unirom8_bootdisc_and_firmware_for_ps1 VS memcardrex

There are homebrew tools that can be installed on a PS1 memory card [1] and allow for executables to be loaded from a host machine into RAM through the serial port on the back of the console, in a similar way to what Sony's official Net Yaroze loader did back in the day. These tools can also use undocumented CD-ROM drive commands to disable region checks without the need for a modchip, provide semihosting (host filesystem access) and so on.

On the PS2 it's slightly more complicated, as there is no way to launch the "native" PS1 backwards compatibility mode other than to use a modchip (or firmware mod on some models) and burn the executable onto a disc; the serial port is not exposed either, making debugging much harder. It can still be done, but it's much easier to just use an actual PS1.

[1]: https://github.com/JonathanDotCel/unirom8_bootdisc_and_firmw...

I just tried it myself, using an unmodded SCPH-9001, and original CD (Tomb Raider II, NTSC:U/C to be precise) and a burned copy of the Unirom 8.0K installer disc (from https://github.com/JonathanDotCel/unirom8_bootdisc_and_firmware_for_ps1/releases/), and it booted without problems.

FreePSXBoot: https://github.com/brad-lin/FreePSXBoot Unirom: https://github.com/JonathanDotCel/unirom8_bootdisc_and_firmware_for_ps1 TonyHax: https://github.com/socram8888/tonyhax

Burn a CD with the latest unirom CD: https://github.com/JonathanDotCel/unirom8_bootdisc_and_firmware_for_ps1

Yes. An alternative would be to swap trick with original game and the UNIROM burned disc. You can download it from its GitHub page. https://github.com/JonathanDotCel/unirom8_bootdisc_and_firmware_for_ps1

- Unirom also has a memory card manager that let's you see and undelete saves. You need either a CD-R with Unirom burned to it (on a modchipped PS or with a swap trick), or a memory card with FreePSXBoot using Unirom (on any non-chipped PS).

If you want to try recovering the saves there are two main options: 1) Connect your card to a PC (with something like a Memcarduino or a PS3 memory card adapter) and MemcardRex to "undelete" the slot. If after connecting nothing shows up, the date is probably gone for good.

MemeCardRex v1.9.cd98032 has always worked for me.

MemcardRex works with .srm, just make sure you're using the latest version: https://github.com/ShendoXT/memcardrex/releases/tag/cd98032

Zero soldering involved if you want to do it the cheap and dirty way. Just upload MemCARDuino to the Arduino, remove the memory card top shell and connect using the pins plastic part (remove the pins) and inserting the jumper cables into the pins. Then just hold the row of pins over the memory card with your hand (or pressing them down with an eraser makes it much easier). I personally prefer MemcardRex for dumping software, as it interfaces with MemCARDuino nicely.