How to Patch PS2 Games for ESR | Backup Games on FreeMCBoot

[@zdp-189]

Sir thank you so much! I had no problems making my free mcboot memory card, burning and ESR patching DVDs all day...but the CD based games (Phantasy Star Gen 2 w/ English) gave me so much headaches with the "No UDF Descriptor" error. I followed some other more complex tutorials that DID NOT work on youtube, but your way did and was the easiest on top of it! Thanks again!

[@MrMario2011]

Very awesome to hear!

[@HellRaiserShook]

@@MrMario2011 is it possible to use rewritable disks to test games? I tried one but it sees it as a dvd not a ps2 game

[@KnightOfGames]

still come back to this tutorial whenever i forget something, thank you a lot

[@friendly4465]

2019 and still a lifesaver

[@friedzombie4]

I did this 18 months ago and I totally forgot already, thanks again in 2020.

[@steveronie]

@@friedzombie4 same here. I ruined 3 dvds because I forgot about the patcheroo

[@AguFungus]

And thanks to freeDVDboot, even more!

[@SolidSonicTH]

Wow, this CD rebuilding technique is so much better than anything else I've tried.

[@MrMario2011]

🤔

[@Zancoth]

note for anyone who owns any disc media ever: do NOT place them on a flat surface. it WILL scratch it when you attempt to pick it up. (you are sliding it across a surface that inevitably has imperfections and/or dirt/dust on it.) please put your discs in a proper container such as a case or sleeve.

[@mqsv]

Well, at least we can now burn more when they get scratched!

[@RuruFIN]

I wish my kid self would have realized that 20+ years ago..

[@PS2-Pro]

Dude I know it is super late but thanks a lot really. I tried this esr method just today and it worked without any issue. Also in the compatibility list some games are not listed.I tried street fighter alpha anthology us version and juiced 1 also us version both worked so fine. Thanks again Mister Mario ^_^

[@MrMario2011]

No problem 👍

[@sauliusvoras7737]

one of the best videos to properly burn ps2 games to dvd disks. Just watched your video again and found out why I wasn't able to play games that divide to bin and cue files

[@flipperdapriest]

I live in a pretty hot and humid climate and I'm pretty sure it's been killing off my ps2 games, now I have a good way to back them up and keep them alive for many more years to come!

[@MrMario2011]

Woo!

[@TheOriginalVersatile]

Good to see ps2 community still alive in 2017. By the way, what is your ps2 model number?

[@josephjulianmuscat9692]

It doesn't matter, it's a fat PS2. The slim ones with model number 9XXXX and half the top is shiny don't work I hope this answers your question 2 years late...

[@filiberto9729]

@@josephjulianmuscat9692 You should check Fortuna PS2, works with all PS2 models

[@Moved2Rumble]

@@josephjulianmuscat9692 My 9000x Half Shiny works fine, no Fortuna needed.

[@Baziszta]

Mr Mario, you have amazing tutorials and guides! Thank you! Recently got into modding around and your vida helped a lot! Thank you! Keep it alive!

[@MrMario2011]

Glad to help!

[@VideoGameJNPoop]

For me, when my burned games are being read, it goes directly to the ESR screen (the launch CDVD menu), I don't know if it's the FreeMcBoot settings but at least I have a quicker method anyway. Oh and this is region free as well since I've burned a lot of Japanese games and my PS2 is a PAL European version.

[@rakoda]

My freemcboot setting is also set to automatically. Put burned disc in and ESR starts up and plays de game

[@johnjohnson7898]

That's a great explanation. WINNING6 FE image, which was not executed, was successful with ESR patch only. I didn't burn the DVD.

[@chauhinchong3324]

Thanks mate, your tutorial is the most detailed I have found

[@lunaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa]

I don't run burnt backups anymore but i'm sure this will help many in the future. Cheers.

[@MrMario2011]

Cheers!

[@Neo_Rain146]

Sure you don't ...wink wink

[@KashMunni120]

2022, massive gratitude for this video

[@Liar587]

I have a problem, some discs works properly, but most of them after launching via ESR just stay on a pink screen and I don't know what's to do. Help!

