Recovery for Dummies documentation
Below you will find all the mysterious acronyms, abbreviations, and terms I use throughout the guides. This includes basic IT and PS2 scene terminology that you may encounter, for example, on social media.
Aligned Partition Allocated is a native partition table format for the PS2 that can only be used on internal storage media. It is the only one from which the PS2 can start System Update.
I recommend reading the following guide: Internal Storage vs. External Storage.
APA-Jail combines two formats: APA and MBR/GPT, allowing the PS2 to start System Update while keeping the exFAT partition fully accessible on a PC without any additional software.
I recommend reading the following guide: Internal Storage vs. External Storage or the PS2HDH documentation.
AppID is a unique identifier for a homebrew application used in SAS and mSAS packages.
I recommend reading the following guide: SAS and microSAS Packages.
Block Device Manager combines support for USB, i.Link, MX4SIO, and internal drives (excluding native APA/PFS support), including partition tables (in addition to MBR, also GPT) and file systems (such as the recently added exFAT).
BDMAssault is a wrapper that acts as a translation layer for USB modules, allowing them to support exFAT on USB, i.Link, MX4SIO, MMCE, internal disks, or even UDPBD (a network-based block device protocol).
The PlayStation 2 does not have a BIOS. Although technically incorrect, this term is very commonly used to refer to the console’s firmware.
See the BootLoader entry for more information.
A bootloader is a small piece of software that runs when a system is powered on or reset. Its primary purpose is to initialize the hardware and load the software required to start the system. Depending on the system, it may also perform hardware checks, configure system components, verify the software being loaded, or select between different boot options.
A bootstrap is a program that initializes essential system components and loads the software required to continue the boot process.
BOOTROM is one of the chips that contains the firmware used by PS2 consoles.
Custom Firmware is the original firmware modified in any way. While the BOOTROM and DVDROM are read-only memories and cannot be overwritten in any way, on DESR models, the DVRP firmware can be flashed from a UDM package.
See the models entry for more information.
Command-Line Interface allows users to interact with software by entering commands as text. On the PS2, there are not many purely CLI applications, e.g. Nutrino and RadShell.
You can read more on Wikipedia.
CMOS is a colloquial term sometimes used to refer to the PS2’s battery-backed RTC and its associated settings and configuration data. Strictly speaking, the PS2 does not have a dedicated CMOS memory.
See the models entry for more information.
A dashboard is a user interface that provides access to the main functions, applications, and settings of a system. It typically serves as the main entry point for interacting with the system after it starts.
A few examples:
Deckard is a PowerPC 405GP-based processor used in later PS2 models to emulate the original MIPS R3000A-based IOP as well as the DEV9 Controller and Interface. It provides compatibility with software designed for the original IOP while also handling I/O operations and peripherals.
See the models entry for more information.
Dev.olution Mode 1 is a feature of many modchips that allows mc0:/BOOT/BOOT.ELF to be launched when the console starts if the user holds down the appropriate button (usually R1).
Dev.olution Mode 2 is a feature of many modchips that allows hdd0:__boot/boot.elf to be launched when the console starts if the user holds down the appropriate button (usually R1).
Dev.olution Mode 3 is a feature of some modchips that allows an application to be launched when the console starts if the user holds down the appropriate button. The exact path can vary, and DEV3 has also not been a standard name for this feature across all modchips (for example, Modbo uses the name MASS as the BootMode option in its settings).
Dev.olution Mode 4 is a feature of DMS4 Pro/E.Z.I. Pro modchips that allows an application stored on the modchip’s internal flash to be launched when the console starts if the user holds down the appropriate button.
Dynamic Network Authentication System is a proprietary Sony authentication system used by the PS2 to verify the console and game when connecting to online services. It can use information about the console hardware and software for authentication, copy protection, and game data management.
A dongle is a hardware device used to provide authentication or other security functions. In the PS2, a dongle can take the form of a device similar to a PS2 Memory Card, but unlike a regular Memory Card, its primary purpose is to authenticate the system rather than to store user data.
The COH-H10020 Security Dongle is a special type of memory card used by the arcade models, which served as a core peripheral of the Namco System246, System256, and Konami Python1 units. It uses different firmware for its controller chip and is authenticated by the arcade version of the MechaCon. The dongle stores a bootloader provided by Sony, as well as the game software and system drivers.
See the MechaCon entry for more information.
Digital Signal Processor is a chip responsible for signal processing in the PS2 optical disc drive. Some DSP revisions, most notably the CXD3098Q, can cause the MechaCon to crash when reading certain discs, potentially resulting in damage to the laser’s focus/tracking coils and their driver IC.
