This is absolutely massive! I remember reading forum posts that swore that this could never be done, and years later, here we are! Massive props to the creator of this software!!!
@@will11690 It was retro after all of that console, consider is not 10th years old anymore. But to be fair i still love PS2, and i even like PS Vita which wasn't retro handheld even that handheld was 10th years. And i'll say, the retro gaming community is 4 life.
This is normal with the PS2 logo. For DVD-based PS2 games, the logo on the disc is the region lock and the logo with the encryption in the BIOS does not match that on the disc, the disc will not boot. But since a Debug PS2 ignores this query, the logo is so incorrectly displayed, at least for PAL games on an NTSC device.
PSA for anyone with a PAL console: you will get the best results if you change your console's region to be a US debug system. I have an SCPH-90004 and applied MechaPwn to make it into a DTL-H90004, but that didn't allow me to run any NTSC-U/C or NTSC-J games. It would detect the CD or DVD, but any attempt to run a game would boot me right back to the browser screen. Launching PS2 games with uLaunchELF did work but that kinda defeats the point of using MechaPwn in the first place. I then reapplied MechaPwn and changed my console to be a DTL-H90001 instead. Now it starts up in NTSC mode and it works just as demonstrated in this video. American, Japanese and European PS2 games all work perfectly, as do Japanese and American PS1 games. The only downside is that PAL PS1 games will be forced into NTSC which causes some issues, so you kind of lose that option. I suppose it can be worked around with by using PS1VModeNeg and/or patching the games, but personally I already have other consoles that allow me to run PAL PS1 games so it's no big loss.
Thanks for the tip here, it really helped me out with my PAL console ! I feel like I need to give another tip for people who want to keep playing PAL PS1 games using this method. You need the GSM 0.23x version (since GSM 0.38 removed some options for PS1 games) and select " PAL NI to PAL Field" option. You will be able to play your PAL PS1 games on 50Hz and 288p resolution !
@@krazyattitude I did find the PAL NI to PAL field option but I’m not sure how to save those settings ? Or do I just restart ps2 after I set pal ni to pal field? , I pressed l2+r2 and it saved atleast something but my pal ps1 games still display incorrectly. I guess I did it wrong way but have not tried again . And thanks for answering !
I want to thank you sir. Thanks to you my original Xbox is softmodded. All 3 slims are and now can also play PSONE backups without modchip! Also softmodded my fat PS2 thanks to you. Seriously, thank you for all you do Mr. Mario.
Excuse Me MrMario have you thought of doing a follow up on this video? because the NEWER versions have changed the process quite a bit now you dont NEED the version of your console written down. Now it can be set to Rgion (Multi 7) meaning it will patch it safely and detect the console number automatically. The Browser will still say its your original model number but it still works flawlessly the creators of the exploit did this to minimize accidents in the patching process. its very important to know because people are getting confused why THEIR patch screen is different than pictured
I was trying so hard years ago (around 2005-ish) to get PS1 games to run from the internal HDD when I was running HDAdvance back in the day, but it just seemed impossible, I did however get PS2 games working in conjunction with Action Replay by essentially merging the games and the Action Replay disc together, t’was a fun time 😁
This is amazing! I wonder if it could evolve into a PS2 softmod that can allow the system to play both PS1 and PS2 backups without having to go through the trouble of enabling or disabling the force unlock or patching the disk as master.
Just did it with my US SCPH-5001N and it worked like a charm. Tested my newly region-free console with PAL and JPN imports of FF7DoC and both games were playing without issues. Thank you for the tutorial and Thank You for the MechaPwn Team 😎🤘
This video is the reason why I bought a 50001 on eBay with its warranty sticker in tact, but a stuck disc drive, hopefully an easy fix during my complete restoration of it. My day one 39001 doesn't work with any of my 3 multitaps, two used and one brand new. In a way, the 50001 is like the ultimate version to get, with this mod, HDD compatibility, and quieter fan. I can't wait to receive it!
So i figured it out if anyone wants to know how to still be able to play burned ps2 games that boot up right from the get go just like the ps1 games, u need free mcboot with fast boot on, and then u need a program called ps2 disc patcher, and patch your ps2 iso with it with the "master disc" option checked on. After patching, burn the game with imgburn at 4x or slower (recommended). Have your mcboot memory card in the console, pop the ps2 game in and turn it on... Boom! U can now play ps2 and ps1 burned games with the mechapwn.elf installed. Just dont do the force step when u initially install mechapwn hack.
I got a J 3500 and found your video in the search of region unlocking it. I guess it won't work but maybe I'll try to find some Japanese games for it. Great video. Very informative. 👍
@@MrMario2011 what will this mean for burned ps2 discs? I mean like if I burn and iso to a DVD-R or DVD+R. Would you ever make a tutorial if it were possible? P.S. Love your channel 😁
After forgetting about FMCB and doing MechaPwn first I broke my PS2 and I also selected yes on the Force unblock. Luckily this video fixed my issues and gave me the correct procedure and it worked! Thanks so much!
Hi MrMario - great video by the way. Your delivery, pacing and explanations are really on point! What I wanted to ask was the following: This seems like a "one-time" mod... Is that right? For instance, if I use Free McBoot and MechaPwn to change my region settings to "debugged," this will allow me to play any-region PS2 and PS1 games, as well as PS1 backup discs (burned ISOs to CDs), correct? And once I've changed the settings using this method, I never have to fiddle with modding again (if this is all I want to do), yes? Follow-up: Will this make the DVD player on the PS2 region-free as well?
It's a good think I like the 5000x series because of booting ps1 antimod games with a modchip. If only this was around in 2012, that being said I still prefer the modchips.
@bierhoff6421 the mechacon is a little different with the 5000x series. Something changed that allowed for modchips to boot antimod ps1 games on a ps2 console. For example if I attempted booting a antimod game such as Spyro 3 on a PS2 the backup would display the software Terminated screen even a legitimate disc with the modchip running say on a 39001 revision. If I attempted the same, running a legitimate copy on a 50001 console it should load. One little thing I've found is that the option for PSX Multidisc games must be toggled off. I've tested that on Modbo 4.0 and Modbo 5.0 chips, I recently got some matrix infinity 2.0 clone chips where the points are in a line on both sides of the chip and no CX point. Those are said to be more reliable clones of the original matrix infinity modchip. I also have a matrix infinity green dot chip but I'd prefer to keep that sealed in its antistatic packaging. Cheers!
I have the SCPH-77004 PAL console, I did everything by the video. I have a rare GT4 first preview demo disc which was only released in Japan. The browser sees the disc but upon starting it nothing happens, I get a black screen fro a few seconds then it goes back to the browser. I don't have any other game from a different region as of right now, but a NTSC-J GT3 is on it's way.
I used this to fix a 90001 that has a bad clone Infinity modchip; I could play all PS2, but PS1 was broken -- with MechaPwn I can now use all PS1 & PS2.
FreeDVDBoot discs still work on 7500x and newer (unless you enable force unlock), according to the readme and my testing with a 77001 after converting to debug. It also seems like you can revert a FMCB multi-install back to standard after using MechaPwn. (I don't like the idea of intentionally corrupting my memory card) Also I really like how the installer has images for each model of PS2, for me it showed the barrel jack since my model has an external power supply
Highly disappointed that no one is working on a variation of mechapwn for ps2 models under the 50000 series. It said on the developer page that no support is planned for lower models as well and I haven't seen anything anywhere that someone else might be working on a different one. Unfortunately I only have a 39000 series fat model so I guess im out of luck.
@@JesusSaves86AB that is true, however I bought the 39000 due to reading that the dvd drive is a bit more "robust" with a lower failure rate than other models (laser, drive tray) so I would rather keep it. Also I like that I have an internal harddrive functionality that that the slim models don't have (I know that the 50000 series are fats too and have the expansion bay for an internal harddrive). I would just buy another one but I already have too many game consoles as is! Lol. Unless there is a breakthrough with mechapwn down the road for my series, I will just stay with tonyhax to play ps1 back ups even though its a bit more involved.
the earlier models have a completely different mechacon which makes hacking them very difficult, if not downright impossible. the dragon mechacon in the newer consoles has an update mechanism which got hacked, the older mechacons don't have any of that however which means there really isn't a way in, i don't think any have even been dumped. on top of that it has a sony custom CPU in it which i don't think is documented anywhere, which doesn't help either.
IMPORTANT! I tried it July 2023 with the "Force Unlock, Mexico" Version and PS1 games did not start! You have to use the MechaPwn RC4, which is found among the previously named version in the Releases section. Once I arrived in the Retail-DEX->[your version] tab, I went with restore factory defaults and then keep current patches, although I do not know if the first one is really necessary. After that nothing visually changed in the system information but PS1 games loaded like a charm.
