The PlayStation 2 came out in 2000, years before HDMI became standard. Many new TVs have dropped the old yellow, red and white inputs, so hooking one up can be confusing. The good news: it's easy to fix, and the same cables work for most PlayStation 1 consoles too.
The port on the back
Every PS2, both the original "fat" model and the slim, has the same AV Multi Out port. Most PS1 models, including the small PS one, use the same port, so PS2 cables fit them as well. What you plug into that port decides your picture quality.
Option 1: Composite cable (yellow, red, white)
This is the cable that came in the box. It works on any TV that still has a yellow video input, but the picture is the softest of all the options. If your TV has no yellow input, you'll need one of the options below.
Option 2: Component cable (best for PS2)
A PS2 component cable splits the picture into three connectors (green, blue and red) plus audio. It gives a noticeably sharper, cleaner image, and it's the only analog connection that lets the handful of PS2 games with a progressive scan (480p) option use it.
Many TVs share the component and composite inputs, so check your TV's manual if the picture looks wrong.
Option 3: HDMI adapter or cable (easiest on new TVs)
A PS2-to-HDMI cable plugs straight into the AV Multi Out port and connects to any HDMI input. It's the simplest way to play on a TV with no analog inputs at all. These adapters convert the PS2's analog signal rather than adding true HD, so think of the result as clean and convenient rather than a big upgrade.
Seeing a green or pink picture? Change this setting
If you use a component cable or an HDMI adapter and the PS2 menu looks green, pink or purple, the PS2 is set to send the wrong type of signal. Here's the fix:
- Start the PS2 with no disc in it and open the System Configuration menu.
- Find Component Video Out and set it to Y Cb/Pb Cr/Pr.
- While you're there, set TV Type to 16:9 if you have a widescreen TV and want games that support it to fill the screen.
If you can't see the menu at all, connect the composite cable first to change the setting, then swap back.
Playing PS1 games
A PS2 plays most PS1 discs, so you don't need two consoles. PS1 games won't look any sharper on a PS2 than on a PS1, and some TVs and adapters struggle with their older low-resolution signal, so if a PS1 game shows a black screen through component, try composite instead.
TV settings that make a difference
- Turn on Game Mode. It cuts the delay between pressing a button and seeing the result, which matters a lot in rhythm and fighting games.
- Use 4:3 for most games. Most PS1 and many PS2 games were designed for square-ish TVs. Stretching them to 16:9 makes everyone look wide.
- Want the very best picture? Enthusiasts use external upscalers such as the RetroTINK range or the OSSC with component cables. They're optional and cost more, but the results are excellent.
Skip the setup
Our PS2 bundles include the cables you need, with HDMI options, and every console is tested on a TV before it ships. You can also browse PS2 consoles, PS2 cables and accessories and PS1 consoles. Still deciding which PS2 to get? Read PS2 Fat vs Slim.
Ready-to-play PS2 picks
- PS2 Slim Console: small, quiet and plugs straight into an HDMI adapter
- PS2 Fat Console: the original model with the hard drive bay
- PS2 Starter Bundle with GTA: San Andreas
- PS2 Party Pack: 2 controllers, Tekken 5 and Burnout 3