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ChrisLeePS2
Play PS2 Backups without a modchip

Thought you needed a modchip to play backups? Well, here is a way you can play backups without a modchip and without voiding you warranty!

This method only works if you have a correctly burned backup. This so called "swap trick", requires PS2 backups to be patched for this, using AddZero. If you have no idea what I am talking about here, I will cover burning PS2 backups in the future. For now, you can order these patched backup games from this website, check the Buy Backups Section. If you have a GS2 ready patched backup, let's begin!

Before we start, you need only two things, A GAMESHARK2, and a really slim screwdriver. To ready ourselves for this procedure, you must remove that pretty looking cd tray cover from the front of the cd tray. The cover has a tab on each side, the left and right, gently pull the tabs just a touch, allowing it to be gently removed. Be really careful pulling on these tabs, since they are very soft plastic and are really easy to break off. You need these tabs to put your cd tray front cover back on when you'd like but if you plan on playing backup games daily, i would suggest leaving the cover off, to avoid damaging it, if you haven't already done so. Now, with the front cd tray cover off, look for a square hole towards the left bottom of where the cd tray comes out. Look close and you'll see a white gear in there. This is what we need to play with, with a slim tool of your choice. It must be long and slim enough to go through that sqaure hole and long enough to reach the white gear to turn it. Found your tool of choice yet? OK. Then let's proceed.

Gameshark2 screen

Step 1

Load up Gameshark2 for PS2. Click START GAME. Then click WITHOUT CODES.

white gear (cog)

Step 3

Swap your Gameshark2 cd with your backup game, and push the cd tray back in slowly with your fingers. You now have to get your slim tool again and turn the gear to the right until it stops. If you hear a loud click, do not worry this is just the gear locking the cd tray. Once you hear the click you should only have to go a few more turns to the right.

Gameshark screen 2

Step 2

The Gameshark2 will now ask you to insert game disc and press X to continue, or O to cancel. Do not press EJECT! Look for the little square hole on the left side of where the cd tray comes out, you'll see that little white gear. Now, you need something slim to fit in there to turn the gear to the left (i use a circuit tester, its nice and slim). Fell a notch in the gear and begin turning the gear continously to the left. Continue turning left and the tray will soon pop out. When it begins to pop out, slowly pull the cd tray out with your fingers all the way.

gameshark screen 3

Step 4

Making sure the gear is all it can to the right, press X to continue, and voila! your backup is now loading!

Can I play Playstation One backups using this method? YES. Follow all the steps above but use CD2 (PSOne) codes cd instead of CD1 (PS2 codes cd). CD2 is Playstation One format and will inject the PSOne code into PS2's memory allowing you to swap a Playsation backup!

How does this work? Well, its quite simple. By manually swapping in your backup with the Gameshark, the Playstation 2 does not call for another PS2 boot code if you did not push eject. The PS2 boot code, which is uncopiable, cannnot be copied onto a backup, therefore, by doing this swap trick you defeat the need for the PS2 to look for a PS2 boot code from your backup cd, thanks to the amazing Gameshark. Each time the eject button is pushed the PS2 will look for the boot information on the cd. The original boot code is still in the PS2's memory when we manually swap our backup and therefore allows the backup to load.