[How To] Play PS1 (PSX) Backups on Fat/Slim Playstation 2 (v9 and above)

Revisions:

12-26-09: Initial release. Be prepared to be happy. (Will add more as time goes on for sure.)

7-2-10: Added new note about sensors blocked.

11-24-10: Fixed link for download.

8-14-12: Fixed link for download.

8-15-13: Fixed link for download.

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Foreword: This tutorial shows the user how to play PSX backups on the fat or slim PS2 version 9 and above. Please note that this is meant only for legitimate PS1 (PSX) backups. I do not support piracy, nor is this tutorial meant for piracy means. – Versatile

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Introduction

The PS2 is a great console. After 9+ years, it is still going strong. With the new $99 price point, more and more people are getting the PS2 to play old school PS2 games. What better way to breathe more life into your PS2 than to play your precious Playstation 1 games?  Why not backup those PS1 games, so you can enjoy the backups on your PS2 without destroying the original PS1 games?  This guide is based off of Free McBoot implementation.

Wait, I can back up my PS1 games?  How?

In order to back up your PS1 games, there are multiple ways you can do it. Below is a brief list of how to do it:

• Nero disc copy
• ImgBurn disc copy
• CloneCd disc copy
• CDXPBurner disc copy
• PowerISO or MagicISO disc copy
• Pretty much any type of cd-writing software can make a 1:1 copy of PS1 games

What tools do I need to make this work?

Hardware/Software tool: You need to have all the items below before we continue:

• Modchip or Swap magic [to boot the UlaunchELF cd if you don’t have exploited memory card with Free McBoot]
• Exploited memory card (such as Free McBoot) with ULaunchELF
• A retail PS1 game.
• A PS1 backup disc on CD-R.
• USB Thumb Drive (any size will do)

IMPORTANT: For this guide, I am assuming you have Free McBoot installed.  I will update the guide with alternate methods at a later date.

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Files Required:

PSXLauncher: Download from here.  (If broken, please leave a comment.)

Tutorial Begins Here *grins*:

1)  Copy PSXLauncher.elf to the root of your USB thumb drive.

2) Boot your PS2 and go to the main menu of Free Mcboot. Launch UlaunchELF.

3) Navigate to the USB thumb stick. Copy the PSXLauncher.elf file, and paste it into the boot folder of the memory card.

4) Press “select” button two times. You are at the button configuration screen. We need to map a key to the PSXLauncher.elf.  Let’s use R1.  Map it to the path of where your PSXLauncher.ef is located.

5) Scroll down and remember to select OK.  Now power down the PS2.

6) Insert the retail PS1 game. Turn on PS2.

7) When the PS2 is powering up, press and hold R1.  Do not let go until you see a new menu screen from PSXLauncher.

8 )  The PS1 game has stopped spinning. Swap the disc with the backed up PS1 game. Now press X and everything will work!

NOTE (ADDED 7-2-10): If you are using a SLIM PS2, you MUST block all 3 lid sensors!

Video Tutorial

Sometimes a video tutorial is easier to understand than reading all text. I don’t blame you. Please see my tutorial below.