The small port marked S400 i.LINK on some PlayStation 2 consoles is Sony’s implementation of IEEE 1394, commonly known as FireWire 400. Its main PS2 use was linking compatible early consoles for system-link multiplayer. It is not a USB, Ethernet, video-output, or general-purpose external-storage port.
The interface has a four-pin connector and a nominal maximum rate of 400 Mbps, although the connected devices determine the actual operating rate. Sony also warns that the PS2 does not support every i.LINK device and that the port supplies no power.
What is the PS2 port called?
Sony labels it S400 i.LINK. Technically, it belongs to the IEEE 1394 family; FireWire 400 is the best-known alternative branding. The PS2 uses the compact four-pin i.LINK/FireWire-style connector.
Sony describes i.LINK as a digital serial interface for exchanging data such as digital video and audio between compatible equipment. Its 100, 200 and 400 Mbps modes are nominal link rates, not a promise that every connected device will communicate at 400 Mbps. See Sony’s i.LINK explanation at Sony’s i.LINK documentation.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What was it used for on the PS2?
The important PS2-specific application was console-to-console multiplayer. A supported game could use an i.LINK cable as a local system link:
PS2 + game + TV ← four-pin i.LINK cable → PS2 + game + TV
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Connect two compatible PS2 consoles with a four-pin IEEE 1394/i.LINK cable.
- Connect each console to its own television or display.
- Insert a game that specifically supports i.LINK, link play or system-link multiplayer.
- Choose the game’s host, join or link-play option and follow its on-screen instructions.
A period i.LINK reference lists Armored Core 2, Unreal Tournament and Gran Turismo 3 as examples, but it is not a complete compatibility catalogue: GameFAQs i.LINK FAQ. The cable alone cannot add multiplayer to a game; networking support must be built into that title and often depends on its regional release.
What you need for an i.LINK multiplayer setup
- Two PS2 consoles that physically have the S400 i.LINK socket.
- A game with documented i.LINK or system-link support, normally running on each console unless that game’s manual says otherwise.
- A four-pin-to-four-pin IEEE 1394/i.LINK cable.
- A separate display, controllers and any memory cards required by the game for each console.
- For more than two consoles, a game-specific topology and any additional equipment identified by that game. Player counts are not universal.
The simplest and most reliable arrangement is a direct cable between two consoles. Check the game’s original manual before buying extra consoles, hubs or copies.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Which PS2 models have the port?
The connector is mainly found on early “fat” PS2 hardware. Many launch-family and SCPH-10000-to-SCPH-3900x-era consoles include it, while later revisions—including the SCPH-50000 family and Slim models—generally removed it. Regional model numbers differ, so do not identify compatibility by appearance alone.
Look at the front panel for the label S400 i.LINK, then verify the console’s SCPH number. Sony’s SCPH-39000 documentation shows the port as part of that hardware family: SCPH-39000 service documentation. A “fat” PS2 without the socket cannot gain i.LINK simply through software.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Which cable fits?
For a direct PS2 link, look for a four-pin-to-four-pin IEEE 1394/i.LINK cable. Sony’s cable guidance identifies the four-pin connection and explains that it omits power conductors: Sony four-pin i.LINK cable guidance.
- Do not substitute a USB cable.
- Do not use an Ethernet patch cable.
- A six-pin computer FireWire plug will not fit directly into the PS2’s four-pin socket.
- Inspect the small connector for bent pins, dirt or looseness before connecting it.
The PS2 port does not provide bus power. A device that needs power over FireWire will not run from the PS2 socket unless it has its own suitable power supply. Sony’s PS2 manual also cautions that not every i.LINK product is compatible: PS2 owner manual.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Is i.LINK the same as the PS2 Network Adapter?
No. They are different connection systems.
| Connection | Typical PS2 role | What it is not |
|---|---|---|
| S400 i.LINK / IEEE 1394 | Short-range direct linking of compatible consoles and devices | Not Ethernet, USB or a router connection |
| PS2 Network Adapter or built-in Ethernet | Local-network and, for supported games and services, online networking | Not interchangeable with an i.LINK cable |
You cannot connect the i.LINK socket to a normal home router with an adapter or replace an Ethernet cable with FireWire. IEEE 1394 and Ethernet use different protocols.
What the port cannot normally do
| Common assumption | Reality |
|---|---|
| “It is another USB port.” | No. It is a four-pin IEEE 1394/i.LINK interface. |
| “It connects the PS2 to Ethernet.” | No. It does not provide router or broadband networking. |
| “It outputs video.” | No. The socket is for data exchange, not a television signal. |
| “Any FireWire accessory will work.” | No. Sony explicitly says that some i.LINK products are incompatible with the PS2. |
| “It powers a FireWire hard drive or camcorder.” | No. The four-pin PS2 port supplies no external-device power. |
| “It loads games or saves from any FireWire drive.” | That is not a standard Sony-supported PS2 function. |
Computers, camcorders and storage
Many computers and digital camcorders used IEEE 1394, and Sony’s general documentation discusses i.LINK video and audio exchange. However, a matching connector does not establish that the PS2 has the software or device protocol needed to control that equipment. The PS2 should not be assumed to transfer saves, stream video, or operate arbitrary camcorders and FireWire drives. Consult the PS2 manual’s compatibility warning rather than relying on the connector shape.
Troubleshooting an i.LINK link
The consoles do not detect each other
- Verify that the specific game has i.LINK/system-link support and that its link-play mode is selected.
- Confirm both consoles have the S400 i.LINK socket and are using the same compatible game release where required.
- Try a known-good four-pin-to-four-pin cable; USB, Ethernet and six-pin-only cables are wrong for a direct PS2 connection.
- Power down before reseating the cable and inspect both sockets for bent or damaged contacts.
- Give each console its own display and complete the game’s host/join sequence exactly as documented.
- Test another known-compatible title before concluding that a console port has failed.
You want to link more than two consoles
Do not assume that the port has a universal player count or that any FireWire hub will work. The game determines supported numbers, addressing and topology. A two-console direct link is the defensible baseline; multi-console arrangements require title-specific documentation and equipment.
Is the PS2 FireWire port useful today?
For ordinary PS2 networking, Ethernet and the PS2 Network Adapter are usually more relevant where a game and console support them. The i.LINK socket remains useful mainly to collectors and players recreating period-accurate local multiplayer with an early PS2, a compatible game, two displays and the correct cable.
Recommended Free Tools
Before purchasing anything, check the SCPH number and physical port, confirm the game’s i.LINK support, and verify that a four-pin cable is available. A cable is only the last piece of a compatible console-and-game setup.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