- Hey there, I'm about to go for this, and the only reason is because I want to be able to play burned copies of PS1 games I don't really care for region free. I have a PS2 SCPH-75001 and I'm confused with the warning message "Force unlock will break PS1 games" is this only talking about Force unlock, Mexico (Apr 5, 2021)? or is this also a thing for MechaPwn 3.0 Release Candidate 4 (RC4)? You know?
@denbarkco Hi, for your purpose, just use the latest RC. Force unlock is something you only want for PS2 backups. Force unlock is an option, not a necessity when applying MechaPwn. For playing PS1 burns, you don't want force unlock.
Thanks for the guide. Regarding "Force Unlock" and PS1 games, the legit titles from my region booted, only imports and copies did not work. Perhaps one day they'll allow you to boot PS2 discs without "Force Unlock" in the future.
So what i am understanding is that before the MechaPwn install, the console was already homebrewed with Opentuna? So i need to homebrew it first and then do the MechaPwn, right?
Hey man, I have SCPH-50000 NTSC/J you stated in the video Japanese Consoles could not work with MechaPwn, is this only for 70000 and earlier, or Japanese consoles on general ? Another question if i can actually install MechaPwn on my Japanese ps2 (SCPH-50000) for force unlock do i need opentuna ? And what is it for ? I already have freemcboot i can LaunchELF via the mc. Thanks in advance
I just recently started looking into this, but would it be possible to install a hard drive loader on a fat PS2 to play PS2 isos using freeMcboot and then use mechapwn just to play PS1 backups? To experience users I'm sure this is an idiotic question, but I'm being 100% serious.
Hi Mrmario, i bought a ps2 slim model 70001 on a garage sale, i opened it and it has very old outdated modchip mars pro gm-805SL, what do you recommend me to do in my situation? remove the chip? and use free mcboot?
This release is straight up nutty! Modchip is still king but not by much anymore. Being able to force NTSC for Pal games via the matrix menu and natively booting Ps2 backups is all it really has going over Mechapwn though. Ps1 backup support is probably better with Mechapwn though as sometimes Ps1 games fail to boot with Modbos (Clock sync issues I believe like an MM3 chip fail on OG Ps1s)
Yeah, my opinion right now is if you already have a modchip installed you don't need MechaPwn for that console. However if you don't have a chip in it, MechaPwn would be the way to go for most users.
@@MrMario2011 I tested this out on a 9000x Ps2 and it doesn't support Ps1 backups unfortunately. For People with 5000x and 700xx consoles this exploit is amazing. For later slims if you want ps1 backup support then modchip is the way to go. I'm kind of leaning on the ideal setup for this would be mechapwn on a 5000x or 7000x without dvd unlock and using freedvdboot games for Ps2 titles. With that setup you'd have everything booting natively.
@@ModzvilleUSA hey did you try that method and see if it works? I would love to be able to play backups of both ps1 and ps2 games on my 7000 series slim without having to mod it.
Hey, I know I am commenting late but I have a question. If I were to install mechapwn onto a 50001 fat ps2 without force unlock, would I still be able to watch DVD videos? Thanks for all your great work
So just to clarify: This will not region unlock a PAL or NTSC-J PS2 if it’s a SCPH-70000 or lower? Therefore, I CAN region unlock both my PAL and NTSC-J SCPH-90000 consoles? Or any PAL/J console higher than a 70000? This is fkn awesome work by the way. Exciting times ahead.
Hi, did you ever find the answer to this? I'm seeing some people say it worked on their 7000x series but the official FAQ says it shouldn't. Really want to know if I should give it a shot or just go find a newer model first
@@Addictivemeh As of today I downloaded the version of Mechapwn where it unlocked Mexico, i.e the most recent non "pre-release" build, and successfully changed my region from 70k JP to USA. This video is a little confusing, but just dont select the DTL thing like he does, choose CEX, then your model, then the region you want to switch to (the video makes it sound like you're selecting your own region on that screen)
Had a question about playing the PS1 Backups, do .cue and .bins need to be burned into an .iso on a CD or DVD. Do you happen to have any videos on how to make a proper PS1 backup?
I thought they were going to kill all the PS2s in the world when I read "Endgame for PS2". That would make me devastated even though I no longer own a Playstation 2, probably because it was my first ever console.
@@Timic83tc my PS2 with dead BIOS battery worked just fine albeit with some caveats: the saves are from 1st January 2000 at 00:00, and Gran Turismo 4 photos is at that same time
Hey Mario, I bought a European slim (75004) and I want to use it only for my PS1 backups since the original discs are very scratched. I have games from multiple regions and I would like to know if there are any problems or anything I should know before jumping into the mod. In theory, I install mechapwn on the USA (or Europe?) DEX and all PS1 backups from all regions should work? Is there a timing problem or are they going at the speeds they should? Do PS1 memory cards work? Thank you very much for making this type of videos, there is no one who explains it like you do 👌
if you are changing the chip on the motherboard could you not run ps1 games from a hard drive or usb stick using a combination of freemcboot and mechapwn ?
Wow, the PS2 is getting quite the attention lately, Freedvdboot, now Mechapwn? This is some crazy stuff, imagine having these tools back when modchips were relevant.
@@cemsengul16 If you enable force unlock ESR disc continue to work and work also ps2 backup without ESR patch. But you can't play DVD-Video and psx games because was detect all as PS2 disc but i discover this trick: if you insert psx disc original with different region with force unlock ON , ps2 detect it as PSX disc and you can simple swap it with your backups of all region (after screen will black)
Hi, I've accidentaly lost my nvm file, to which I don't have the backup. When I tried to restore back to SCPH-90004, it instead restored to DTH-90004 which i had previously (before restore DTH-90001). I tried setting it up multiple times, because the ps1 backups didn't work. Now freeDVDboot doesn't work at all too. Is there any way please to provide me the SCPH-90004 nvm file? I can't find a way to install dvd update for freeDVDboot to work, every tutorial shows how to do it with freemcboot, not funtuna. Thank you for any help!
Is it unhealthy for the console to constantly install and then revert? Like if I wanted to play some PS1 backups one day, then some PS2 backups the next, then back to PS1, is that possibly degrading or negatively effecting the console? Beyond the obvious increased chance of doing something wrong the more you do it, if I were to go through the steps of force unlocking, reverting, force unlocking, reverting enough would that be a problem?
I doubt you're going to destroy the console (unless you flash it improperly or unplug it at an important step) but constantly flashing it also isn't helpful. Probably much easier to get yourself a second console so you can keep them in whichever configuration you want.
Well, many limitations are present such as playing only ps1 or ps2 games , Since a modchip plays it all and FMCB plays it all i think this is the option i would not go for. Modchip in my opinion is still the best way.
Yes, I think the only advantage right now is if you have a Chinese console like mine, the language bios only has two options: Chinese and English and changing to a American code you can use the bios with more languages available (English, French, Portuguese, Dutch, Italian and Spanish). It is not a big deal, the bios is not hard to figure it out to use and the only game that I played that took advantage of the language settings of the console is F1 2006, but I still think it is cool. It is mentioned that not all PS2s change the available languages changing the region code, only those with "universal bios" which are all of the later Slim models.
I just bought a pink NTSC-J PS2, so you're saying that I cannot use this DEX version to play "imported" USA region games on it?? I bought it solely for region unlocking it
Really cool. Now all we need is for some crazy engineer associated with RetroRGB to come up with an Optical Drive Emulator and then the PS2 is officially pwn'd. :)
Yeah, opl covers most games very well.I think the only advantage is for a very small portion of games that dont work on it. What I do think breaking the bios security with mechacon can lead to a hybrid firmware of sorts for 90000 models for people who wanted to use FMCB. Personally I am satisfied using Fortuna to load apps and opl, it takes a lot less space than FMCB, but still, many people wanted to customize the PS2 OSD and couldnt with this model. Modifying the BIOS for it to expect memory card updates like old models can restore and make FMCB on 90000 possible.
@@nicholasbartkiw6002 Slim PS2s basically. Most have no HDD support under any circumstance, Network is slowish, and USB is VERY slow. But an ODE with say, a 400gb UHS1 uSD card will boot as fast or faster than the native disc drive, putting both of the other options to shame.
@@KiraSlith the PS2 SDK team are working on the software for a SD adapter that goes through the Memory Card slot and OPL support is getting committed now, ODE won't be necessary
Can you please elaborate on what you mean by "running through RGB scart" at 18:55? Will I not be able to use my component cables when running PAL games?