See the models entry for more information.
See the models entry for more information.
DVDROM is one of the chips that contains the firmware used by PS2 consoles.
DVDV is unofficial an abbreviation for DVD-Video.
See the models entry for more information.
Digital Video Recording Processor is a dedicated co-processor used exclusively in the DESR models. It is responsible for most DVR functionality, as well as handling HDD access and various DRM and security-related functions. It is based on the Fujitsu MB91302A microcontroller and runs firmware stored on an external NOR flash. The firmware can be updated using UDM packages, although there is no official method for updating the DVRP firmware directly. It can be updated using homebrew software or official system update discs, which update the entire system, including the DVRP firmware along with other system data.
Error Correction Code is additional data used to detect and correct errors caused by physical memory. A standard PS2MC uses 512-byte data pages with an additional 16-byte area containing ECC and other metadata, making each physical page 528 bytes in total. A non-ECC memory card image contains only the 512-byte data portion of each page, without the additional ECC data. This is the format used by MMCE devices such as SD2PSX or applications like OPL. This distinction is important when working with VMC: a memory card image containing ECC data cannot normally be used where, for example, an MMCE expects a non-ECC image, and vice versa.
See the Emotion Engine entry for more information.
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory is a type of non-volatile memory used by the PS2 to store small amounts of system-specific data. Depending on the console model and MechaCon version, this includes drive calibration data, the console model, PS2 ID, DVD Player settings, OSDSYS configuration, and other hardware- and region-specific data.
ELF is the native executable file format for the PS2. On the Emotion Engine side, *.elf files are executed, while on the IOP side, *.irx files are used.
You may have already come across other extensions. This is because executable files can be signed and/or encrypted, depending on their intended purpose. There is no strict naming convention here, as even Sony used different extensions… For example, files in installation packages:
| *.xlf | for hdd0:/PP.*, hdd0:/PC.*, and system (hdd0:/__*, hdd0:/.__*) partitions |
| *.xin | for the hdd0:/__mbr partition |
On a PS2 Memory Card, however, the files are signed but still use the *.elf extension. Similarly, after installation on a hard drive, they also use *.elf.
An old, scene-specific, but still widely used extension is *.kelf, although it is gradually being replaced by *.xlf (in theory, the same could apply to *.kirx, but so far, they haven’t been used anywhere by any software).
Emotion Engine is the main processor of the PlayStation 2. It is a MIPS R5900-based processor responsible for executing the main program code and coordinating most of the console’s processing. It also integrates two Vector Units (VUs) and a Graphics Interface (GIF), which are used for tasks such as vector processing and transferring data to the Graphics Synthesizer.
Emulator is a software that imitates the behavior of a different system, allowing software designed for one platform, such as a game console, to run on another platform. Emulators can also emulate peripherals, such as joypads (e.g. BlueRetro) or memory cards.
Few examples of PlayStation emulators:
| Project Name | Target Platform |
|---|---|
| DKWDRV | PS2 |
| Ember | PS2 |
| POPS | PS2 |
| PS2PSXe | PS2 |
Few examples of PlayStation 2 emulators:
| Project Name | Target Platform |
|---|---|
| Iris | PC |
| PCSX2 | PC |
| PCSX2x6 | PC |
Everybody Seeks Redemption is a homebrew game loader application. Its main variants are CLI-based (R9b/R9c/R10f); there are two official GUIs (GUI TEST2 light/dark) and one GUI that supports all major CLI versions (ESR Launcher).
ESR expects a Fake DVD-Video (so-called ESR Disc) containing the game. Normally, the disc drive only passes through, for example, a DVD-R with non-game content – it checks whether the UDF table contains DVD-Video files. The ESR Patcher (an application that modifies disc images) therefore leaves ISO9660 intact while modifying UDF to make it look like a real DVD-Video disc, thereby fooling the drive.
See the ESR entry for more information.
exFAT is one of the file system formats that can be used on storage media. You can read about where and when it can be used in the following guide: Internal Storage vs. External Storage.
See the ESR entry for more information.
The FAT family consists of file system formats that can be used on storage media. You can read about where and when it can be used in the following guide: Internal Storage vs. External Storage.
Free DVD Boot is a DVD Player exploit.
I recommend reading the following guide: How to Hack PlayStation 2 in 2026.
Free HDBoot is an OSDSYS and HDD OSD patcher. All versions are usually installed as a System Update.
I recommend reading the following guide: How to Hack PlayStation 2 in 2026.
