PlayStation Broadband Navigator

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PlayStation Broadband Navigator Logo Playstation BB Logo.png
PlayStation Broadband Navigator Logo

PlayStation Broadband Navigator (also referred to as BB Navigator and PSBBN) was a software program for Japanese PlayStation 2 consoles that provides an interface for manipulating data on PlayStation 2 HDD Unit.

Contents

History

Online services pertaining to the software closed on March 31, 2016. [1]

Restrictions

The PlayStation Broadband Navigator installation disc is reported to have a more strict region lock on it than normal PlayStation 2 software, as the software will only boot on NTSC-J systems with a model number ending in 0 (systems that are sold only in Japan), making the software unusable on Korean and Asian NTSC-J PlayStation 2 consoles. Furthermore, the software will not operate if a non-Sony brand network adapter is installed in the console.

Features

PlayStation Broadband Navigator offers many features that are not available with the default PS2 Navigator. Some Japanese releases take advantage of these features and may even require a specific version (or higher) of the software.

Non-Japanese release

Sony Computer Entertainment America released the HDD on March 23, 2004, with HDD Utility Disc 1.01 and was bundled with Final Fantasy XI. Consumers that were aware of the PlayStation Broadband Navigator were confused as to why it was not included with the HDD Utility Disc. SCEA's response was always that the PlayStation Broadband Navigator would be released in North America "at a later date." Ultimately, the Broadband Navigator was never released outside of Japan, as Sony Computer Entertainment switched to only manufacturing the slim PlayStation 2 models, which never supported the HDD and furthermore and later ending the manufacturing of HDD units for the North American region. Furthermore, the HDD was never released in European regions by SCEE, with the exception of the Linux Kit.

The Broadband Navigator can be used on any PS2 by using a fan created modified/cracked build.

Compatible software

See PlayStation 2 Expansion Bay.

See also

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References

  1. Romano, Sal (10 March 2016). "PS2 Broadband Navigator to end service on March 31". Gematsu.