[@ChingerBurger]

You don't have to open esr then put the disc in I think it was when 1.953 came out the installer doesn't install the apps properly so after you install fmcb go to UlaunchElf with the usb drive that have the fmcb package on it go to mass - install then hit r1 I believe on the boot folder and go to your memory card and over write that boot folder then reset your ps2 and you can put the game in and it will boot straight to esr, Thanks for the video man always good to see someone giving the gaming community a boost in any way :)!

[@tnaplastic2182]

The automatic booting of ESR-Discs is possible since the introduction of the ESR-Path-feature, which is there since FMCB1.7, if I remember correctly...

[@LCKxReCKLeSS]

A way better method than the dummy file route. Really recommend doing cd conversions this way

[@MrMario2011]

What's the dummy file route?

[@Syv00]

I get a black screen when I open ESR on funtuna. Am I doing something wrong?

[@BangerSoundtracks]

This worked great! Thank you! Silent Hill 2 baby!!! Going to try the CD method for SSX next.

[@VideoGameJNPoop]

For the CD based games method, Does this also work with PS1 games or just PS2 CD games.

[@Flammablemariobros]

Try it out it might

[@bosnahercegovina]

I simply love easy explains how to do it. Thanks man well done I like your channel.

[@MrMario2011]

Thanks!

[@waffles7796]

Working in April 2021! i just backed up Gauntlet Dark Legacy, one of my favorite games of all time.

[@steveronie]

Thanks for the tutorial. Instructions are well presented and articulated. I like your rainbow fox background.

[@MrMario2011]

Stupid Fox is the best, man.

[@Liske-]

rainbow pukeee fox :ooo

[@systemmonitor5295]

what about playing ps1 backups? would the same bin/cue to iso conversion work? i would assume not?

[@BeckoningSage]

Thank you!!! I screwed up my HDD and can't use winhiip or HDL Dump to load games so I can only use USB, OPL & ESR until I buy another HDD, much Appreciated!!! Bloody Roar 4 plays great compared to usb OPL lag.

[@reyntime1950]

I'm gonna buy a few more freemcboots.

[@MrMario2011]

Do it!

[@matthewmatthias4181]

@@MrMario2011 hi I've just rip my ps2 game mgs 2 substance as I wanted to load it up again and take trip down memory lane only issue is the game is quite large too big for dvd+r imgburn tells me file too large how can I get round this?

[@matthewmatthias4181]

I ripped because the original game doesn't load so thought I go down this route

[@VegasA3]

@@matthewmatthias4181 Watch his OPL tutorial video.

[@misterxar]

@@matthewmatthias4181 MGS2 was released on DVD9 (8.5GB), you just have to buy one of those.

[@lordcanti]

ah i love ESR! However, good to note that while games can boot some can be unstable during play. Especially during inter-game loading. IE: sphere changes in FFX2. But this could be related to burn quality.

[@MrMario2011]

ESR doesn't have 100% compatibility with the PS2 library, but that does indeed sound like a burning/media issue.

[@tnaplastic2182]

The written DVD probably has way too many 'correctable errors' (PI/PO/C1/C2...).

[@capgore7421]

Can the method you used to patch PS2 games that are CD based work on PS1 game Backups to play them through the ESR program

[@editar5676]

When I boot ESR in the menu, a ESR title flashes and then i get stuck on a black screen. The actual menu never appears. I am running a pal system on a pal tv. Any help?

[@moosekingdom]

When I convert the bin, cue format to iso using ultraIso esr disc patcher will patch the game but when I burnt it to the dvd-r I put it in my ps2 and launched esr and when it was flashing colors it was stuck at purple and when I tried to the converted ISO on pcsx2 it didn’t work but other patched ISO’s did work, please help me I’ve used so many of your tutorials and I haven’t had any issues but this. And I also would like to know can you play ps1 games on a fat model (5000 series) I have many old cd-r’s hoping I can use them

[@bobsandham1020]

I have the same problem

[@vehtty]

2021 = Still Working! Update: 2022 = Still Working!

