Need noob help on hacking a PS2 through software

[BitFaced]

I've hacked a Wii & iPod Touch in the past but since the PS2 is older and might rely on more physical methods I'd like you know how to hack a PS2 through software methods (using as little physical hardware hacking as possible), to take effect on physical discs rather than ISOs and to do the following things:
-Run GS Mode Selector
-Play Region Free PS1/PS2 games
-To use cheat codes ala Action Replay/Game Shark
Thanks in advance, I hope I can find this out.

[SamuraiMegas]

Knock yourself out kiddo.
http://bootleg.sksapps.com/tutorials/fmcb/index.php

[BitFaced]

Knock yourself out kiddo.
http://bootleg.sksapps.com/tutorials/fmcb/index.php

Thank you very much!

[theclaw]

There's few if any options to play legit imports with software by itself.
At minimum get a good slide card or similar.

Swap discs and cogswap involve fooling the tray sensor.
So does HDD installation of imports (when using PS2's own drive rather than PC).

A hard drive can greatly improve load times for compatible PS2 games.
Downside is no PS1 support...

[BitFaced]

I can use Free McBoot with GS Mode Selector, right?
If I just wanted to easily play foreign games on my PS2 (PS1 & PS2), what would be the easiest way software-wise and what would be the easiest way hardware-wise?

[Valkyrie-Favor]

Yes, FMCB will work with GS Mode Selector.

The easiest way to play imports is to get a modchip. If you want to play them on a softmodded console, you'll need to load a backup somehow - hard drive or burned disk. Alternatively, you could burn a Swap Magic disk and use that.

If you just want to use imports, you can get Swap Magic.

[BitFaced]

If you just want to use imports, you can get Swap Magic.

Will work with PS1 games yes?

[Valkyrie-Favor]

I think you'll need a separate Swap Magic disk for that.

If you want to to play PS1 imports, it would be easier to get a modchip. If a PS2 modchip is too scary, PS1 modchips are very easy to install.

[BitFaced]

I think you'll need a separate Swap Magic disk for that.

If you want to to play PS1 imports, it would be easier to get a modchip. If a PS2 modchip is too scary, PS1 modchips are very easy to install.

If not I can just use the PS1 Swap Trick, right? Or some other PS1-based method.

[Valkyrie-Favor]

The swap trick only works on the older PS1s, and is a pain. But yes, you can use that too.