mod querry

[cleslie]

The whole modchip area is quite new to me.

Problem: return from USA with NTSC PS2 Ver4 and ofcourse need to get it to play PAL games. Heard this was a hardcoded machine and PAL games need to be patched first.

Not too worried about backups or dvds just want to be able to play NTSC and PAL games.
From what I have heard the Messaih is the best chip to get.
Q.1) Will this let you play PAL games without having to patch them first?
Q.2) Do any of the plugin chips play import originals i.e. not patched?
Q.3) How does the new V3 Pal/NTSC mod chip (gamegizmo.com) compare to the Messiah - seems to be a bit cheeper, easier to install and just has same features.
Q.4) How are patches added to games, I assume you need a special writing program that lets you put them on your copies?

Thanks to anyone who can help. I'm sure this is prettey basic stuff to most of you.