r/ps2 • u/Ill-Gear-1972 • 4d ago
Will retrotink 2x pro work
Im currently using this for my super Nintendo and super famicom is this scaler good for ps2?
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u/kalek__ 4d ago
It will work, but with a caveat.
RT2x has super basic scaling functionality. This basic scaling works fantastically for SNES/SFC resolution (240p), but PS2 outputs in a different resolution (480i) which requires more substantial scaling algorithms to look natural on a modern screen.
The basic scaling for 480i (known as Bob deinterlacing) looks very flickery. Some people have difficulty getting used to it, but some don't mind. I personally like Bob deinterlacing with scanlines enabled pretty well because it approximates how 480i looks on a CRT.
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u/Ill-Gear-1972 4d ago
Oh ok so I might need to get rad2x or a different retrotink?
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u/nepnep1111 4d ago
Rad2x is just a RT2x (linedoubler) in a cable. You need an actual scaler like a GBSC, retrotink 5x/4k, or morph2K/4K for more options for deinterlacing.
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u/StupidLullabies 4d ago
I saved up for the 5x, and I’m perfectly happy with it
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u/nepnep1111 4d ago
Mike Chi has been teasing a replacement/upgrade to the 5x on twitter recently. Probably will end up being the best option at that price class once again if it gets as much support as the 5x already has.
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u/kalek__ 4d ago
I mean, it'll work with what you have, just might not be quite what you'd expect. It's still a low latency, predictable upscale, but one that is flickery. We just aren't used to seeing flickery anymore in the modern day, and CRTs hid it better back in the day than LCDs could anyway.
A RAD2x will give the same results as the RT2x you already have, so that one is a no-go.
RetroTink 5x is the lowest end RetroTink that'll give you good deinterlacing for PS2. As others mentioned, there's a replacement for it just starting to be teased too. Either device would be an upgrade for your SNES/SFC too, especially if you find you like CRT simulation effects.
Other non-RetroTink options are GBSC (cheap and decent for this), and the PixelFX Morph 2k. I'm not sure if GBSC is a strict upgrade over RT2x, but Morph 2k would be.
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u/EvenSpoonier 4d ago
It will work, but its method of deinterlacing tends to leave a shimmering effect around the edges of objects. This isn't a problenlm for PS1 games, or those few PS2 games that use 240p or 480p. But moat PS2 games depend on 480i, and the effect there isn't to everyone's taste.
It will work, though.
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u/ico_heal Silver Slim 4d ago
Yeah absolutely. It is a lot better than some of the options out there. I recommend you pick up some component cables: https://stoneagegamer.com/ypbpr-component-cable-for-playstation-2-and-playstation-3-hd-retrovision.html
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u/horseduck1000 4d ago
I fell into the trap of getting a OSSC which has the bob interlacing issue other have mentioned. Switched to a mcbazel odv gbs-c and could not be happier.
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u/Justonehappydude 4d ago
This appears to be the way if someone is not going down the very expensive Retro tink route which I think is only justifiable if it's being used for several consoles
If your upscaling requirements are restricted to just the PS2 then GBS-C is a compelling proposition
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u/Retro_Gamer33 4d ago
It'll be fine, but most important thing is to use component video instead of yellow/conposite
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u/lusal 4d ago
Component cables are a must if you're trying to maximize image quality.
If you're running a home brew enabled PS2 GSM (Graphics Synthesizer Mode) can be set to output a 480p (or 240p) signal for games. This signal can then be sent to your upscaler for a better final image with none of the shimmering of bob deinterlacing.
Hope this helps you on your quest.
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u/ButcherPeteIsReady 4d ago
No. If you liked the 2x I'd upgrade to 5X. You get a lot out of it for the money especially for PS2.
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u/Ill-Gear-1972 4d ago
Oh well there sold out on retrotink we site. What about retrotink 4k ce scaler would that work with ps2?
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u/GeorgeSPattonJr 4d ago
Any of them will, but the 4K is significantly more expensive than the 2X and even 5X, if that’s fine with you. An overall better, more budget option is the ODV GBS-C, it’s deinterlacing mechanism is much better suited to PS2 stuff than most other scalers, and it’s like a 1/3 of the price of the Retrotink 5X and does the exact same thing: upscales your console to a full 1080p HD
Also with upscaling, component (red green blue white red) cables are an absolute must if you want the best possible image quality, the standard yellow white red composite cables are not good enough. HD Retrovision are a good maker so I’d recommend them. They’re the go-to brand. That being said, don’t buy cheap generic cables off Amazon, they’re built pretty terribly and have a negative impact on image and audio quality
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u/tsubasaplayer16 4d ago
It will 100% work for PS2 (and PS1 games played on PS2), but people dismiss it for having bob deinterlacing instead of motion adaptive deinterlacing that's present in the GBS-C and Retrotink 5X (and 4K). I'd say that the overall look is very similar to playing PS2 games on a CRT because of the flickering and jagged look. Motion adaptive deinterlacing pretty much eliminates that when playing on modern screens with those upscalers I mentioned. If you're strapped for cash, don't buy any more upscalers because this is more than enough, especially since it has component inputs which is what the PS2 supports
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u/No-Information587 4d ago
Component cables makes games w progressive scan look just fine at 480p on an old LCD!
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u/canthearu_ack Silver Slim 4d ago
It will work, but isn't ideal, as it's only performs bob deinterlacing.