PS2 Japan (NTSC-J) HDD Mod?

[01toubib]

FMCB lets you run HD loader as homebrew, from a memory card or USB stick.

It does not break region lock on legit game discs

Does that mean I could run this PS2 without a disk if I run HD loader from a memory card, and then play the U.S game from my HDD?

[CRTGAMER]

You can install and run original discs from different regions without a mod chip.

PS2 HARD DRIVE HDAdvance/HDLoader Guide
http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 33#p322333

[elmagicochrisg]

You can install and run original discs from different regions without a mod chip.

PS2 HARD DRIVE HDAdvance/HDLoader Guide
http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 33#p322333

[/thread]

[theclaw]

FMCB lets you run HD loader as homebrew, from a memory card or USB stick.

It does not break region lock on legit game discs

Does that mean I could run this PS2 without a disk if I run HD loader from a memory card, and then play the U.S game from my HDD?

Yes. But without a modchip workarounds are needed to actually place US games onto your HDD.
Such as a slide card, flip top, or PC.

[01toubib]

You can install and run original discs from different regions without a mod chip.

PS2 HARD DRIVE HDAdvance/HDLoader Guide
http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 33#p322333

Yes that is what I was looking for. I was making the case that for me it will be a little different because I can't install U.S games on a Japanese system. So I was trying to verify that if I install the games on the HDD via a computer that I could still load them on a Japanese system.

[01toubib]

Yes. But without a modchip workarounds are needed to actually place US games onto your HDD.
Such as a slide card, flip top, or PC.

Yea Perfect, PC I'm thinking will be the most effective method for me.

[theclaw]

Of course that should only work for PS2 games. I think.

Full region mod is the most convenient long term way to play legit PS1 imports.

[01toubib]

^ yea, I've heard it's only for PS2 games as well. Which I'm relatively fine with. (my ps1 collection is basically just... Parappa that rappa. )

I'd probably think about the hard mod region free if I get Japanese system that isn't in superb condition. Problem is like 95% of the systems I get are in such fantastic condition I don't want to open them up. The reason I'm interested in the HDD mod is it's the least intrusive, it's also removable and switchable if you own multiple systems.

[LentFilms]

You want a Free MCboot memory card. The "newbie package" comes with the most useful software, including OPL (Open PS2 Loader) which is the latest and greatest HDD loading software for PS2. If you don't have the means to install FMCB yourself, there's plenty of people that'll do it for you for free (just pay shipping).

This is what you want!
Free MCboot memory card + Open PS2 Loader (OPL) is the best option, period. HD loader is old and inferior, so don't bother with that.

I used this method to install MCboot onto a memory card (it uses the PS3 Memory Card Adaptor)
http://psx-scene.com/forums/f153/ps3-me ... all-88649/

I use OPL for imports as well and it works like a charm

[theclaw]

I'm just lucky to own both a modchip and HDD. Letting me place imports in the disc tray to copy straight to HDD, in the exact manner of domestic games.