A file system is a method used to organize, store, and manage data on storage media. It defines how files and directories are created, stored, and accessed by an operating system or other software. Different file systems have different limitations, such as allowed characters in file and directory names, maximum file sizes, and the size of storage media or partitions they can be used on.
I recommend reading the following guide: Internal Storage vs. External Storage.
Firmware is software permanently stored in a device’s memory that provides low-level functionality and controls how the hardware operates. In standard PS2 models, including SCPH (retail units), DTL-H (debug kits), and KDL (TVs), the firmware is stored in dedicated chips (BOOTROM, DVDROM, and NVM) and is responsible for initializing the hardware and providing the basic functionality required to start the system. In the case of DESR (DVRs), DTL-T (dev kits), and COH (arcades), the firmware is also stored in a few additional chips.
Free McBoot is an OSDSYS patcher. Up to and including version 1.8c, it was also an exploit. All versions are usually installed as a System Update.
I recommend reading the following guide: How to Hack PlayStation 2 in 2026.
FS is an abbreviation for file system.
File Transfer Protocol is a network protocol used to transfer files between devices.
FW is an abbreviation for firmware.
Sony assigns a unique catalog number to every licensed game, with a separate number for each region and edition. On the box and disc label, it takes the form SCES-12345, while on the disc it is used as the executable filename: SCES_123.45. Each game with a specific GameID also looks for its save using a corresponding name on the memory card, e.g. mc0:/BESCES_12345/BESCES_12345.
Devices such as MMCE, together with a game loader (e.g. OPL), use the GameID to determine the VMC for each game.
GPT is one of the partition table formats that can be used on storage media. You can read about where and when it can be used in the following guide: Internal Storage vs. External Storage.
Graphics Synthesizer is the main graphics processor of the PlayStation 2. It is responsible for rendering graphics and generating video output. The GS receives graphics data from the Emotion Engine through the Graphics Interface (GIF) and uses its own 4 MiB of embedded eDRAM as video memory (VRAM) to store and process framebuffer data, textures, and other graphics-related data.
See the Graphics Synthesizer entry for more information.
Graphics Synthesizer Mode Selector is a homebrew application for upscaling video output.
Graphical User Interface allows users to interact with software through graphical elements such as windows, buttons, menus, and icons.
You can read more on Wikipedia.
Hard Disk Drive is a storage device that uses magnetic disks to store data. In the PS2, HDDs can be connected internally through a Network Adaptor or used externally with compatible models.
HDD ID is a sector located in the Service Area of original hard drives sold by Sony with DESR and DTL-H models, the Linux Kit, and PSBBN. It is used for drive encryption on DESR models.
See the OSDSYS entry for more information.
Hybrid Hard Drive is a storage device combining an HDD and flash memory in a single physical drive. The flash memory is typically used as a cache for frequently accessed data, providing some of the performance benefits of an SSD while retaining the capacity of an HDD.
HOSDMenu is an HDD OSD patcher. It is usually started by OSDMBR, PS2BBL, or PS2BBLE.
I recommend reading the following guide: How to Hack PlayStation 2 in 2026.
See the OSDSYS entry for more information.
Abbreviation for hardware.
i.Link is Sony’s implementation of the IEEE 1394 standard, commonly known as FireWire 400. It provides high-speed data transfer and is available on selected PS2 models. Devices connected via i.Link may require external power, as the power supplied by the PS2’s i.Link port is not sufficient for all devices.
Models equipped with an i.Link port: SCPH-3XXXX
iHDD is an abbreviation for Internal HDD. It is rarely used.
Integrated Drive Electronics is a standard for connecting storage devices, commonly used for PATA interfaces.
See the ELF entry for more information.
I/O Processor is a secondary processor in the PS2 responsible for handling input/output operations and controlling various peripherals. In older models, it is based on the MIPS R3000A architecture and is also used to maintain compatibility with PlayStation hardware. Starting with SCPH-75K models, it was replaced by Deckard, which emulates it.
ISO9660 is the file system used on PSXCD (Mode 2: 2366), PS2CD (Mode 2: 2352) and PS2DVD (Mode 1: 2048) discs. Both PS1 and PS2 use the 8.3 Level 1 variant.
See the Mode entry for more information.
See the models entry for more information.
See the ELF entry for more information.
See the ELF entry for more information.
LoadBOOTer is a minimalistic loader whose only purpose is to start mc?:/BOOT/BOOT.ELF. It is used as a System Update executable replacement to significantly reduce the installation size.
LbFn is a homebrew file manager application.
