Arcade Version

Soul Calibur II and III run on the Namco System 246 platform, which is a DVD-ROM based system related to the Playstation 2. It shares some physical components with a Playstation 2. It has a small amount of on-board memory where it saves simple data like high score lists, but it also uses PS2 memory card slots. One slot is used for the copy authentication dongle, the other slot takes what appears to be a standard PS2 memory card (but maybe not), where it saves the much more dense and detailed data for the arcade version's exclusive "Conquest" mode.

Soul Calibur III also has a System 256 version, which is a similar but more compact unit, capable of outputting in HD, as well as a downgraded mode where it can run System 246 software.
 
Somebody told me in JavaChat yesterday that their local SC2 arcade machine has always had PS2 controller ports. I was skeptical, and assumed that even if they were right, that it would have to have been some kind of complex hardware hack, despite the fact that I've always known there were PS2 controller ports behind a panel inside the basic hardware unit of the Namco System 246. I thought those were just vestigial plastic attached to the PS2 memory card slots that the system uses, since that whole area is supposed to be sealed up behind a vent. Well: I opened my cabinet, opened the panel on the front of the hardware, plugged in a controller, and it worked perfectly. My mind is blown. It worked on SC3AE too. I feel like an idiot for not trying it earlier. Now I just have to attach some PS2 controller extension cables and hang the ends out the back of the box. Should cost no more than $20. For the win. Any arcade could do this. They all should. It should work on Tekken 4, too.
 
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