At writing used MechaPwn RC4 and the MENU HAS CHANGED somewhat. After Picking Retail, I chose USA Multi 7 from the new selections, After I chose Factory patches, after turning off and on the ps2 did not change under version number or anything. I thought it didn't work BUT popped in a ps1 Japanese disc and it WORKS! its very discreet now,
While using this method to play backups and imported ps1 and ps2 games, are save towers (that appear duirng startup) created? You didnt have a memory card inserted during the demonstration so im wondering if it happens.
There should be but hey you can test it I haven't gotten the chance to do it yet but when I do I can let u know but still it's just save data there's no reason why it wouldn't
Hi. I have EU 75004 with mbcoot 1.966. Just run Mecha form uelf, chose my model and patch. PSX Pal backups works fine, but it not run NTSC backups. It recognize disk as PS1 game, but display only black screen after select it from browser. Whats wrong?
How the hell did you get the backup to work? I've been trying for hours to produce backups of Persona 1 and 2 with no results using MechaPwn with force unlock disabled.
Thanks for your videos, they've been mighty awesome. I have an issue though and not sure what the cause is since I have MechaPwn installed. Some games I put the disk in and the ps2 says "the disk could not be read." Does this have anything to do with MechaPwn? PS: I've played those disks before and not they're not being read.
Woah! Finally able to play a backup copy of Final Fantasy Tactics (USA) on my UK PAL SCHP-79003, although I had to select the SCHP-79001 (US) model after selecting model DTL-H79xxx in Retail DEX (debug) menu - which was a bit confusing since I thought that in this debug mode, even if I selected my own UK model (schp-79003) it would allow NTSC games from USA to work? Anyway, great mod this, now I can pretty much put my original PS1 into storage.
Hi sorry could I just ask... As your PS2 is pal 790003, are you able to play real US games or just backups? I'm not sure if the above 70xxx prerequisite is inclusive of 79xxx
@@frostycomedy-man9985 I can play backups, but the discs are not always recognised . However with psxlauncher it works 100% even for backups of imports (So I can use an original UK PAL PS1 disc in psxlauncher and then swap with FF Tactics USA backup for example, which would never work on my original 79003 console) edit: Actually just checked, and FF Tactics (USA) launches fine directly on my DTL-H79001 (modded using mechapwn from original UK 79003 model) but some other USA discs do not and I need to use pslauncher (from free mcboot menu). (pslauncher is easy to use with these 7900x slim consoles)
@@mrIceblink Okay thank you so much for the info, that's great that you can launch straight from the disc, interesting that some work and some don't. Do all NTSC PS2 Original games boot and function properly from your experience? Thanks so much again 🙏
@@frostycomedy-man9985 I don't actually have any NTSC PS2 originals to test (I have some in storage somewhere), but it's pretty certain they would boot on a DTL-H79001 modded console, it certainly boots all my PAL PS2 originals no issues. I can boot PS2 NTSC and PAL backups using esr patcher before burning (or the more recent freedvd patch). The DTL-H79001 model seems much more tolerant of various types of discs than a UK version (79003), I can often boot both NTSC and PAL PS1 backups directly for example, and when this struggles (eg I have a USA RayCrisis backup which only boots 20% of the time) I can always boot first time using psxlauncher. Some of my issues might just be due to an old laser (both CD infra-red and DVD red), I only keep my PS2 slim around with an old CRT TV just to relive memories from back in the day, I don't have so much time compared to last year for this though!
I have a FMCB memory card, but I have a lot of trouble getting some/more than a couple of backups to work (I'm unable to find out if it has to do with the backups or amount of backups.. Sometimes game A works. And B doesn't. And sometimes B works, sometimes A works). Is it worth doing this mod if I have issues with playing backups using mu FMCB mem card. Would this mod be worth the trouble going through for me? Or wouldn't it improve playing backups from USB? (Very old fat PAL PS2, unable to check the exact model number rn)
I am having issues with loading PS1 imports on my console. It loads JP and US ps2, and US ps1, but when it comes to JP ps1...it gives me the insert a playstation or playstation 2 format disc...is there something wrong that I did?
Checked everything from software, versions and everything, it's version 1.953 of free mcbooth but it won't load japanese imports (It shows a black screen, the disk is spinning but then it boots me back to the memory card menu.). Is it cause it ain't multi region? How can I check?
Now that's some awesome stuff. So this is essentially something similar to FreeDVDBoot but for my SCPH-50004? If so , if i put it in Debug Mode - would i theorethically be able to use ProDG Target Manager in conjunction with a Network Adapter and HDD?
I followed your tutorial and it worked great! Though, dummy me didn't realize that freedvdboot was what let me play burned games. is there an alternative to play burned games since mechapwn breaks freedvdboot?
My only question ls since everything else was covered is does the memory card have to be modded as well? Does the USB drive have to always be left in? Or once everything is changed in bios can you take out the USB and just run it like normal operations?
Thank you for making this video. I can finally buy and play a legit copy of the PS2 port of the _Fist of the North Star_ fighting game developed by Arc System Works and published by Sega because of you. *Adds video to Favorites*
One thing I noticed is that after doing this mod, even with Force Unlock disabled, Free DVD Boot (and I guess DVD Video playback) is broken. So one can play either PS or ESR modded PS2 games seamlessly.
@@MrMario2011 Well, after playing a bit more with it, I figured it out: I am using a PAL SCPH-90004 system, and I initially flashed it to DEX-H90004. It seems European DEX systems didn't have DVD-Video playback to begin with as I was getting a "DVD-VIDEO player is not set-up" message. Now I reflashed it to DEX-H90001 and my PAL ESR-modded Freedvdboot games work fine, just like original PAL games. Only PAL movies (obviously) don't work anymore (I don't have NTSC stuff to test). Only thing I haven't tested yet is whether PAL games will be sped up to the annoying 60Hz refresh rate, or be squished to 480i instead of the normal 576i, though they seem normal. Maybe I weren't clear in my original comment, but ALL testing was done with Force Unlock off.
It turns out, using ALL PAL model numbers causes DVD-Video to break, and All NTSC model numbers cause PAL PSX games to break (both original and backups, only the first 480 lines display and refresh rate and colours are off). So, one would have to either change regions depending on the desired game, or use only NTSC PSX games and compromise with 60Hz and the lower resolution and colour fidelity.
@@DMDaskalakis When it comes to games, PS2 games should automatically switch to the correct display mode. PS1 PAL games tough will run at the incorrect frame rate and get cropped (not squished). You can circumvent this if you force the PS2 into PAL video mode. You can do this using GS Mode Selector.
So I'm getting a memory card with freemcboot on it and in getting a PS2 as well which is the required version for mechapwn how would freemcboot use it without opentuna or do you need opentuna with it
The disc shows up but it doesn't continue. What is the problem? EDIT: I just changed my region which is originally in Europe, and I changed it to USA so that it can read ntsc
Have you thought to try DVD movies with the Force Unlock enabled? This homebrew sounds like a great feature and makes the PS2 essentially a Swiss army knife of games.
@@MrMario2011 FreeDVDBoot still seems to work on 7500x and newer (it did for me after converting to debug). The issue here is that force unlock makes all discs appear as PS2 discs so the BIOS wouldn't launch the DVD player.
Accidentally bought a Japanese Pink PS2 as a gift. My gf was so sad when it wasnt able to read katamari. However, this video as well as the freeMcboot video helped me make the ps2 even cooler than it was before. We've gonna start collectin ps1 and ps2 games now. Thanks man
@@EricAndStuff that's dope, I was losing hope of finding out if the Japanese ps2 could be modded to be region free because I was thinking about getting a Japanese ps2 because of the colorways but I wanted it to be in English and play all my US rom games
@@Maxquaza NB: Region unlocking unfortunately does not work on pre SCPH-700XX NTSC-J and PAL consoles, but can be easily applied to all post SCPH-500XX NTSC-U and ASIA systems. from retrorgb page. you need a 70000+ ntsc-j ps2
Hey MrMario, If I do this modification on my PAL SCPH-90004, so I can play NTSC games. But the video mode will be NTSC 60Hz right? So I can't play it on my PAL CRT. Or is there a mode to output PAL signal when running NTSC games?
Hi there! I've a retail console w/ modchip, I been burning backups using ESR method. If I apply mechapwn, ESR dvds will not be working again? (Since mechapwn breaks dvd video)
This is very confusing. Can't get a straight answer anywhere, but scph50000+ and over if it is a Japanese or Pal unit will not work as a dev unit unlocking all regions? It has to be NTSC-U or Asia?
