Glossary

Glossary

These terms appear throughout the guide. Skim them now and return whenever something is unclear.

FMCB (FreeMcBoot)

A memory-card exploit that loads automatically when the PS2 powers on, giving you a homebrew launcher without any disc. The most common starting point, but not compatible with boot ROM 2.30/2.50 hardware.

FreeDVDBoot

An exploit triggered by a specially built DVD-R. Useful on consoles where the memory-card method does not work, since it relies on the DVD drive instead.

OPL (Open PS2 Loader)

A homebrew application that launches PS2 game images from USB, SD via MX4SIO, internal/external HDD, or an SMB network share.

ELF

The executable file format the PS2 uses. Homebrew programs are distributed as .elf files that a launcher runs.

Boot ROM

Firmware burned into the console at manufacture. Its version decides which exploits will run; 2.30 and 2.50 block plain FMCB.

MechaCon

The system-control microcontroller that manages power, the disc tray, and region settings. It is the target of MechaPwn.

MechaPwn

A tool that reprograms the MechaCon to make the console region-free, among other changes.

MX4SIO

An adapter that fits the memory-card slot and lets the PS2 read a microSD card as storage, popular for loading games with OPL.

ESR

A patcher and loader historically used to run backup DVD images on the PS2.

POPS

The PS2's built-in PlayStation 1 emulation layer, used to play PS1 titles from storage.

PS2BBL / OpenTuna

Persistent boot solutions that keep a homebrew entry point available across restarts.