MagicGate is a Sony copy-protection technology used by the PS2 to authenticate PS2 Memory Cards and protect certain data stored on them, as well as for the encryption of XLF and XRX files. It uses cryptographic keys shared between the console and the Memory Card, with different key sets used for retail, development, prototype, and arcade systems (one is currently unknown).
A disc image patched in a way that allows it to be recognized and accepted by DTL-H models. It is also used by MechaPwn.
MBR is one of the partition table formats that can be used on storage media. You can read about where and when it can be used in the following guide: Internal Storage vs. External Storage.
Memory Card Annihilator is a homebrew application for formatting memory cards and creating or restoring their images.
See the MMCE entry for more information.
Memory Card File System is the official file system used on PlayStation 2 Memory Cards.
Mechanics Controller is a dedicated microcontroller responsible primarily for controlling the PS2 optical drive. It also handles various security-related functions, including game disc authentication, MagicGate, and XLF decryption. On SCPH-500XX and later models, MechaCon (Dragon) also inherited the functionality of the SysCon chip, which was removed from the system. It can load patches from NVM, a feature exploited by MechaPwn.
MechaPwn is a homebrew application that exploits an update feature of the Dragon MechaCon to modify its region and configuration flags. Depending on the model, it can disable PS1/PS2 disc region checks, change the console’s reported region, and the OSDSYS and DVD Player regions.
I recommend reading the following guide: How to Hack PlayStation 2 in 2026.
See the MagicGate entry for more information.
See the SD Card entry for more information.
Multipurpose Memory Card Emulator, which, as the name suggests, is an emulator of the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 Memory Card. Examples include SD2PSX (original DIY project), Kaico SD2psx, Bitfunx PSxMemCard Gen2 (and Gen1), and 8BitMods MemCard PRO2. An MMCE imitates a real memory card, so the console sees it as a real one or even an arcade dongle, providing 100% compatibility with all models.
Every MMCE uses VMC files stored on a MicroSD card, exposing each one (one at a time) to the console as a real memory card. Every MMCE also uses the MMCE communication protocol, which allows applications that support it to, for example, access its SD card directly (see mount points).
I recommend reading the following guide: Everything You Need to Know About SD2PSX.
A modchip is a special chip soldered to the console that tricks the PS2 optical drive into believing that the program being run is on a CD/DVD-ROM, when it is actually on a CD/DVD-R (greatly simplified, of course). The best modchips were Crystal Chip, DMS, and Matrix Infinity. None of these are currently in production. The most popular modchips were and still are their cheap clones, such as Modbo and Ripper.
In the context of game loaders, Mode refers to special modes that add or remove specific patches.
In the context of modchips, Mode refers to DEV1/DEV2/DEV3/DEV4 features.
In the context of a file system on an optical disc, Mode refers to the sector size (e.g. 2048, 2366, or 2352 bytes).
The primary way to identify PS2 models is by the designation found on the console’s sticker and packaging. However, it is worth noting that this is not always precise, as significant differences may exist within the same model that are relevant to a particular use case, such as the presence of a specific chip or a different firmware version.
| Series | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
SCPH |
Retail models | SCPH-10000, SCPH-90004 etc. |
DESR |
DVR models | DESR-7700 etc. |
KDL |
TV model with an integrated PS2 | KDL-22PX300 |
DTL-T |
Development kits, also known as PS2 TOOL | DTL-T10000 etc. |
DTL-H |
Debug kits, also known as PS2 TEST | DTL-H10000 etc. |
COH |
Arcade models | COH-H30000 etc. |
Note: The last two digits in SCPH series are the region code. In the homebrew scene, entire series are commonly referred to as SCPH-10K, 30K, 70K, and 90K.
Unfortunately, even motherboard designations (GH-<number>) are not always sufficient, and modchip manufacturers developed their own unofficial naming system. If you have ever come across terms such as v1 or v13, these are the designations we are referring to.
And Sony, of course, has its own precise identification system (Chassis Type), which is well documented for the so-called Fat models (SCPH-10K to SCPH-50K). Chassis designations also exist for the so-called Slim models (SCPH-70K and later), but they are much less well documented and are primarily indicated by a small chassis type indicator on the console’s label.
Chassis is the official name for a specific hardware revision of the PS2. It describes the console’s physical and electronic design, including the motherboard, optical drive, and other components. Multiple models may use the same chassis, while the same model may have been produced with different chassis revisions.
