I'm just getting interested in backing up my PS2 games (and x-box, for that matter) and would like to know if it's possible, and how to do so. I aquired a program called Games X Copy (by 321 studios - I am very pleased with their DVD X Copy program) and used it on a PS2 game (Tony Hawk Underground 2). My computer had no problem reading the original game and writing a backup (I'm using a DVD+R burner), however, my PS2 prompted me to insert a PS2 game when I tried to play it. Any way that I can play my back ups without a mod chip? Is there a better program to use to back up my games so that they'll play on my PS2? --Thanks.
---KongChris
First of all, you can make backups of your original games fairly easily, however you will either need a hard drive installed on your PS2, or a boot loader like Swap Magic (can be ordered from places like lik-sang.com and such). The burned disk itself will not load just by putting it straight in. The pressed (original) PS2 disks are made with intentional bad sectors that your DVD burner will fix automatically. Therefore, when the PS2 boots and looks for those intentional bad sectors, it will know it's not an original.
Game X Copy is an OK program. I used that when I first started and had very bad luck with that program. Free programs like DVD Decryter offer a MUCH better read/write performance and well... it's free. I personally use a "registered" copy of Alcohol 120%.
The biggest thing you want to keep in mind is that you will have to buy quality DVD media. Verbatim, Sony, Fujifilm and a few others are all good media to use. Cheap disks will cause you all kinds of problems with your backups.
As far as instructions, browse through these forum threads because any question you can come up with has been addressed before. You'll learn a lot just browsing through.
For your needs, I'd spend the $30 or so bucks for the latest Swap Magic, go get some quality DVDs and start enjoying your backups. I'd suggest getting ahold of a flip top case for your PS2 as well because 1. it's easier to swap disk than by using the slide card and 2. The slide card has been reported to cause premature laser failure.
