings and be clearly labeled. Some VGA converters may not come with audio inputs and can only transfer images; only VGA converters with HDMI outputs can transfer sound, but obviously this choice would also require a laptop with an HDMI input, a common feature on today's machines, but may not be found on older computers.
Connect the VGA converter's video output to the video input of the laptop using the VGA cable. The VGA cable slot on the laptop and converter will be identical and look like upturned trapezoids with small holes. If you wish to transfer sound, you will need a VGA converter with an HDMI output and a laptop with an HDMI input; you will also need an HDMI cable in lieu of a VGA cable.
Turn on all three devices—the PS2, the laptop and the VGA converter. Set the VGA converter to output through the VGA (or the HDMI if you chose that option) using a little switch that can be found on almost all VGA converters that support multiple output options. If done correctly, your laptop monitor should flash black for a few seconds, then the video from the PS2 should appear on the screen.
Tip
As an alternative, you can also use a PCI video capture card, which is a video card containing the composite video/audio inputs necessary. Slip it into your laptop's PCI card slot. However, these are primarily for importing and recording video into digital clips and there are often delays, making many games difficult and frustrating to play.
References
Writer Bio
Brenton Shields began writing professionally in 2009. His work includes film reviews that appear for the online magazine Los Angeles Chronicle. He received a Bachelor of Science in social science and history from Radford University.
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