@@MrMario2011 Can you just tell me if I purchased a 50000+ NTSC-J, will I be able to convert it to a dev unit to play all regions? The Github says 50000+ units should work, but I have seen multiple posts that only ntsc-u and asian units like from China will work. Any clue?
Sir is your PS2 Modded by ModCHip like for sample MATRIX Infinity,,,because i am curious to do this Mechapwn...i have a PS2 Slim with Matrix Infinity but it cant read PS1 games....i can disable to modchip into stock unmodified PS2.....after this are you good to go?.. though in process where you need to unplug the power cord Matrix reverts back to modded version....can you give me some ideas sir or what guide or process do you think better to do...thanks in advance.....
Mr. Mario, for PS2 backups, say I was running fmcb and assign a hot key to that ps2disc in the misc file using fmcb configurator, for example L2. I boot up with the back up disc inserted while holding L2, wouldn't it boot into the back up?
Hello. I have fcmb v1966 on a ps2 slim. The installation was normal, not multi. Do I need to reinstall it as multi to have mechapwn? I would like to burn ps1 disk that's why I want to run mechapwn. I do not care to change region. When I am ready to choose the installation as multi it warns me for possible corruption of the memory card. Do I ignore this? Thank you.
Hi MrMario , i tried MechaPwn on my SCPH-500004 EU and set region on DTL-500004 EU with FORCE UNLOCK ON... Ps2 games backup of any region and media works perfectly through PS2DISC of ulauncher but it work also with ESR apps without disc is patched (and work also patched disc) But I discover a method to boot PS1 disc with force unlock ON. I have Action Replay v2 (1.9) disc 2 for codes of ps1 games. When i put it on console , it detect into PS1 disc (is only disc that detect ps1 disc, i tried other original ps1 disc but detected all into ps2 disc) from osdsys and if i click icon i got black screen but if i swap the disc with other ps1 disc backup or original it show icon PS1 and load it! But only for PAL region disc... for other region i discover another trick . If i swap it with backup of AR2 PS1 disc 2.20 it will boot it and re-swap with other region games disc backup and load it! (with Y-pos issue). I don't know why with this disc it detect it on PS1 disc but work! (disc in my psx has Sony computer INC. logo) I tried to burn this disc but it will detect as PS2 disc this is my disc (english version) DISC 2 www.picclickimg.com/d/w1600/pict/393129496483_/PLAYSTATION-PS2-AR2-Action-Replay-2.jpg With this trick i can boot all ps2 disc and all ps1 disc with swaps without to set different regions! :) So not is exact: Every CD and DVD will be detected as a PS2 disc, meaning it breaks PS1 games! My question and doubt is: Anyone that have JAP/USA psx original disc can test if on PAL console with force unlock ON on DTL-europe flag , detect disc as PSX? thanks (If anyone can try this, we know if it's only for my disc (AR2 psx) or is for all disc import original in PAL console. )
Hey guys. I just bought a PS2 Fat SCPH-50004 model. However, it is a PAL console. Is there an option or exception to unlock it region free so I can play NTSC-U/C games?
You can play NTSC (U/J) Ps1 backups with MechaPwn and PAL/Japan console but it is a little troublesome. You have to change ISO region of game from NTSC to PAL with some homebrew (forgot the name but it is very old homebrew). Then you need to burn modified ISO as normal (verify in emulator if you have SCEE logo on boot and then 60fps instead of usual 50fps). Then, boot up homebrew called PS1VModeNeg, then just boot up the ps1 game and you somehow will have 480i60 game with SCEE logo but it will play in NTSC. FYI before MechaPwn I just needed to change GSM (or run PS1VModeNeg) to NTSC (PS2 SD mode) and I could play FF7 PAL in NTSC mode. They were so lazy converting game from NTSC to PAL that you literally have to change the video mode only. However after MechaPwn the video mode somehow was reversed and only patched ISO work that way. Go figure. So in other words, the Pal console does have 480i ps1 mode but you cannot (as of today) disable the region check for SCEE logo. It has to be Europe in the end. But it is not enforcing 576i mode. PS. If you have a game that is originally PAL region, then you cannot force it into NTSC mode with PS1VModeNeg but you can somehow do it with GSM.
from retrorgb : The main attraction behind MechaPwn is turning any compatible PS2 into a region-free system that runs original and backup PS1 and PS2 discs. NB: Region unlocking unfortunately does not work on pre SCPH-700XX NTSC-J and PAL consoles, but can be easily applied to all post SCPH-500XX NTSC-U and ASIA systems.
This is absolutely massive! I remember reading forum posts that swore that this could never be done, and years later, here we are! Massive props to the creator of this software!!!
Never say never!
I love all the love the ps2 has been getting in the past year.
PS2 and Vita scenes are getting some amazing stuff released lately. Love it.
the retro gaming community is UNSTOPPABLE.... and OMG I LOVE THAT!
Please don't call PS2 retro. Makes me feel old man lol
@@will11690 It was retro after all of that console, consider is not 10th years old anymore. But to be fair i still love PS2, and i even like PS Vita which wasn't retro handheld even that handheld was 10th years. And i'll say, the retro gaming community is 4 life.
This is normal with the PS2 logo.
For DVD-based PS2 games, the logo on the disc is the region lock and the logo with the encryption in the BIOS does not match that on the disc, the disc will not boot.
But since a Debug PS2 ignores this query, the logo is so incorrectly displayed, at least for PAL games on an NTSC device.
Good explanation, thanks!
It seems you all only understood PART of how it actually works...
PSA for anyone with a PAL console: you will get the best results if you change your console's region to be a US debug system. I have an SCPH-90004 and applied MechaPwn to make it into a DTL-H90004, but that didn't allow me to run any NTSC-U/C or NTSC-J games. It would detect the CD or DVD, but any attempt to run a game would boot me right back to the browser screen. Launching PS2 games with uLaunchELF did work but that kinda defeats the point of using MechaPwn in the first place.
I then reapplied MechaPwn and changed my console to be a DTL-H90001 instead. Now it starts up in NTSC mode and it works just as demonstrated in this video. American, Japanese and European PS2 games all work perfectly, as do Japanese and American PS1 games. The only downside is that PAL PS1 games will be forced into NTSC which causes some issues, so you kind of lose that option. I suppose it can be worked around with by using PS1VModeNeg and/or patching the games, but personally I already have other consoles that allow me to run PAL PS1 games so it's no big loss.
Thanks for the tip here, it really helped me out with my PAL console ! I feel like I need to give another tip for people who want to keep playing PAL PS1 games using this method. You need the GSM 0.23x version (since GSM 0.38 removed some options for PS1 games) and select " PAL NI to PAL Field" option. You will be able to play your PAL PS1 games on 50Hz and 288p resolution !
What problems do ps1 games have when they are forced into ntsc.
@@krazyattitude thanks , do i have to launch PAL games through freemcboot to display them correctly ?
@@kamamat530 Yeah once you applied Mechapwn on your PS2 system, just launch Freemcboot with GSM 0.23x version and select "PAL NI to PAL Field" option.
@@krazyattitude I did find the PAL NI to PAL field option but I’m not sure how to save those settings ? Or do I just restart ps2 after I set pal ni to pal field? , I pressed l2+r2 and it saved atleast something but my pal ps1 games still display incorrectly. I guess I did it wrong way but have not tried again . And thanks for answering !
Every time a mr Mario vid comes u know ur console is in danger
it's in danger of changing yes, but in the end it's always gonna be for the better
The moment when you realize that PS2 scene is much more active than PS4 scene 😂
Far easier to hack a PS2 and no need to worry about Sony cracking down on it these days.
Also the PS2 modding scene has had twice the amount of time to work on it since the systems launch
I see a bunch of m0r0ns babbling about sh1t they have no clue of...
Thats why i bought one
I want to thank you sir. Thanks to you my original Xbox is softmodded. All 3 slims are and now can also play PSONE backups without modchip! Also softmodded my fat PS2 thanks to you. Seriously, thank you for all you do Mr. Mario.
Excuse Me MrMario have you thought of doing a follow up on this video?
because the NEWER versions have changed the process quite a bit
now you dont NEED the version of your console written down.
Now it can be set to Rgion (Multi 7) meaning it will patch it safely and detect the console number automatically.
The Browser will still say its your original model number but it still works flawlessly
the creators of the exploit did this to minimize accidents in the patching process.
its very important to know because people are getting confused why THEIR patch screen is different than pictured
Me personally I can't get past the MechaPwn setup, the USB is formatted but when I'm on the ELF file it does not show up in mass:/
@@maratnahimana thats odd :( im so sorry to hear
Mr mario can help though
@@AxlTheScourge Oh I simply used another USB and now its working haha, I feel much better now thanks !