[@temlem1]

help me with black screen pls

[@NessaDalloway]

I did everything, everything, and still got the DVD Player not Set up message. What is wrong? is ther something missing on my ps2? I bought it recently with other copied games and they work...

[@zidcz840]

With ESR, do I still need NTSC games for US console and Pal games for EU consoles ?

[@samham841]

Hey man, I followed step by step and when I go to play the disc esr does the thing but it stays at a black screen after the colors flash

[@temlem1]

same here

[@allucardbelmont3074]

Hello Mr mario i got the games patched up and my freemcboot is also ready with esr installed but when i boot it up after the esr logo i get a black screen and am not abble to see anything any solutions for that?. i tryd both my tv's and bought 2 difrent freemcboot memory cards and also try'd on ps2 fat and slim and with difrent kinds of kabels component and av even tryd trough capture software and hdmi switch but nothing works plz help thanks in advance :)

[@Jubbbi_nubbs1080p]

every time I boot esr, it goes black and the menu doesn't come up. I don't think anyone else had this problem from what I've read. I've even redownloaded esr, and it doesnt work

[@EZR725]

Now I can play an actually good Madden

[@FiddlinWithYourCerebellum]

my screen just goes black for some reason. Any ideas?

[@TheFartsandCrapsShow]

Thank you so much! Some of my PS2 games won't read anymore, so I'm backing up the more valuable ones I can't afford to replace anymore. Also, my optical drive in my PS2 Slim may be dying, so I'm replacing that, too. Here's hoping the PS5 is fully backwards compatible!

[@maxmont8797]

you can also look up for a ps2 fat and the network adapter so you can attach a hard drive and install a lot of isos, pretty easy to do :D

[@maxmont8797]

@Hamins Mikati the digital isos will no get scratched, dvd read speed is about the 4-6mbs, hard disk games runs at 20-30mbs load times are minimum, you can save progress in virtual memory cards created in the hard disk, justo to mention some ones

[@maxmont8797]

@Hamins Mikati yes it is, hey where you from?

[@maxmont8797]

@Hamins Mikati oh wow, grettings from México, stay safe

[@Holly-qd4hn]

Thank you so much I was ready to give up lol

[@MrMario2011]

You're welcome!

[@chrisplissken4626]

The PS2 I use is modded doesn't use the mcboot, what I mean is it doesn't matter right? The game should just boot up after converting it and patching it

[@brett1586]

I did everything you said and esr says unknown media in drive

[@ZeusTheMarauder]

Some games seem to just not work. For example Haunting Ground wouldn't work on OPL or ESR, but it worked on HDLoader. That's without patching it for ESR mind you.

[@kenjoh.4196]

I'm probably going to sound dumb by asking how do you install ESR utility on the FMCB menu? It is not showing in mine ... thank you.

[@AlexxavierE]

Did you ever figure this out?

[@Neo_Rain146]

i thoroughly enjoyed this video

[@yaurright6003]

will this work if you don't have the original ps2 game discs and only have burnt copies or ISO files for games?

[@TuxTheSofa]

can someone please help me, i found link to this video, it was supposed to help me, i just wanted to burn some ps2 games (like half life or gta vc) but it keep showing no udf descriptor.

[@kristicarhomeaudiosystem47]

Does play burned games without patching with ESR?

[@techmario4761]

Hello. Glad to see people are still doing this and teaching others how to. I need some help So my PS2 39001 has very recently been softmodded using fmcb 1.94 memory card that I bought. Now I've found this tutorial to learn more about playing burned games. On the shelf in my house I found a cylinder full of old blank DVDs which read TDK DVD+R and TDK CD-R. Ok I understand if they're incompatible but can I also burn PSX game to CD-R? If not work with DVD+R for PS2 ISO, which specific manufacturer of blank DVD should I purchase and use for doing this, cheapest price? I do understand the process of having to patch it to play on console and burning it at different speeds. Thanks.

[@tnaplastic2182]

Tech Mario Verbatim, or Tayo Yuden.

[@dbzfanatic278]

How do you get esr on the ps2? I have free mcboot and everything but no esr on the system itself

[@AlexxavierE]

Did you ever figure it out? I’m having the same issue right now

[@alexinthemix00]

Still useful in 2022!

