Emulators & More on the PS2 via Boot CD

Sounds too good to be true doesnt it, well your wrong heres the full massive newspost from Lik Sang

Sounds too good or too shady for you? Our friends at Datel have big news this time. To make a long story short, we have compiled their long press release (still to be found at the end of this news article) into a short summary:

- Datel is going to release a new version of Action Replay MAX that will play Mega Drive/Genesis ROMs.
- The new version includes a PC software that can burn PS2 DivX CD-ROMs (MAX Media Creator).
- MAX-compatible CD-Rs play on any regular PlayStation 2.
- Using its Media Player, your LAN or WAN home network can also stream MP3s and DivX from their PCs.
- The new version includes online chat and instant messaging.
- Action Replay MAX comes with USB Flash Drive support for data transfer (codes, updates etc).
- Of course all other known Action Replay features are still there and even improved.

According to Datel the new version will be released within the next few weeks. Watch this space for announcements when this new version will be in stock at Lik-Sang.com. Owners of the current versions should also be able to make use of Datel's upgrade program.

Currently we carry the PAL and the US versions of Action Replay V3 MAX for an unbeatable low price of US$ 19.95:

Action Replay V3 Max (PAL)

US$ 19.95
Action Replay V3 Max (US)

US$ 19.95



Here is Datel's press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The all-new Action Replay MAX introduces CD-R functionality to the PS2

May 20th, 2004 - Bringing revolutionary CD-R and media-player features to the PlayStation 2 for the first time, Action Replay MAX once again takes PlayStation 2 game enhancement to a higher level, as only Datel can.

The world's most powerful cheat code system and videogame enhancer just got even better, adding a bevy of brilliantly-innovative and highly-desirable new features. With Action Replay MAX, the PlayStation 2 suddenly becomes the centre of your digital lifestyle, with exciting new functionality including MP3, DivX, CD-R compatibility, USB Flash drive support, PS2 online chat and even a retro-games emulator.

Using the bundled MAX Media Creator software, PC owners can now burn a CD-R that functions on any standard PlayStation 2 console. No need to invalidate your console's warranty by tinkering with the hardware. This incredible new capability is both easy to use and immensely powerful.

Now you can create your own custom PS2-compatible discs containing MP3 music, DivX movies and even retro Genesis/Mega Drive games. Experience them all through your PS2, only with Action Replay MAX.

Using Action Replay MAX's powerful Media Player, PlayStation 2 users with a LAN or WAN home network can also stream MP3 music and DivX movies from their PCs. At last you can free up the collection of digital media stored on your computer, and enjoy it in the comfort of your living room – or anywhere else you choose!

And That's Not All...

Packed with more playable cheat codes than ever before, and boasting the best code support of any videogame enhancer, Action Replay MAX once again leads where others only dare to follow.

Action Replay MAX is packed with more game-busting codes than ever, allowing you to beat any PS2 game with a whole host of 100% unofficial cheats that you won't find anywhere else. Instantly acquire MAX power, ammo and money. Unlock secret characters, hidden levels, vehicles and much, much more. Blast your games wide open!

Action Replay's Advanced Code Engine (ACE) automatically downloads a game's codes direct to your broadband-enabled PlayStation 2, in many cases before that game is even available at retail. What's more, Action Replay is the only cheat code system that then automatically recognises your new PS2 game release, taking you straight to the specific codes for it. So why wait around until Day One for codes?

Not got broadband? No problem. It's still so easy to get the latest codes in a flash. Action Replay's ACE also includes support for USB flash drive, or you can download new codes to a CD-R and then load them into Action Replay on a standard PS2.

New codes can still be entered by hand using a standard PlayStation 2 game pad, or via a compatible USB keyboard such as Datel's own PowerBoard.

"These incredible new features continue to place Action Replay MAX at the forefront of videogame technology", said Michael Connors, Managing Director of the Datel Group. "Not only does Action Replay MAX leave the competition flailing in the water, it also offers gamers a multitude of new enhancements that were impossible up until now."

"By adding CD-R, MP3, DivX and retro-game functionality to a standard PlayStation 2, Action Replay MAX has performed the unthinkable and enhanced the games console's powers beyond anyone's wildest dreams", he added. "You could say it now makes PlayStation 2 the ultimate all-round console."

The all-new Action Replay MAX will be available from all good retailers at the end of May 2004, priced at just £19.99. Or you can order now from Datel's official web site, www.codejunkies.com.

Action Replay MAX 'EVO Edition' will also be released around the same time, including all these great new features plus a 16Mb flash drive.

Summary of Main Features:

- NEW! Preloaded with over 50,000 powerful cheat codes for the latest and greatest PS2 games.

- NEW! Easy to update with new codes in a variety of ways – no other cheat system provides so much flexibility.

- NEW! USB flash/pen drive support – now you can download all the latest cheat codes quickly and easily via any internet-enabled PC.

- NEW! Includes custom PC software (MAX Media Creator) letting you burn your own Action Replay MAX-compatible CD-Rs that play on any regular PlayStation2.

- NEW! Enjoy MP3 music via your TV or music system using your PS2 – enjoy over ten hours of music on just one CD-R (encoded at 128kbps).

- NEW! Watch DivX movies on your PS2. One CD-R contains up to three hours.

- NEW! Play Genesis®/Mega Drive® game ROMs using the built-in player.

- NEW! PS2 online chat and instant messaging – enjoy real-time discussion with other gamers from all over the world!

- Turn your PS2 into a multi-region DVD player and watch movies from other countries

- Pack up to ten times more data onto any memory card using the MAX Memory Manager feature.

- Download game-busting PS2 game saves direct to your memory card.

- The only cheat code system that can be updated directly via a PS2 broadband internet connection (optional), USB Flash Drive or CD-R!


Opinions??

as i posted on dcemu:

you know? this kinda pisses me off

I question if they developed the emulator and mediaplayer themselves, or if they are using open source code. If they are are working from open sourced code then I hope Datel die a painful death and rott in hell.

it does make you wonder, i would like to see them work with the emu developers and so people like Sjeep etc get some reward too

Wonder if there'll be a slightly cheaper upgrade version for those of us with old ar's like they normally do. I'd guess that for the bootable discs it may need the dongle to be

this does open many doors for the PS2, now if only there was a company that would do the same with mini dvds for the gamecube

gamecube? that would be great!

annyway, good for the ps2 owners that is!

if it lets the PS2 read CD-R's without a mod-chip, won't that make it possible to boot backup PS2 games on a totally unmodified console without the obnoxious card/knife swap trick?

I would say no, but to be honest ive no idea how it works, id love to try it out though.