PS2 = immense gaming
Endgame for me would be running PS1 games off a hard drive natively (not popsloader).
That'd be a dream come true. Pops is no bueno.
That'd be awesome, but consdering the IO processor of the PS2 doubles as the PS1 CPU in backwards compatibility, I'm not sure how that'd work...
I was trying so hard years ago (around 2005-ish) to get PS1 games to run from the internal HDD when I was running HDAdvance back in the day, but it just seemed impossible, I did however get PS2 games working in conjunction with Action Replay by essentially merging the games and the Action Replay disc together, t’was a fun time 😁
So does Popsloader/Popstarter not use the PS1 hardware on a PS2? Im not familiar with PS2 modding, tho am with other consoles (hard modding mostly)
Nah, I think it's should be ODE for PS2. This can do PS1 easily no emulation.
This is amazing! I wonder if it could evolve into a PS2 softmod that can allow the system to play both PS1 and PS2 backups without having to go through the trouble of enabling or disabling the force unlock or patching the disk as master.
Right now it's great, we'll see what the future holds though 😀
You can! Read my comment i just put on this channel.
@@siahfishin5295???
Just did it with my US SCPH-5001N and it worked like a charm. Tested my newly region-free console with PAL and JPN imports of FF7DoC and both games were playing without issues. Thank you for the tutorial and Thank You for the MechaPwn Team 😎🤘
wow, that's so cool! there is a lot of steps to going through, but it is very nice that there is a community that still wants to mod PS2!
It really is!
This video is the reason why I bought a 50001 on eBay with its warranty sticker in tact, but a stuck disc drive, hopefully an easy fix during my complete restoration of it. My day one 39001 doesn't work with any of my 3 multitaps, two used and one brand new.
In a way, the 50001 is like the ultimate version to get, with this mod, HDD compatibility, and quieter fan. I can't wait to receive it!
5000x can't be the ultimate without that firewire port - required by some games to play with 2 ps2s :P
Your videos are amazing. Recently got some imports and this is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much
Woo!
So i figured it out if anyone wants to know how to still be able to play burned ps2 games that boot up right from the get go just like the ps1 games, u need free mcboot with fast boot on, and then u need a program called ps2 disc patcher, and patch your ps2 iso with it with the "master disc" option checked on. After patching, burn the game with imgburn at 4x or slower (recommended). Have your mcboot memory card in the console, pop the ps2 game in and turn it on... Boom! U can now play ps2 and ps1 burned games with the mechapwn.elf installed. Just dont do the force step when u initially install mechapwn hack.
How did you get PS1 backups working? I'm using CD-Rs on a 79001 Slim set to Debug with Force Unlock disabled and none of them are working.
I got a J 3500 and found your video in the search of region unlocking it. I guess it won't work but maybe I'll try to find some Japanese games for it. Great video. Very informative. 👍
This may be better for slims as opposed to slow USB speeds on OPL.
Im probably never going to use this but its super interesting. The ps2 hacking scene has been amazing lately
Truly!!!
@@MrMario2011 what will this mean for burned ps2 discs? I mean like if I burn and iso to a DVD-R or DVD+R. Would you ever make a tutorial if it were possible? P.S. Love your channel 😁
I have never been more exited just by a title from a video alone lmao
It's hype!
AS EXPRECTED THIS SHIT IS WILD
After forgetting about FMCB and doing MechaPwn first I broke my PS2 and I also selected yes on the Force unblock.
Luckily this video fixed my issues and gave me the correct procedure and it worked! Thanks so much!
Nice work!
Hi MrMario - great video by the way. Your delivery, pacing and explanations are really on point! What I wanted to ask was the following: This seems like a "one-time" mod... Is that right? For instance, if I use Free McBoot and MechaPwn to change my region settings to "debugged," this will allow me to play any-region PS2 and PS1 games, as well as PS1 backup discs (burned ISOs to CDs), correct? And once I've changed the settings using this method, I never have to fiddle with modding again (if this is all I want to do), yes? Follow-up: Will this make the DVD player on the PS2 region-free as well?
It's a good think I like the 5000x series because of booting ps1 antimod games with a modchip.
If only this was around in 2012, that being said I still prefer the modchips.
@bierhoff6421 the mechacon is a little different with the 5000x series. Something changed that allowed for modchips to boot antimod ps1 games on a ps2 console.
For example if I attempted booting a antimod game such as Spyro 3 on a PS2 the backup would display the software Terminated screen even a legitimate disc with the modchip running say on a 39001 revision.
If I attempted the same, running a legitimate copy on a 50001 console it should load.
One little thing I've found is that the option for PSX Multidisc games must be toggled off.
I've tested that on Modbo 4.0 and Modbo 5.0 chips, I recently got some matrix infinity 2.0 clone chips where the points are in a line on both sides of the chip and no CX point.
Those are said to be more reliable clones of the original matrix infinity modchip.
I also have a matrix infinity green dot chip but I'd prefer to keep that sealed in its antistatic packaging.
Cheers!
I have the SCPH-77004 PAL console, I did everything by the video. I have a rare GT4 first preview demo disc which was only released in Japan. The browser sees the disc but upon starting it nothing happens, I get a black screen fro a few seconds then it goes back to the browser. I don't have any other game from a different region as of right now, but a NTSC-J GT3 is on it's way.
I used this to fix a 90001 that has a bad clone Infinity modchip; I could play all PS2, but PS1 was broken -- with MechaPwn I can now use all PS1 & PS2.
At that point if the chip is that bad I'd just remove it LOL
@@MrMario2011 works 100% for PS2. A lot of sellers sold these clones without soldering the rest of it.
FreeDVDBoot discs still work on 7500x and newer (unless you enable force unlock), according to the readme and my testing with a 77001 after converting to debug.
It also seems like you can revert a FMCB multi-install back to standard after using MechaPwn. (I don't like the idea of intentionally corrupting my memory card)
Also I really like how the installer has images for each model of PS2, for me it showed the barrel jack since my model has an external power supply
Highly disappointed that no one is working on a variation of mechapwn for ps2 models under the 50000 series. It said on the developer page that no support is planned for lower models as well and I haven't seen anything anywhere that someone else might be working on a different one. Unfortunately I only have a 39000 series fat model so I guess im out of luck.
They're still cheap enough you could sell your fat and buy a slim. Even a slim that doesn't read discs is only ten bucks.
@@JesusSaves86AB that is true, however I bought the 39000 due to reading that the dvd drive is a bit more "robust" with a lower failure rate than other models (laser, drive tray) so I would rather keep it. Also I like that I have an internal harddrive functionality that that the slim models don't have (I know that the 50000 series are fats too and have the expansion bay for an internal harddrive). I would just buy another one but I already have too many game consoles as is! Lol. Unless there is a breakthrough with mechapwn down the road for my series, I will just stay with tonyhax to play ps1 back ups even though its a bit more involved.
the earlier models have a completely different mechacon which makes hacking them very difficult, if not downright impossible. the dragon mechacon in the newer consoles has an update mechanism which got hacked, the older mechacons don't have any of that however which means there really isn't a way in, i don't think any have even been dumped. on top of that it has a sony custom CPU in it which i don't think is documented anywhere, which doesn't help either.
19:40 I was so excited seeing this game. Such a masterpiece!
IMPORTANT! I tried it July 2023 with the "Force Unlock, Mexico" Version and PS1 games did not start! You have to use the MechaPwn RC4, which is found among the previously named version in the Releases section. Once I arrived in the Retail-DEX->[your version] tab, I went with restore factory defaults and then keep current patches, although I do not know if the first one is really necessary. After that nothing visually changed in the system information but PS1 games loaded like a charm.
- Hey there, I'm about to go for this, and the only reason is because I want to be able to play burned copies of PS1 games I don't really care for region free. I have a PS2 SCPH-75001 and I'm confused with the warning message "Force unlock will break PS1 games" is this only talking about Force unlock, Mexico (Apr 5, 2021)? or is this also a thing for MechaPwn 3.0 Release Candidate 4 (RC4)? You know?
@denbarkco Hi, for your purpose, just use the latest RC. Force unlock is something you only want for PS2 backups. Force unlock is an option, not a necessity when applying MechaPwn. For playing PS1 burns, you don't want force unlock.
@@dmxf, I just did it! My PS1 backup copies are running flawlessly!
Any news on if this works on the PS2TV model?