[@youngdoggpt1456]

DVD+R work?

[@ScarletDeclan]

Is this more compatible than doing free mcboot through flashdrive? Also can it do multidisc games like star ocean till the end of time? Finally does this work for ps1 games?

[@kerank4157]

I know I'm late but I have a problem. A game will burn to disc IF I don't patch it. When I patch the iso, the disc gets to the verify stage and gives me an I/O error in imgburn. The disc drive and discs are fine but the problem only occurs when I patch the files

[@joshbennett7782]

question, what version of esr is that because when I start my esr it just shows a black screen

[@dominiccolorundo7849]

Same cant get it to work

[@Forthelemon]

The CD to DVD conversion isn't working for me; when I try to run the game ISO I just get a black screen, both on emulator and on hardware. Followed the instructions exactly. Anybody know what could be going on?

[@soramikami4383]

Thanks man. Can you use this method to backup PS1 games to play to PS2 as well?

[@codyryan9789]

Quick question does it matter which speed the games are burnt at?

[@MrMario2011]

Yep, slower is better for these older consoles.

[@ПавелСущенко-щ6е]

thx for ultraiso conversion tip for bin/cue ps2 roms!

[@jakeeheredia]

Tried to do this for TImeSplitters but unfortunately didn't work. My process: Get BIN/CUE file > Load CUE file into UltraISO > Change settings according to options detailed > Save ISO > Patch w/ ESR > Burn Patched ISO onto DVD-R at lowest setting > Try to run on PS2 via ESR > Infinite Black Screen. Thanks anyway though!

[@stephenglennon9584]

Back a few years ago I used to create a dummy file (3 or 4 Gb), name it 'zzzzzz' and add it to the image before creating the ISO. This pushes the games data to the edge of the disc and supposedly makes it read the files faster when your PS2 laser is working

[@MrMario2011]

I've heard of that before, good idea.

[@stephenglennon9584]

@@MrMario2011 Here's what I used www.mynikko.com/dummy/ It'll create a dummy file of your chosen size, name it ZZZZZ and drag and drop it to the top window in ultraISO after you've changed the image from 700MB to 4.7GB

[@stephenglennon9584]

@@kevinthomas180 how do you mean. As in, if a game is 3.5GB, can you add a 1GB dummy file? I think so. I've not had to do it for a while. Recently I've been removing dummy data from the Sega Ages games and other budget PS2 games so I can save space when transferring them to PS3. For that, I use UltraISO

[@andrewr4280]

I keep finding that the games won’t boot when loaded into the ps2… I patched them exactly as you said, followed the steps, but when it loads it might load the first screen but then eternal darkness (crash)…. Is it just the ISO files all suck??? I need help

[@LanceLovett]

Thank you. Excellent explanations. I wonder if you can batch process in the patching?

[@orionparsons7631]

So i tried this and the ps2 couldn't read my disk i just opened a new pack and the disks were sent too me by a friend who accidentally got a dvd+r but i heard it should still work im not sure what the problem is but too be fair the dvds do seem too have minor damage from shipping. I tried it with cfw on and off niether worked.

[@MonkeyMan48158]

For Parappa The Rapper 2, it goes to some of the titles and then ejects every time I try to boot. What could that be?

[@keanudroidowner]

Having problem where mine don’t show as “ps2dvd in drive” like your video but rather “dvdvideo in drive” and get stuck on pink screen when I try to launch through ESR. Any ideas fellas ?

[@rustingflamberge]

Where should I get the dvds? What kind of dvd?

[@peccamecha]

I just finished researching this myself so I can share my findings. Use DVD-R (NOT +R) any company should work although I've read that Verbatim produces the best quality so that's what I bought, and they were surprisingly cheap! I bought a 10 pack from amazon for 6 bucks www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J88HOIG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I thought I'd also mention, because it raised questions for me personally, the 16x label is the MAXIMUM burning speed not minimum, so you can and should still burn your ISOs at the slowest speed (2x)

[@Constant_K]

I'm using UltraISO exactly as described but whenever I try to run ESR on the .iso for Timesplitters it tells me "No UDF Descriptor!"? Any suggestions?

