How To Backup your Playstation 2 Games

Backing up PS2 and Xbox titles requires specific methods and tools. To play a backup, a mod-chip is often necessary. Below are detailed methods for creating backups and booting them on PS2 and Xbox consoles.

Identifying PS2 Disc Formats

You can determine the format of a PS2 title by examining the written side of the disc: DVDs are silver, and CDs are purple.

General Backup Method for PS2 DVDs

DVD backup involves reading the game image to the hard drive, then burning it to a disc. For optimal results, ensure your Reader and Writer are on separate IDE cables to avoid cross-information issues during copying. If unsure, use the method of reading the image to your hard drive before burning.

CD Backup Trick

If a DVD backup image is small enough, it can be burned onto a CD-R (80 minutes or larger) instead of a more expensive DVD-R. This can be done using Prassi or similar tools.

PS1/PS2 CD Backup Tutorials

Using CloneCD

1. Start CloneCD.
2. Select “Copy CD”.
3. Select your Reader, press Next.
4. Select “Game CD”, press Next.
5. Adjust options as needed, then press Next.
6. Select your Writer, press Next.
7. Select burn speed and “Game CD”.
8. Press “OK” to begin.

Using Alcohol 120%

1. Start Alcohol 120%.
2. Select “Copy Wizard”.
3. Select your Reader & Read Speed.
4. Choose to copy on the fly or not.
5. Select console type (PS1 or PS2), press Next.
6. Choose Image location and name, press Next.
7. Select your Writer and settings, press Next.
8. Ensure the correct Datatype is selected.
9. Press Start to begin.

PS2 DVD Backup Tutorials

Using Prassi

1. Start Primo.
2. Select “go to full application”.
3. Right-click the drive with the original disc.
4. Select “build global image” and choose a save path.
5. Once the image is created, move to the next step.
6. Select “Global/Other Image” and burn the .gi file.

Using Nero

With Wizard

1. Start Nero, use the Wizard.
2. Select “DVD” then Next.
3. Choose “Copy a DVD” then Next.
4. Select the source drive.
5. Uncheck “copy on the fly”, then Next.
6. Select your write speed and burn settings.
7. Press “Burn” to begin.

Without Wizard

1. Start Nero, select “File” then “New”.
2. Select “DVD” from the drop-down menu.
3. Click the “DVD Copy” icon.
4. Adjust “Copy options”.
5. Uncheck “copy on the fly”.
6. Select source drive and read speed.
7. If needed, set image directory and deletion options.
8. Configure burn settings and press “Copy”.

Xbox Backup Tutorials

Backing up Xbox original games requires a modchip like X-exuter, Enigma, or Xodus/Matrix. A flashed BIOS and EVO-X software are also required. Games are transferred from the Xbox hard drive to a PC via FTP software (e.g., FlashFXP). From the PC, the game can be burned onto CD-R/W or DVD-R/W.

PS2 Backup Booting Methods

PS2 with NeoKey/Sbox & AR/GS

PS1 CD Backup Booting

1. Turn on PS2 and NeoKey/Sbox.
2. Press Eject and insert PS1 CD backup.
3. Press Reset, and the game will boot.

PS2 CD Backup Booting

1. Insert AR/GS dongle into memory card slot.
2. Power on PS2 and insert AR/GS disc.
3. At the AR/GS menu, choose Start Game, With/Without codes.
4. Swap for PS2 CD backup and press X to boot.

Note: NeoKey will not play DVD-R.

PS2 with Messiah, Magic, or Apple Mod

PS1 and PS2 backups (CD-R, EA, and DVD-R) will boot directly without special boot methods required.