Though as Free McBoot doesnt work already, i'm gussing no.
Only the models covered in the GitHub page are compatible.
@@MrMario2011 ah, excellent. thanks for letting me know!
Looks like my PS2 sitting in a Japanese warehouse I won needs to be shipped lol. Been putting it off, but soon...
Thanks for the guide. Regarding "Force Unlock" and PS1 games, the legit titles from my region booted, only imports and copies did not work. Perhaps one day they'll allow you to boot PS2 discs without "Force Unlock" in the future.
So if I get a PAL PS2 that is a 7500x or higher model. Can I play NTSC-U/NTSC-J backups on it?
Sure can
Region unlocking and backing up games is why I got me a PS2 to mod.
So what i am understanding is that before the MechaPwn install, the console was already homebrewed with Opentuna? So i need to homebrew it first and then do the MechaPwn, right?
You just use homebrew to launch Mechapwn through ulaunchelf, doesn’t matter if your homebrew is FMCB, Opentuna, FreeDVDBoot, etc…
this is one of the greatest things in the ps2 modding scene (after freedvdboot, but that's impossible to beat)
Hey man, I have SCPH-50000 NTSC/J you stated in the video Japanese Consoles could not work with MechaPwn, is this only for 70000 and earlier, or Japanese consoles on general ? Another question if i can actually install MechaPwn on my Japanese ps2 (SCPH-50000) for force unlock do i need opentuna ? And what is it for ? I already have freemcboot i can LaunchELF via the mc. Thanks in advance
I just recently started looking into this, but would it be possible to install a hard drive loader on a fat PS2 to play PS2 isos using freeMcboot and then use mechapwn just to play PS1 backups?
To experience users I'm sure this is an idiotic question, but I'm being 100% serious.
Hi Mrmario, i bought a ps2 slim model 70001 on a garage sale, i opened it and it has very old outdated modchip mars pro gm-805SL, what do you recommend me to do in my situation? remove the chip? and use free mcboot?
This release is straight up nutty! Modchip is still king but not by much anymore. Being able to force NTSC for Pal games via the matrix menu and natively booting Ps2 backups is all it really has going over Mechapwn though. Ps1 backup support is probably better with Mechapwn though as sometimes Ps1 games fail to boot with Modbos (Clock sync issues I believe like an MM3 chip fail on OG Ps1s)
Yeah, my opinion right now is if you already have a modchip installed you don't need MechaPwn for that console. However if you don't have a chip in it, MechaPwn would be the way to go for most users.
@@MrMario2011 I tested this out on a 9000x Ps2 and it doesn't support Ps1 backups unfortunately. For People with 5000x and 700xx consoles this exploit is amazing. For later slims if you want ps1 backup support then modchip is the way to go. I'm kind of leaning on the ideal setup for this would be mechapwn on a 5000x or 7000x without dvd unlock and using freedvdboot games for Ps2 titles. With that setup you'd have everything booting natively.
@@ModzvilleUSA hey did you try that method and see if it works? I would love to be able to play backups of both ps1 and ps2 games on my 7000 series slim without having to mod it.
Hey, I know I am commenting late but I have a question. If I were to install mechapwn onto a 50001 fat ps2 without force unlock, would I still be able to watch DVD videos? Thanks for all your great work
So just to clarify:
This will not region unlock a PAL or NTSC-J PS2 if it’s a SCPH-70000 or lower? Therefore, I CAN region unlock both my PAL and NTSC-J SCPH-90000 consoles? Or any PAL/J console higher than a 70000?
This is fkn awesome work by the way. Exciting times ahead.
Hi, did you ever find the answer to this? I'm seeing some people say it worked on their 7000x series but the official FAQ says it shouldn't.
Really want to know if I should give it a shot or just go find a newer model first
@@Addictivemeh As of today I downloaded the version of Mechapwn where it unlocked Mexico, i.e the most recent non "pre-release" build, and successfully changed my region from 70k JP to USA. This video is a little confusing, but just dont select the DTL thing like he does, choose CEX, then your model, then the region you want to switch to (the video makes it sound like you're selecting your own region on that screen)
This is absolutly exciting!!!!
Had a question about playing the PS1 Backups, do .cue and .bins need to be burned into an .iso on a CD or DVD. Do you happen to have any videos on how to make a proper PS1 backup?
I thought they were going to kill all the PS2s in the world when I read "Endgame for PS2".
That would make me devastated even though I no longer own a Playstation 2, probably because it was my first ever console.
Nah, Sony's only CMOS killing PS3s, Vitas, and PS4s. PS1, PS2 and PSP are more future proof than those consoles LUL
@@Timic83tc Not PS4 argh wtf's wrong with them?
@@Timic83tc my PS2 with dead BIOS battery worked just fine albeit with some caveats: the saves are from 1st January 2000 at 00:00, and Gran Turismo 4 photos is at that same time
Hey Mario, I bought a European slim (75004) and I want to use it only for my PS1 backups since the original discs are very scratched. I have games from multiple regions and I would like to know if there are any problems or anything I should know before jumping into the mod. In theory, I install mechapwn on the USA (or Europe?) DEX and all PS1 backups from all regions should work? Is there a timing problem or are they going at the speeds they should? Do PS1 memory cards work? Thank you very much for making this type of videos, there is no one who explains it like you do 👌
if you are changing the chip on the motherboard could you not run ps1 games from a hard drive or usb stick using a combination of freemcboot and mechapwn ?
this video was a godsend, thank you so much lol
You're welcome!
Wow, the PS2 is getting quite the attention lately, Freedvdboot, now Mechapwn? This is some crazy stuff, imagine having these tools back when modchips were relevant.
So is the ps1 lol. Tonyhax and freepsxboot now
Oh the modchip market would have crashed incredibly hard if these were around back then. Although I don't think any end-users would have complained!
@@MrMario2011 If these were around back then Sony would have fixed them, so I'm not too upset about it.
After i do this mechapwn thing can i play my esr disc patched games?
yes you can
@@cemsengul16 If you enable force unlock ESR disc continue to work and work also ps2 backup without ESR patch. But you can't play DVD-Video and psx games because was detect all as PS2 disc but i discover this trick: if you insert psx disc original with different region with force unlock ON , ps2 detect it as PSX disc and you can simple swap it with your backups of all region (after screen will black)
Hi, I've accidentaly lost my nvm file, to which I don't have the backup. When I tried to restore back to SCPH-90004, it instead restored to DTH-90004 which i had previously (before restore DTH-90001). I tried setting it up multiple times, because the ps1 backups didn't work. Now freeDVDboot doesn't work at all too. Is there any way please to provide me the SCPH-90004 nvm file? I can't find a way to install dvd update for freeDVDboot to work, every tutorial shows how to do it with freemcboot, not funtuna. Thank you for any help!
Is it unhealthy for the console to constantly install and then revert? Like if I wanted to play some PS1 backups one day, then some PS2 backups the next, then back to PS1, is that possibly degrading or negatively effecting the console? Beyond the obvious increased chance of doing something wrong the more you do it, if I were to go through the steps of force unlocking, reverting, force unlocking, reverting enough would that be a problem?
I doubt you're going to destroy the console (unless you flash it improperly or unplug it at an important step) but constantly flashing it also isn't helpful. Probably much easier to get yourself a second console so you can keep them in whichever configuration you want.
Well, many limitations are present such as playing only ps1 or ps2 games , Since a modchip plays it all and FMCB plays it all i think this is the option i would not go for. Modchip in my opinion is still the best way.
I'd say anyone who has a chip installed should stick with that. Anyone without a chip installed might want to look into this!
Yes, I think the only advantage right now is if you have a Chinese console like mine, the language bios only has two options: Chinese and English and changing to a American code you can use the bios with more languages available (English, French, Portuguese, Dutch, Italian and Spanish). It is not a big deal, the bios is not hard to figure it out to use and the only game that I played that took advantage of the language settings of the console is F1 2006, but I still think it is cool. It is mentioned that not all PS2s change the available languages changing the region code, only those with "universal bios" which are all of the later Slim models.
I just bought a pink NTSC-J PS2, so you're saying that I cannot use this DEX version to play "imported" USA region games on it?? I bought it solely for region unlocking it
Really cool. Now all we need is for some crazy engineer associated with RetroRGB to come up with an Optical Drive Emulator and then the PS2 is officially pwn'd. :)
Is there any need for one? I thought PS2 homebrew could already load games from USB/HDD..?