For more information, I recommend visiting the following pages:
In the PS2 environment, mount points usually correspond to devices. Depending on the software and logical structure, the same devices may have different mount point names.
cdfs:/ |
Optical Disc Drive. | All homebrew software |
cdrom0:\ |
Optical Disc Drive. | CDVDMAN |
mc0:/ |
PS1/PS2 Memory Card in the 1st slot | All software |
mc1:/ |
PS1/PS2 Memory Card in the 2nd slot | All software |
mc?:/ |
PS1/PS2 Memory Card in any slot | All software |
mass:/ |
All BDM devices | All legacy homebrew software |
mass*:/ |
All BDM devices (e.g. mass0:/) |
Some legacy homebrew software |
usb:/ |
USB devices | wLE R3Z, oLE |
usb*:/ |
USB devices if more than one (e.g. usb0:/) |
wLE R3Z, oLE, OSDM, PS2BBLE |
ilink:/ |
i.Link | wLE R3Z, oLE, OSDM, PS2BBLE |
mx4sio:/ |
MX4SIO | wLE ISR, wLE R3Z, oLE, OSDM, PS2BBLE |
mmce0:/ |
MMCE in the 1st slot | wLE ISR, wLE R3Z, oLE, OSDM, PS2BBL, PS2BBLE |
mmce1:/ |
MMCE in the 2nd slot | wLE ISR, wLE R3Z, oLE, OSDM, PS2BBL, PS2BBLE |
hdd0:/ |
Internal HDD (APA/APAJ) on 1st IDE channel | Some legacy homebrew software |
hdd1:/ |
Internal HDD (APA/APAJ) on 2nd IDE channel | wLE R3Z, oLE |
dvr_hdd0:/ |
Internal HDD (APA) on 1st IDE channel but 2nd APA index | wLE, wLE R3Z, oLE |
ata0:/ |
Internal HDD (BDM/APAJ) on 1st IDE channel | wLE R3Z, oLE |
ata1:/ |
Internal HDD (BDM/APAJ) on 2nd IDE channel | wLE R3Z, oLE |
xfrom0:/ |
Internal flash | wLE XFW, wLE R3Z, oLE, XOSDMBR |
Note 1: ilink:/ is availble only on SCPH-30K models.
Note 2: dvr_hdd0 is availble only on DESR models.
Note 3: xfrom0:/ is availble only on SCPH-50K (hypothetically via the Network Adaptor) and DESR models.
See the MechaPwn entry for more information.
A storage device connected to SIO2 (the interface to which ports such as the Memory Card ports are connected), just like a genuine Memory Card or an MMCE. MX4SIO is the conceptual predecessor of MMCE. It is intended exclusively for gaming and cannot emulate a PlayStation 2 Memory Card.
See the Network Adaptor entry for more information.
Network Block Device is a protocol that allows block devices to be accessed directly over a network.
A Network Adaptor is an expansion device that provides the PlayStation 2 with network connectivity. The original Sony NA supports Ethernet and, on models equipped with an IDE interface, also provides a connection for an internal hard disk drive. The NA can be connected to SCPH-30K and SCPH-50K models; on newer models, it is built in, but without the possibility of connecting a PATA drive as on older models (with the exception of SCPH-700XX, which requires hard soldering). On SCPH-10K models, the NA cannot be connected, as they have their own dedicated external HDD connected via PCMCIA.
SATA disks can be connected, but only using unlicensed Network Adaptors (not recommended because they do not fully imitate the original and are not fully compatible with all software), or by using so-called SATA boards for the original NA.
Neutrino is a homebrew application, mainly used for playing games from disc images. While it is a CLI application, it needs to be run with arguments or via a dedicated GUI.
I recommend reading the following guide: Neutrino GUI Flavors.
See the EEPROM entry for more information.
See the EEPROM entry for more information.
ODD is an abbreviation for Optical Disc Drive.
ODDE is an abbreviation for Optical Disc Drive Emulator. Currently, no such device exists for the PS2.
Official Firmware is the original, unmodified firmware provided by the manufacturer.
Omni LaunchELF is a homebrew file manager application.
I recommend reading the following guide: unofficial LaunchELF Flavors.
Open PS2 Loader is a homebrew application for playing games from disc images.
I recommend reading the following guide: Open PS2 Loader Flavors.
Old abbreviation for Open PS2 Loader. It is still in use in some environments.
See the OPL entry for more information.
OSDSYS is the official dashboard called PS2 Browser, and is part of the firmware.
While Sony left itself the possibility of updating OSDSYS, it never used it except in the case of the so-called HDD OSD (a version of OSDSYS with support for internal storage, allowing games and applications to be launched from it; also known as HOSDSYS). The homebrew scene made extensive use of this, most notably in the form of FMCB/FHDB and OSDM/HOSDM.
