PS2:Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This is the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the PS2 Mods Wiki. Here you'll find most of the info you'll need to start using homebrew on your PS3. A list of definitions can be found at the bottom of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the PS2 region-free?

A: The PS2 is region locked with three different regions for games, and more for other features such as DVD and movie playbook. See the PS2:Region Information page for more information.

Q: What are differences and common problems on each model?

A: See the PS2:Model Differences page for details.

Q: Can you play PS1 backups without a modchip or POPStarter?

A: It's possible, but requires you to block the sensors which is extremely difficult on fat models and somewhat unreliable at best with slim models. POPStarter requires FMCB instead of a swap trick, but is otherwise reliable barring some minor compatibility issues with some games. Note that PS1 games must be burned on a CD, not DVD.

Q: How can I connect my PS2 to my TV?

A: You have multiple options depending on the interfaces your TV has. Options are covered on the PS2:Video Cables page.

Q: Can I play 16:9 games without component cables?

A: Yes.

Q: No video output from the component cables?

A: Generally, when Component Video Cables are not working, the PS2 has been switched to RGB mode instead of YPbPr mode. You can either use a composite cable to navigate to System Configuration > Component video out, and select the correct setting; or do it blindly.

Definitions

Term	Definition
Dualshock 2	The controller that comes with your console. Often if people tell you to get a Dualshock or a new one, it often means you should get an official controller or to replace your old one. Sometimes off-brand controllers can have issues with Sony's Multi-Tap add-on, which allows for more than two controllers to be connected to one console. There are also off-brand Multi-Tap add-ons which can have issues with off-brand controllers as well. I've mostly found off-brand controllers, such as the GameStop brand PS2 controllers to be good quality otherwise.
Homebrew	Custom software which can be run through a modchip or Free McBoot. This software is unsigned by Sony, and allows for a variety of things, particularly loading PS1 game backups, PS2 game backups, running an FTP server to transfer files, moving saves to and from the very small memory cards, a full fledged file browser, emulators for retro console backups (although that's outside the scope of this Wiki), and more.
Free McBoot (FMCB)	Free McBoot, pronounced "free M C boot", is a free exploit which allows for the user to launch homebrew. This is stored on your Memory Card, and can be launched on all but the most recent PS2 models (details below). Free McBoot can be installed through various means such as Swap Magic, but generally someone can just purchase a memory card with FMCB pre-installed. Since Free McBoot takes a lot of space, it's recommended to use both memory card slots. See the PS2:FMCB page.
Free HD Boot (FHDB)	FreeHDBoot is a variant of FreeMCBoot that runs directly from the hard drive, trading a small amount of boot time for the ability to not sacrifice a memory card. See the PS2:FHDB page.
Hardmod	Hardware modification. This involves purchasing a modchip and soldering it to your system. This is the only way to gain homebrew access with a SCPH-90001 console, which Free McBoot cannot be installed on.
Softmod	Software modification. This involves any method to exploit your system without having to solder. This includes FMCB, FHDB, FDVDB, Fortuna/Opentuna, and Mechapwn.
Mechapwn	Mechapwn is a homebrew software designed to patch the EEPROM of PS2 models with the "dragon Mechacon". See the PS2:Mechapwn page.
.ELF	.ELFs are files that are launched manually through FreeMcBoot, and by extension, uLaunchELF. These files are the main source of homebrew, and most homebrew applications come in .ELF files.
uLaunchELF	A fully fledged file browser with the ability to remotely launch .ELF files. uLaunchELF is an .ELF file itself that Free McBoot launches from the OSDSYS to launch other applications.
OSDSYS	ODSYS is the PS2's system menu. Due to a bug in the official update system, FMCB/FHDB is possible and can be used to modify or replace the OSDSYS.
Open PS2 Loader (OPL)	This is software run with Free McBoot or launched by uLaunchELF allows for you to load PS2 backups by USB, internal hard drive, or SMB (direct or indirect ethernet connection). Open PS2 Loader supports many bonus features such as video controls, the ability to add cheats to your game, and most importantly, the ability to load PS1 backups through POPStarter!
ESR	Can play PS2 DVD backups. The game .ISOs must first be patched with ESR patcher. Google the link for that.
DECKARD	Software made by Sony to emulate the PS1 CPU on non-retro-compatible slim models, which are also often referred to by DECKARD models. Models that use DECKARD run PS1 games faster.
Simple Media System	Can play basic media off the disk drive such as movies (.AVI), music (.MP3) and images (.JPG).
POPS	The officially developed Sony PS1 emulator. This got leaked some years ago on Russian forums and the development of POPStarter has begun since.
POPStarter	A program launched through Open PS2 Loader which can load PS1 game backups if it has access to the POPS emulator. Unfortunately, due to the POPS emulator being copyrighted material, links to it cannot be shared in this subreddit. Questions pertaining to POPS or POPStarter are completely fine, though!