Yeah, opl covers most games very well.I think the only advantage is for a very small portion of games that dont work on it. What I do think breaking the bios security with mechacon can lead to a hybrid firmware of sorts for 90000 models for people who wanted to use FMCB. Personally I am satisfied using Fortuna to load apps and opl, it takes a lot less space than FMCB, but still, many people wanted to customize the PS2 OSD and couldnt with this model. Modifying the BIOS for it to expect memory card updates like old models can restore and make FMCB on 90000 possible.
@@nicholasbartkiw6002 Slim PS2s basically. Most have no HDD support under any circumstance, Network is slowish, and USB is VERY slow. But an ODE with say, a 400gb UHS1 uSD card will boot as fast or faster than the native disc drive, putting both of the other options to shame.
@@KiraSlith the PS2 SDK team are working on the software for a SD adapter that goes through the Memory Card slot and OPL support is getting committed now, ODE won't be necessary
@@KiraSlith the first PS2 Slim has all the HDD support, you need to mod it to take an HDD like the fat ones
I just buy every region ps2. Believe it or not you just put the disc in and it works. As small as ps2s are I prefer to use different machines.
Can you please elaborate on what you mean by "running through RGB scart" at 18:55? Will I not be able to use my component cables when running PAL games?
At writing used MechaPwn RC4 and the MENU HAS CHANGED somewhat. After Picking Retail, I chose USA Multi 7 from the new selections, After I chose Factory patches, after turning off and on the ps2 did not change under version number or anything. I thought it didn't work BUT popped in a ps1 Japanese disc and it WORKS! its very discreet now,
Yeah i noticed that too thats for easier and safer unlocking
While using this method to play backups and imported ps1 and ps2 games, are save towers (that appear duirng startup) created? You didnt have a memory card inserted during the demonstration so im wondering if it happens.
There should be but hey you can test it I haven't gotten the chance to do it yet but when I do I can let u know but still it's just save data there's no reason why it wouldn't
Hi. I have EU 75004 with mbcoot 1.966. Just run Mecha form uelf, chose my model and patch. PSX Pal backups works fine, but it not run NTSC backups. It recognize disk as PS1 game, but display only black screen after select it from browser. Whats wrong?
Wotkaround - just change region to 75001. Dont know why, but my PAL PS2 75004 only fully work with burned games when set to 75001.
How the hell did you get the backup to work? I've been trying for hours to produce backups of Persona 1 and 2 with no results using MechaPwn with force unlock disabled.
If I understood the limitations correctly the MechaPwn will NOT help me play original NTSC-J games on my PAL SCPH-70004 console?
Thanks for your videos, they've been mighty awesome.
I have an issue though and not sure what the cause is since I have MechaPwn installed. Some games I put the disk in and the ps2 says "the disk could not be read."
Does this have anything to do with MechaPwn?
PS: I've played those disks before and not they're not being read.
Hey man one question. Can I still play my Free MCBoot ps2 games? The only thing I want is to play PS1 JAPANESE games.
Oh and another question I forgot to ask: Will this work on Free MCBoot V 1.953 or does it have to be V 1.966?
Hey Mr. Mario - How did you get the NTSC-J PS1 game to read? I thought Mechapwn only worked for PS2 imports!
Well technically your changing the systems firmware, it will genuinely believe it is what you selected
I think it's impossible to do but I'm still holding out for a homebrew app to run that just let's you switch discs to play imports and burned games.
Woah! Finally able to play a backup copy of Final Fantasy Tactics (USA) on my UK PAL SCHP-79003, although I had to select the SCHP-79001 (US) model after selecting model DTL-H79xxx in Retail DEX (debug) menu - which was a bit confusing since I thought that in this debug mode, even if I selected my own UK model (schp-79003) it would allow NTSC games from USA to work?
Anyway, great mod this, now I can pretty much put my original PS1 into storage.
Hi sorry could I just ask... As your PS2 is pal 790003, are you able to play real US games or just backups?
I'm not sure if the above 70xxx prerequisite is inclusive of 79xxx
@@frostycomedy-man9985 I can play backups, but the discs are not always recognised . However with psxlauncher it works 100% even for backups of imports (So I can use an original UK PAL PS1 disc in psxlauncher and then swap with FF Tactics USA backup for example, which would never work on my original 79003 console)
edit: Actually just checked, and FF Tactics (USA) launches fine directly on my DTL-H79001 (modded using mechapwn from original UK 79003 model) but some other USA discs do not and I need to use pslauncher (from free mcboot menu). (pslauncher is easy to use with these 7900x slim consoles)
@@mrIceblink Okay thank you so much for the info, that's great that you can launch straight from the disc, interesting that some work and some don't. Do all NTSC PS2 Original games boot and function properly from your experience? Thanks so much again 🙏
@@frostycomedy-man9985 I don't actually have any NTSC PS2 originals to test (I have some in storage somewhere), but it's pretty certain they would boot on a DTL-H79001 modded console, it certainly boots all my PAL PS2 originals no issues. I can boot PS2 NTSC and PAL backups using esr patcher before burning (or the more recent freedvd patch).
The DTL-H79001 model seems much more tolerant of various types of discs than a UK version (79003), I can often boot both NTSC and PAL PS1 backups directly for example, and when this struggles (eg I have a USA RayCrisis backup which only boots 20% of the time) I can always boot first time using psxlauncher.
Some of my issues might just be due to an old laser (both CD infra-red and DVD red), I only keep my PS2 slim around with an old CRT TV just to relive memories from back in the day, I don't have so much time compared to last year for this though!
I have a FMCB memory card, but I have a lot of trouble getting some/more than a couple of backups to work (I'm unable to find out if it has to do with the backups or amount of backups.. Sometimes game A works. And B doesn't. And sometimes B works, sometimes A works).
Is it worth doing this mod if I have issues with playing backups using mu FMCB mem card. Would this mod be worth the trouble going through for me? Or wouldn't it improve playing backups from USB?
(Very old fat PAL PS2, unable to check the exact model number rn)
I am having issues with loading PS1 imports on my console. It loads JP and US ps2, and US ps1, but when it comes to JP ps1...it gives me the insert a playstation or playstation 2 format disc...is there something wrong that I did?
How do you get such clean PS2 output? I have some high quality component cables and I still can't make it look as clean as you can.
It's because he is using direct RGB with SCART. That is higher quality than even component.
Checked everything from software, versions and everything, it's version 1.953 of free mcbooth but it won't load japanese imports (It shows a black screen, the disk is spinning but then it boots me back to the memory card menu.). Is it cause it ain't multi region? How can I check?
Now that's some awesome stuff. So this is essentially something similar to FreeDVDBoot but for my SCPH-50004? If so , if i put it in Debug Mode - would i theorethically be able to use ProDG Target Manager in conjunction with a Network Adapter and HDD?
I followed your tutorial and it worked great! Though, dummy me didn't realize that freedvdboot was what let me play burned games. is there an alternative to play burned games since mechapwn breaks freedvdboot?
My only question ls since everything else was covered is does the memory card have to be modded as well? Does the USB drive have to always be left in? Or once everything is changed in bios can you take out the USB and just run it like normal operations?
Nothing has to be plugged in it will boot ps1 backups and ps2 backups but you need to apply master disc patch on ps2 games.
Thank you for making this video. I can finally buy and play a legit copy of the PS2 port of the _Fist of the North Star_ fighting game developed by Arc System Works and published by Sega because of you. *Adds video to Favorites*
We'll be golden once there work on earlier models, if it's even possible.
Love to use this on my SCPH-18000.
One thing I noticed is that after doing this mod, even with Force Unlock disabled, Free DVD Boot (and I guess DVD Video playback) is broken. So one can play either PS or ESR modded PS2 games seamlessly.
Yep, very clearly mentioned how and why that happens.
@@MrMario2011 Well, after playing a bit more with it, I figured it out: I am using a PAL SCPH-90004 system, and I initially flashed it to DEX-H90004. It seems European DEX systems didn't have DVD-Video playback to begin with as I was getting a "DVD-VIDEO player is not set-up" message. Now I reflashed it to DEX-H90001 and my PAL ESR-modded Freedvdboot games work fine, just like original PAL games. Only PAL movies (obviously) don't work anymore (I don't have NTSC stuff to test). Only thing I haven't tested yet is whether PAL games will be sped up to the annoying 60Hz refresh rate, or be squished to 480i instead of the normal 576i, though they seem normal. Maybe I weren't clear in my original comment, but ALL testing was done with Force Unlock off.
It turns out, using ALL PAL model numbers causes DVD-Video to break, and All NTSC model numbers cause PAL PSX games to break (both original and backups, only the first 480 lines display and refresh rate and colours are off). So, one would have to either change regions depending on the desired game, or use only NTSC PSX games and compromise with 60Hz and the lower resolution and colour fidelity.