The official mechanism for loading firmware patches and replacements from a PS2MC. Another term often used for this mechanism is System Update. Homebrew programs use it to e.g. modify OSDSYS. The most commonly installed program as a OSD Update is FMCB.
OSDMenu is an OSDSYS patcher. It is usually started by LB, ProtoPwn, PS2BBL, or PS2BBLE.
I recommend reading the following guide: How to Hack PlayStation 2 in 2026.
OSDMBR is an advanced bootstrap used to initialize hardware and launch programs. It is installed inside hdd0:/__mbr.
I recommend reading the following guide: How to Hack PlayStation 2 in 2026.
OSD-XMB is a dashboard that aims to replicate the XMB known from the PS3 as faithfully as possible. It was written using Athena, a JavaScript runtime environment, so both OSD-XMB itself and all its plugins are written in JavaScript.
On-Screen Keyboard is a virtual keyboard displayed on screen that allows users to enter text using a controller, mouse, or other input device instead of a physical keyboard.
Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment is a standard for connecting storage devices using a parallel data interface. It is also commonly known as IDE. Original disks for SCPH, DESR, and DTL-H models have special firmware required for some functionality.
A partition table is a data structure stored on a storage device that describes the partitions on it, including their locations, sizes, and types. Common partition table formats include MBR and GPT; however, natively, the PS2 has its own, APA.
Personal Computer Memory Card International Association is a standard for expansion cards originally developed for portable computers. The term is also commonly used to refer to the physical card interface and its associated form factor.
PlayStation File System is official file system used on APA-formatted internal storage.
On newer Sony consoles, such as the PSV/PSTV, PS4, and PS5, PFS refers not to a file system, but to a special encrypted container for various types of data. Do not confuse PFS on the PS2 with PFS on other consoles. These are two completely different things.
PlayStation Graphics Interface (not an official abbreviation) is a hardware interface used by the PS2 to communicate with the emulated PlayStation GPU. It is primarily used by PS1DRV when running PlayStation games. On Deckard models, it is fully emulated.
PlayStation 2 Mechacon Adjustment Program is a tool for calibrating and adjusting the optical disc drive. It allows both electrical and mechanical adjustment, including laser calibration and skew adjustment.
POPS is the first PlayStation emulator ever designed by Sony, officially distributed with the game Bishi Bashi Special 3 on one of the PSBBN channels. The homebrew scene was able to decrypt it, and it is still used as the main PS1 emulator, with patches applied on the fly by POPStarter.
A GUI for POPStarter that makes it user-friendly and easier to use.
A patcher for POPS that significantly extends its functionality.
ProtoPwn is an exploit for so-called protokernel models that exploits a vulnerability in the OSDSYS update code to enable arbitrary code execution.
I recommend reading the following guide: How to Hack PlayStation 2 in 2026.
See the OSDSYS entry for more information.
PlayStation Memory Card. You may also come across the PSXMC acronym. It is the official and only device on which you can save PS1 games.
PlayStation 2 Memory Card. It is the official and only device on which you can save PS2 games (except for a few game titles that allowed saving to the internal disk).
Because the PS2MC has a file system (called MCFS), users can also store PS1 saves on it, like any other data, for example, a System Update.
PlayStation 2 Basic Boot Loader is a simple application whose purpose is to initialize the hardware and launch other programs.
PlayStation 2 Basic Boot Loader Extended is a simple application whose purpose is to initialize the hardware and launch other programs. It has a GUI and includes several new features (additional search paths, a clock, temperature display, etc.).
PlayStation Broadband Navigator is an optional Linux distribution that served as a dashboard for Japanese models. It has the same functionality as HDD OSD, but also allows users to access and download content from the internet. We can say that PSBBN was a precursor to the PlayStation Store, which later appeared on other Sony consoles.
For unknown reasons, ;) PSBBN is often confused with PS2BBL. Both are completely different things.
PSBBN Definitive Patch (older name: PSBBN Definitive English Patch) is a toolkit that reformats the entire internal drive to APA-Jail, installs PSBBN, and translates it into various of languages.
PS2CD is a disc containing a PlayStation 2 game distributed on a Compact Disc. The term usually refers to the original media (PS2CD-ROM, so-called “blue disc”).
PS2DVD is a disc containing a PlayStation 2 game distributed on a Digital Versatile Disc. The term usually refers to the original media (PS2DVD-ROM, so-called “yellow disc”).
PS2 Launcher is a fork of Open PS2 Loader, a homebrew application for playing games from disc images.
I recommend reading the following guide: Open PS2 Loader Flavors.
