Can You Charge an iPod Using a PlayStation 2?

Short answer: No. The PlayStation 2 cannot charge an iPod. Here's the technical breakdown of why this doesn't work.

Hardware Mismatch

• PS2 USB ports (two front ports on fat models, two rear on slim) run at USB 1.1 low speed (1.5 Mbps). They were designed solely for peripherals like keyboards, mice, the EyeToy camera, headsets, and the network adapter's hard drive.
• No charging negotiation: The PS2 doesn't implement the USB Battery Charging specification (the D+/D- short that signals "I can provide power"). iPods require 5V at 500mA or more with a proper data handshake to initiate charging.
• Insufficient power output: PS2 USB ports deliver only about 100mA in suspend mode—far below what an iPod's charging circuit needs.
• FireWire (iLink) on fat PS2: This is a 4-pin connector that carries no power. Early iPods used 6-pin FireWire for charging, so even with an adapter, there's no voltage on the line.

Correct Ways to Charge Your iPod

1. Original Apple USB power adapter (wall wart) with a Dock or USB cable.
2. Computer USB 2.0/3.0 port (500mA/900mA)—these negotiate power correctly.
3. Powered USB hub with its own wall adapter.
4. Car charger or battery pack with a 5V USB-A output.

If It "Worked" Once

Some early iPods (3rd/4th generation, FireWire charging) might trickle-charge from the PS2's iLink port if you had a 6-pin-to-4-pin adapter with external power injection—but it's unsafe, painfully slow, and completely unsupported. Just use a real charger. The PS2's USB is for peripherals, not power delivery.