@@DMDaskalakis When it comes to games, PS2 games should automatically switch to the correct display mode. PS1 PAL games tough will run at the incorrect frame rate and get cropped (not squished). You can circumvent this if you force the PS2 into PAL video mode. You can do this using GS Mode Selector.
SCPH-7700 to DTL-H77XXX isnt booting NTSC-U PS1 games (J console). Know why?
So I'm getting a memory card with freemcboot on it and in getting a PS2 as well which is the required version for mechapwn how would freemcboot use it without opentuna or do you need opentuna with it
The disc shows up but it doesn't continue. What is the problem?
EDIT:
I just changed my region which is originally in Europe, and I changed it to USA so that it can read ntsc
Have you thought to try DVD movies with the Force Unlock enabled? This homebrew sounds like a great feature and makes the PS2 essentially a Swiss army knife of games.
DVD Video playback would not work as I understand it, since debug units don't play DVD Video discs. That's why the FAQ cites that for FDVDB breaking.
@@MrMario2011 Right but that's also what the FAQ said about PS1 discs and look what happened.
@@MrMario2011 FreeDVDBoot still seems to work on 7500x and newer (it did for me after converting to debug). The issue here is that force unlock makes all discs appear as PS2 discs so the BIOS wouldn't launch the DVD player.
@@Siknik64what happened?
@@borizzle1 Haven't tried DVD movies but it did work for PS1 and PS2 so I'm happy with that for now.
Question because ps2 was backwards compatible with ps1 games. Does mean this mod will run with ps1 game in other regions.
Accidentally bought a Japanese Pink PS2 as a gift. My gf was so sad when it wasnt able to read katamari. However, this video as well as the freeMcboot video helped me make the ps2 even cooler than it was before. We've gonna start collectin ps1 and ps2 games now. Thanks man
so you used this video to make the Japanese ps2 region free along side the fmcb video?
@@thatboidevYT yup, mine was the 77000 model.
@@EricAndStuff that's dope, I was losing hope of finding out if the Japanese ps2 could be modded to be region free because I was thinking about getting a Japanese ps2 because of the colorways but I wanted it to be in English and play all my US rom games
I bought a 55000 Japanese PS2 and only want it to play North American titles.
Do I simply just do the region unlock for retail U?
@@Maxquaza NB: Region unlocking unfortunately does not work on pre SCPH-700XX NTSC-J and PAL consoles, but can be easily applied to all post SCPH-500XX NTSC-U and ASIA systems. from retrorgb page. you need a 70000+ ntsc-j ps2
Hey MrMario,
If I do this modification on my PAL SCPH-90004, so I can play NTSC games.
But the video mode will be NTSC 60Hz right? So I can't play it on my PAL CRT.
Or is there a mode to output PAL signal when running NTSC games?
Search for 'PS1VModeNeg'
Amazing info, thank you.
so it doesn't really do anything for PAL owners? or am i getting this wrong?
Since i have a SCPH-70003 should i go with CEX (retail) instead?
Hi there! I've a retail console w/ modchip, I been burning backups using ESR method. If I apply mechapwn, ESR dvds will not be working again? (Since mechapwn breaks dvd video)
There's no reason for you to be using ESR or MechaPwn if you've got a chip?
How do you change the console back to it's original factory settings & it's original region? Sorry for the stupid question.
This is very confusing. Can't get a straight answer anywhere, but scph50000+ and over if it is a Japanese or Pal unit will not work as a dev unit unlocking all regions? It has to be NTSC-U or Asia?
All covered in the GitHub readme, it needs to be thoroughly read and understood. If it's still confusing I would NOT recommend you attempt this.
@@MrMario2011 Can you just tell me if I purchased a 50000+ NTSC-J, will I be able to convert it to a dev unit to play all regions? The Github says 50000+ units should work, but I have seen multiple posts that only ntsc-u and asian units like from China will work. Any clue?
Sir is your PS2 Modded by ModCHip like for sample MATRIX Infinity,,,because i am curious to do this Mechapwn...i have a PS2 Slim with Matrix Infinity but it cant read PS1 games....i can disable to modchip into stock unmodified PS2.....after this are you good to go?.. though in process where you need to unplug the power cord Matrix reverts back to modded version....can you give me some ideas sir or what guide or process do you think better to do...thanks in advance.....
Mr. Mario, for PS2 backups, say I was running fmcb and assign a hot key to that ps2disc in the misc file using fmcb configurator, for example L2. I boot up with the back up disc inserted while holding L2, wouldn't it boot into the back up?
Or does the disc have to be inserted after you launch uLE?
I'm new to this, I'm in Australia and want to buy a PS2 and do this. So is it recommended to buy a American console and then softmod afterwards?
Yes
Hello. I have fcmb v1966 on a ps2 slim. The installation was normal, not multi. Do I need to reinstall it as multi to have mechapwn? I would like to burn ps1 disk that's why I want to run mechapwn. I do not care to change region. When I am ready to choose the installation as multi it warns me for possible corruption of the memory card. Do I ignore this? Thank you.
Hi MrMario , i tried MechaPwn on my SCPH-500004 EU and set region on DTL-500004 EU with FORCE UNLOCK ON... Ps2 games backup of any region and media works perfectly through PS2DISC of ulauncher but it work also with ESR apps without disc is patched (and work also patched disc) But I discover a method to boot PS1 disc with force unlock ON. I have Action Replay v2 (1.9) disc 2 for codes of ps1 games. When i put it on console , it detect into PS1 disc (is only disc that detect ps1 disc, i tried other original ps1 disc but detected all into ps2 disc) from osdsys and if i click icon i got black screen but if i swap the disc with other ps1 disc backup or original it show icon PS1 and load it! But only for PAL region disc... for other region i discover another trick . If i swap it with backup of AR2 PS1 disc 2.20 it will boot it and re-swap with other region games disc backup and load it! (with Y-pos issue).
I don't know why with this disc it detect it on PS1 disc but work! (disc in my psx has Sony computer INC. logo) I tried to burn this disc but it will detect as PS2 disc
this is my disc (english version) DISC 2 www.picclickimg.com/d/w1600/pict/393129496483_/PLAYSTATION-PS2-AR2-Action-Replay-2.jpg
With this trick i can boot all ps2 disc and all ps1 disc with swaps without to set different regions! :)
So not is exact: Every CD and DVD will be detected as a PS2 disc, meaning it breaks PS1 games!
My question and doubt is:
Anyone that have JAP/USA psx original disc can test if on PAL console with force unlock ON on DTL-europe flag , detect disc as PSX? thanks
(If anyone can try this, we know if it's only for my disc (AR2 psx) or is for all disc import original in PAL console. )
Did I understand that right? I cant play region free when I have a Pal SCPH-70004 slim ps2?
Hey guys. I just bought a PS2 Fat SCPH-50004 model. However, it is a PAL console. Is there an option or exception to unlock it region free so I can play NTSC-U/C games?
You can play NTSC (U/J) Ps1 backups with MechaPwn and PAL/Japan console but it is a little troublesome. You have to change ISO region of game from NTSC to PAL with some homebrew (forgot the name but it is very old homebrew). Then you need to burn modified ISO as normal (verify in emulator if you have SCEE logo on boot and then 60fps instead of usual 50fps). Then, boot up homebrew called PS1VModeNeg, then just boot up the ps1 game and you somehow will have 480i60 game with SCEE logo but it will play in NTSC.
FYI before MechaPwn I just needed to change GSM (or run PS1VModeNeg) to NTSC (PS2 SD mode) and I could play FF7 PAL in NTSC mode. They were so lazy converting game from NTSC to PAL that you literally have to change the video mode only. However after MechaPwn the video mode somehow was reversed and only patched ISO work that way. Go figure.
So in other words, the Pal console does have 480i ps1 mode but you cannot (as of today) disable the region check for SCEE logo. It has to be Europe in the end. But it is not enforcing 576i mode.
PS. If you have a game that is originally PAL region, then you cannot force it into NTSC mode with PS1VModeNeg but you can somehow do it with GSM.
Doesn't seem to work with the JP white ps2, 5500 GT for some reason
from retrorgb :
The main attraction behind MechaPwn is turning any compatible PS2 into a region-free system that runs original and backup PS1 and PS2 discs.
NB: Region unlocking unfortunately does not work on pre SCPH-700XX NTSC-J and PAL consoles, but can be easily applied to all post SCPH-500XX NTSC-U and ASIA systems.
@@danielsala81 update 1.03 added support for that model, guess it is my laser being bad