PSXCD (or, if you prefer, PS1CD) is a disc containing a PlayStation game. The term usually refers to the original media (PSXCD-ROM, so-called “black disc”).
See the PS1MC entry for more information.
See the MMCE entry for more information.
See the Partition Table entry for more information.
Recovery for Dummies is a USB stick image containing various preconfigured software focused on servicing and exploiting the PS2.
PS2 models use several types of system memory, depending on the model and its purpose.
| Type | Capacity | Models | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| RDRAM | 32 MiB | SCPH and DTL-H | standard RAM |
| RDRAM | 64 MiB | DESR | standard RAM |
| RDRAM | 128 MiB | DTL-T | standard RAM |
| EDO RAM | 2 MiB | SCPH-70K and older | modules storage |
| EDO RAM | 4 MiB | COH | modules storage |
| EDO RAM | 8 MiB | DESR and DTL-T | modules storage |
| DDR-SDRAM | 4 MiB | SCPH-75K and newer | modules storage (2 MiB used by Deckard itself) |
Notes:
Ripto’s Open PS2 Loader is a homebrew application for playing games from disc images.
I recommend reading the following guide: Open PS2 Loader Flavors.
Real-Time Clock is a hardware clock that keeps track of the current date and time. In the PS2, it is powered by a CR2032 coin cell when the console is turned off.
SA is an abbreviation for Service Area.
Save Application System** and micro Save Application System** packages are bundled applications that include metadata and configuration files, allowing users to easily add and remove applications themselves.
I recommend reading the following guide: SAS and microSAS Packages.
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment is a standard for connecting storage devices using a serial data interface. While it is the successor to PATA, connecting a SATA drive to a PS2 requires additional hardware, such as a custom Network Adaptor or a SATA board for the original one.
A Save Container is an archive containing a game save. PSX game saves are individual files and, apart from their names, do not contain any other significant metadata. PS2 game saves are folders containing the game save itself, icons, icon metadata, as well as important file timestamps and attributes. To avoid losing any of this information when copying saves to, for example, a USB stick, archiving programs allow them to be packed into formats such as *.psu.
PlayStation container formats:
| Extension | Native for: |
|---|---|
| *.mcs | MemCard Rex, PSXGameEdit |
| *.psv | PS3 |
PlayStation 2 container formats:
| Extension | Native for: | Preserve Timestamps |
|---|---|---|
| *.cbs | Code Breaker | no |
| *.max | Action Replay Max | no |
| *.psu | EMS Linker, PS2 apps | yes |
| *.psv | PS3 | yes |
| *.sps | GameShark | no |
| *.xps | Xploder | no |
See the models entry for more information.
An SD Card is a removable flash memory card used to store data and transfer it between compatible devices. In the context of this guide, SD Cards are primarily used as storage media for PS2-related applications and devices such as MMCE and MX4SIO, but they can also be used as USB/i.Link storage media via a dedicated reader. Not every SD Card is compatible with MX4SIO/MMCE, for reasons that are currently unknown.
SD Cards are available in different physical formats, with standard SD and MicroSD being the most common. While MicroSD cards can be used in devices designed for standard SD Cards with a suitable adapter, they should be avoided due to potential compatibility issues.
See the MMCE entry for more information.
sd2psXtd is firmware for SD2PSX and all devices based on it.
Service Area is a reserved area on a hard drive that contains part of the disk firmware, configuration, and other data used for drive maintenance and operation, including the HDD ID sector.
SMB is a network-based protocol. It is used for streaming disc images and transferring files. The majority of PS2 applications support only SMB v1. Some support SMB v2 (RiptOPL), while some others support SMB v3 (smbLaunchELF/NETFS).
Simple Media System is a homebrew media player application. SMS3 is a reworked modern version, introduced to distinguish the 3.0 line from the old 2.9 version.
PS2 is an abbreviation for the PlayStation 2 console, which probably needs no explanation. PSX, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated, as it comes from the project’s codename: PlayStation-X. Long ago, even before the release of the PlayStation One (i.e. the smaller version of the PSX; not to be confused with the PlayStation Classic), the PSX acronym became commonly used to refer to this console. Later on, the PS1 abbreviation became increasingly popular – and today it is the dominant one. Unfortunately for all old farts like me, Sony released a special PS2 model designated DESR, which they called… PSX. Throughout any of my guides, whenever you see PSX, it refers exclusively to the PlayStation, because I have a syntactic fetish and reject neologisms. ;)
| PS1 (PSX :P) | PlayStation |
| PS2 | PlayStation 2 |
| PS3 | PlayStation 3 |
| PS4 | PlayStation 4 |
| PS5 | PlayStation 5 |
| PSC | PlayStation Classic |
| PSP | PlayStation Portable |
| PSV/PSTV | PlayStation Vita/TV |
Stable Open PS2 Loader is a homebrew application for playing games from disc images.
