FreeMCBoot is one of the most tried and tested softmod methods you can find. Once you have a memory card that is FMCB‘ed, the PS2 will detect it on the Memory Card and boot it up. This guide will show you how to create a Memory Card capable with FMCB capabilities, as well as explaining how it will work. An exploited memory card will work on all versions of the PS2.
This softmod requires access to a console has already been modded, which will be used to transfer the mod data to the Memory Card.
- This tutorial shows you how to load a mod disk into an older, 'fat' Playstation 2 (PS2) without using a mod chip. This tutorial shows you how to load a mod disk into an older, 'fat' Playstation 2 (PS2) without using a mod chip. Install a hard drive on your PS2 How To: Mod a PS2 slim.
- The chip is fairly easy to install since it only requires soldering six points, no wires required. The XenoGC source code was released in 2011, meaning if you wanted to you could make your own with an ATmega8L. I may end up doing this in the future, and writing a post about it. Right now you can find XenoGC chips available from places like eBay.
- This is the Crystal 1.2 modchip. Even tho this video is Primarially about the soldering aspect, It's just really cool to showcase the soldering with the amaz.
- Since I sell PS2 modchips on eBay I often get asked for installation diagrams showing how to install a chip into a specific motherboard. This post aims to be the ultimate source of information on PS2 modchips, including how to install them into every version of the PlayStation 2.
Examine all of the equipment on your PlayStation 2's motherboard. If a mod chip is present, it will be a small, square chip with a label indicating exactly what it is. It will also have been soldered onto the motherboard after it was originally manufactured, so it will look out of place. If no mod chip is present, your PS2 cannot play burned games.
Back up the Memory Card you wish to install FreeMCBoot on. If something goes wrong during install, you could potentially lose your game saves.
You must have either of these:
- A hardmodded PS2 console (had a chip installed to give it modded abilities).
- An original (Fat) PS2 with FreeHDBoot softmod installed on it.
- An already existing, working FreeMCBoot Memory Card.
You also need:
- A computer (operating system does not matter).
- A USB removable storage drive (512MB or more).
- An 8mb Memory Card (official 8mb is preferable, third party is a risk).
You also need the following software (all free):
- FreeMCBoot (original).
- uLaunchELF or other ELF launcher (supplied by existing mod).
The FreeMCBot package comes with a file that ends with .ELF. ELF file are executable by a modified PlayStation system, and in the package provided comes with a FreeMCBoot installer. Unfortunately, that’s why you need a pre-modded console.
FreeMCBoot Installer
Firstly, download the files above and place them on a FAT/FAT32 formatted memory stick. Extract the entire zip archive onto the memory stick, as all the files in the zip archive are required for the console to be able to open it. Safely eject the memory stick from your machine to ensure the files are correctly written to the memory stick, and then transfer it to the PS2.
Boot up the PS2 and open up uLaunchELF. Navigate to MASS:/ to access the memory stick we have plugged in. The memory stick should show up similar to above (files beginning with a dot is junk from my mac, which may not be there for you – which is fine). If so, launch up FMCBInstaller.elf.
The launcher will display the FreeMCBoot Installer, a multi-purpose tool which will allow you to prep a memory card for FreeMCBoot, as well as install FreeHDBoot to a hard drive and various other memory card related functions. For the purposes of preparing FreeMCBoot for another console, we will need Multi-install.
The FMCB installer will warn you about the multi-installation process. So long as you backed up your Memory Card, this should be okay. The warning is that the filesystem needs to be modified to allow all systems to be able to read the FreeMCBoot exploit, which is obviously not a designed function for the Memory Card. If something goes wrong during install, your Memory Card could become corrupted. FMCB Installer can revive the Memory Card, but your save data will be lost. If you back up your saves, you will be fine. If you do not back up, beware.
The system will then ask you what memory card you will like exploited. If only one is present in the Memory Card slots, it will automatically detect it. Select OK and the FMCB Installer will proceed to exploiting your Memory Card with FreeMCBoot.
Once the installation is complete, you can safely exit out of the installer. Once the console drops back to the browse menu, turn it off and plug your newly exploited memory card into your non-exploited console.
Ps2 Modding Without Chip
FreeMCBoot
When you boot your PS2 up with the FreeMCBoot memory card inserted, you will find the boot sequence will not execute. Also, instead of just ‘Browser’ and ‘System Configuration’, you should now have a lot more options available. If so, congratulations you have successfully softmodded your console!
How To Mod Ps2 Isos
If you have opted for a multi-install as instructed in this guide, then the memory card can be used to execute the FreeMCBoot on any console that is not the latest release of the slimline console (SCPH-9000x). This means that combined with the memory stick (unless you copy your FMCB Installer files to your memory card via uLaunchELF), you can potentially install this on your friends’ consoles, and then everyone can benefit from the world of softmodding.
FreeMCBoot without Pre-modded Console
For those new to the scene, it’s a pretty tall ask to already have a modded console. If you are unable to go through the FreeHDBoot method which can be done without one, then your next course of action is to purchase a FreeMCBoot memory card.
Unfortunately we do not provide such service (yet), however the PS2 Reddit community has a contact that will do this for you with no labour charge. Simply pay the fee for the memory card unit, and they will send you one with multi FreeMCBoot pre-installed. Like mentioned in this guide, this will work for all PS2 consoles excluding the last production range (SCPH-9 range). Details can be found in the sidebar on Reddit (mobile users, click community information).
If you have any questions about FreeMCBoot, FMCB Installer or this guide, please let me know in the comments below.
Last updated: 9th May 2019Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Mod Chip?
A: When installed in your gaming system, such as a PlayStation or XBox, a mod chip will allow you to play imported games as well as backups of your own games made on CD-r or DVD-r Media.
Q: Does a Mod Chip work on ALL PlayStation models?
A: Our chips will work on all PlayStation 2 models. See the Compatibility chart for details.
Q: Why do I need a mod chip to play imports and backups?
A: The Sony PlayStation checks the country code on the PS2 CD Roms / DVDs before it allows the game to start. If the country code on the disc does not match that of your PlayStation, it will not allow you to play the game. Similarly, the console checks to make sure you have inserted an original disc.
A: As Sony continue to enhance their consoles mod chip developers meet the demand with new and more sophisticated chips. Check our compatibility chart to determine which mod chip is right for you. For PS2 the easiest install is the Fliptop Shell with Swap Magic Discs. The easiest play is the Magic chip, but these require soldering. Q: Is it hard to install a Mod Chip?
A: No! It is easy to install a Mod Chip if you know how to solder. The typical installation time is 25-60 minutes - from unscrewing the first screw to putting the last screw back in. The installation requires you to solder from 4 to 23 wires to your PlayStation, depending on the version mod chip you choose.
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Q: Are there any other solutions for playing my backups and imports?
A: Yes there are. We offer external Neo Keys and several other plug-n-play devices. Your best bet if you don't want to solder is the combination of the Fliptop shell and the Swap Magic disc set. No soldering--just replace the PS2 shell and follow our instructions.
Ps2 Modchip Install
Q: To install PS2 Chip - How do I know where to solder these wires?
A: We supply you with solder, wire and online access to full-color illustrated, step by step instructions with crystal clear installation pictures to guide you through EVERY step of the installation process. With our pre-wired kits all you need to provide is a screwdriver and a 15-watt soldering iron! For the more complicated chips we also provide Clip Sets to make the job easier.