PS2 HDD Help

[oxymoron]

I'm looking to buy a fat PS2 and install a HDD so that I don't have to worry about memory cards. I watched some videos on Youtube and saw some tutorials that required HD Loader and some that didn't. All I want the HDD for is saving, not for copying games. Would I still need to use HD Loader? I already have the HDD formatted.

There are 2 other options I'm looking at. One is 128 MB memory card. That should hold me off for a while but I've heard that they're unreliable as non were officially made by Sony. The other is using a USB HDD on the slim model I currently own but I have no idea how that works.

[s8n]

There are 2 other options I'm looking at. One is 128 MB memory card

i would recommend to avoid these as when i had a 3rd Party Dreamcast Memory Card saves would just disappear so i took it back and got a Official VMU.

Also if im correct you cant install FMCB ( Free Memory Card Boot ) with unofficial Memory Cards

The other is using a USB HDD on the slim model I currently own but I have no idea how that works.

most likely they were using OPL ( Open PS2 Loader ) its a Loader where you can load games from Hard Drive , USB or over a Network

[nightrnr]

All I want the HDD for is saving, not for copying games. Would I still need to use HD Loader? I already have the HDD formatted.

To my knowlege, HD loader never had the option of saving game-saves to HDD.

Most games-saves can be accessed in-game via OPL, but I've only used them when the game itself is copied to the hard drive. Not sure how it works loading from the disc (or if OPL even has the option to load from disc).

However, you CAN, copy most saves to HDD or USB thumb drive via ulaunchELF. So if you just want to back up saves for later use, you definitely have the option (don't try it with Soul Calibur III ). You will have to know the region/release number for each game (usually printed on the spine and disc somewhere).

I think the official format for the Sony HDD had a backup save option as well. You'd probably need the actual disc for that, which also allows the reformat of the HDD.

And yes, one way or another, you WILL need at least one memory card for any of these options.

Also if im correct you cant install FMCB ( Free Memory Card Boot ) with unofficial Memory Cards

Did not know that.
I think it works with any of the cards that say "Magic Gate", but I know of only 2 3rd party cards that have that. I share the same Dreamcast memory card disaster, so I've stayed away from most of the unofficial ones as well.

[Hobie-wan]

i would recommend to avoid these as when i had a 3rd Party Dreamcast Memory Card saves would just disappear so i took it back and got a Official VMU.

Also if im correct you cant install FMCB ( Free Memory Card Boot ) with unofficial Memory Cards

I bought a Madcatz (I know) memory card with my PS2, but it is Magicgate approved. It still works just fine. I also have FMcB installed on another Madcatz card.

[isiolia]

If simply reducing need for memory cards, you can also just back them up on a PS3 using Sony's USB memory card adapter and just use cards for what you're actively playing.

Far as I know the adapters are discontinued, but not that hard to find.

[oxymoron]

If simply reducing need for memory cards, you can also just back them up on a PS3 using Sony's USB memory card adapter and just use cards for what you're actively playing.

Far as I know the adapters are discontinued, but not that hard to find.

They're expensive as hell though. The next best option is buying from China and that's never pleasant.

[ApolloBoy]

They're expensive as hell though.

I'm seeing quite a few new official ones on eBay for $20 or so, that's not very expensive.

[oxymoron]

They're expensive as hell though.

I'm seeing quite a few new official ones on eBay for $20 or so, that's not very expensive.

$20 may not be a lot of money in general but I can't justify droping that much on a adapter.

[AppleQueso]

I've dropped more cash on less useful accessories.

[Hobie-wan]

$20 may not be a lot of money in general but I can't justify droping that much on a adapter.

Then just buy another memory card. You should be able to find an official used one for less than that.