I recommend reading the following guide: Open PS2 Loader Flavors.
Solid-State Drive is a storage device that uses flash memory to store data instead of magnetic disks. SSDs have no moving parts and are generally faster and more resistant to physical shock than HDDs. However, compatibility with the PS2 may vary for unknown reasons.
SSDs are strongly recommended for HDD OSD and PSBBN because they significantly reduce the time required to parse the APA chain.
Abbreviation for softmware.
System Controller is a Toshiba TMP87C807U microcontroller used in early PS2 models to manage various system-level functions, such as power management, front-panel buttons, and thermal management. Starting with the SCPH-50K models, its functionality was integrated into Dragon.
See the OSD Update entry for more information.
Universal Disk Format is the file system used on PS2DVD discs (Mode 1: 2048). The PS2 uses UDF version 1.02.
See the Mode entry for more information.
UDM is an official firmware package format for DVRP.
UDPBD is a network-based block device protocol. It is used only for streaming disc images.
UDPFS is a network-based protocol. It is used for streaming disc images and transferring files.
Universal Serial Bus is a standard for connecting peripheral devices and transferring data. The PlayStation 2 is equipped with USB 1.1 ports, so newer USB 2.0 and USB 3.x devices are backward compatible with them, but they cannot operate at their full speed when connected to a PS2. Not every USB device is compatible with the PS2, even if it uses a compatible USB standard.
unofficial LaunchELF is a homebrew file manager application.
I recommend reading the following guide: unofficial LaunchELF Flavors.
unofficial Open PS2 Loader is a homebrew application for playing games from disc images.
I recommend reading the following guide: Open PS2 Loader Flavors.
A Virtual Memory Card and a memory card image are terms that refer to the same thing and are used interchangeably. Although Open PS2 Loader and Neutrino have a feature called VMC, it should not be confused with VMC in MMCE. In OPL and Neutrino, VMC is a software feature that provides virtual memory card functionality by modifying the way the game accesses the memory card. In MMCE, VMC refers to a memory card image that is exposed to the console as a genuine memory card, with the emulation performed at the hardware level.
PlayStation VMC formats:
| Extension | Native for: | Raw |
|---|---|---|
| *.ddf | VirtualGameSystem | no |
| *.gme | DexDrive | no |
| *.mc1 | MCP2 | yes |
| *.mcd | SD2PSX | yes |
| *.mcr | ePSXe | yes |
| *.srm | RetroArch | yes |
| *.vm1 | PS3 | yes |
| *.vmc | POPS | yes |
| *.vgs | VirtualGameSystem | no |
| *.vmp | PSP | no |
PlayStation 2 VMC formats:
| Extension | Native for: | Raw | ECC | Encryption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *.bin | PS2 apps | yes | no | no |
| *.mc2 | MCP2 | yes | no | no |
| *.mcd | SD2PSX | yes | no | no |
| *.ps2 | PCSX2 | yes | yes | no |
| *.vm2 | PS3 | yes | yes | no |
| *.vme | PS3 | yes | yes | yes |
double-unofficial LaunchELF is a homebrew file manager application.
I recommend reading the following guide: unofficial LaunchELF Flavors.
Double Unofficial Open PS2 Loader is a homebrew application for playing games from disc images.
I recommend reading the following guide: Open PS2 Loader Flavors.
Xbox to PlayStation is a homebrew application for playing games from disc images. Originally, it was an April Fools’ joke to disguise OPL as a real Xbox emulator.
I recommend reading the following guide: Open PS2 Loader Flavors.
Xtreeme Elite Boot Plus is a dashboard that, although it imitates the XMB, prioritizes its multimedia capabilities over its primary purpose of launching applications and offers great flexibility when designing plugins. It was written using Enceladus, a Lua runtime environment, so both XEB+ itself and all its plugins are written in Lua.
See the ELF entry for more information.
See the ELF entry for more information.
Cross Media Bar is a type of menu first used in DESR and KDL, later continued on the PSP and PS3, and eventually abandoned on newer models.
Similar to OSDMBR, XOSDMBR is a bootloader, but it is installed on xfrom0:/.
I recommend reading the following guide: How to Hack PlayStation 2 in 2026.
Yet Another DVD Exploit is a DVD Player exploit.
I recommend reading the following guide: How to Hack PlayStation 2 in 2026.
Berion
2026-09-12
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