[@Zippy9000]

why does my burned games not showing anything but black screen after it blink few time then just silent in black. did i do something wrong with my burned games?

[@ryantang1057]

Could I use the "The Easiest Way to Install FreeMCBoot on a PS2 Using FreeDVDBoot | FMCB & OPL Setup" guide from 2020 to install FMCB then use this guide to run burned games?

[@MrMario2011]

Yep, although you can now patch your games with ESR and FreeDVDBoot directly as well. I have a video covering that.

[@ryantang1057]

@@MrMario2011 Thank you. I was just asking because I have a DVD firmware 2.12U and the FreeDVDBoot video only says 3.10 and 3.11 as of its published date, plus the programs used in the video haven't been updated to include other firmware since then. I just need to grab an OEM memory card and I'm good.

[@ryantang1057]

@@MrMario2011 Wait, but can I still use the FreeDVDBoot ESR patcher on 2.12U?

[@trevorglasgow4676]

Hi Mr Mario I try to put ps1 game on dvd I follow your tutorial and it didn't work

[@peccamecha]

what is the reason for choosing the 4.7GB option from the media drop-down list? is it because that is the limit of a DVD-R? Can it be set to a smaller size? maybe one closer to the actual size of the finished iso?

[@MrMario2011]

Correct, that's the limit of a single layer DVD.

[@alessandro_picardi]

When I open ESR on the ps2 Free McBoot screen, I see the first screen with the version of ESR, than a black screen stay there forever.?

[@AragonVortex]

Can I play games from other regions That are region locked this way?

[@kiefersands720]

My screen just goes black and nothing happens. Any help?

[@maxmesposito]

Hi MrMario, Thank you very much. Really appreciated your content. I have a specific question: I have a PS2 slim SCPH-77002 (EU) with modchip (no FreeMCBoot). Most DVD game backups run just fine, but any of CD game backups do not. Is the (bin+cue) -> (DVD ISO) -> (ESR patched DVD ISO) conversion procedure going to fix this without installing any FreeMCBoot. (I know you could tell me I could try, but currently I don't have any Windows PC, I just have a Apple Macbook laptop, and UltraISO is not available, which I use with an external CD/DVD reader burner to make backups)

[@Iwantthehandlesillydemon]

I tried using this with fdvdb esr patcher and it didn't work

[@6JLFilm9]

Hi, I have a cd versios of a game (To and Jerry). And I made all the phases with Ultra ISO and then FDCD patcher but still doesn't work. I'm a bit scared to try another time because I already wasted 4 dvd, but I would like to find a solution. The ROM can be read by the emulator. My Ps2 is normal not softmodded, but in all otherws cases is sufficent the patch.

[@eugacebarbacoa9815]

When I launch ESR it says PS2 DISC IN TRAY something like that, (I patched the ISO) then when I click launch CD/DVD, I get the blinking colors and then I hear the burned disc whirring and then it stops and leaves me with a black screen and the game doesn't start. What should I do to fix this?

[@Klark0751]

Mr. Mario I cant seem to patch DL DVDs and get them to work on ESR. I first patch with Toxic DL and then patch with ESRPatcher and still after i burn the disc ESR wont read it.

[@techgamertamilno1]

sir should I follow the same steps for usbutill? and I'm confused what is the use of patch?

[@soramikami4383]

You do not need to patch for USB. I'd look up a separate tutorial with a search something like "fmb usb ps2 tutorial"

[@asherael]

I patched my isos, and burnt them nice and slow (4x). ESR just goes to a black screen, i FINALLY found an ESR with gui and it gives the error "unknown media in drive"

[@rastor-x]

I tried this with Maximo Ghost of Glory - after launch CDVD have only pink screen nothing more, maybe you know how fix it?

[@ComputerFreedom11]

Can I use DVD-RW so that I reuse the same discs if I mess up?

[@dreambreakerremixfactoryof6160]

so if I want to play a PS1 game it has to be a DVD ? since a website said it had to be CDR

[@ramirezcameron]

Says "unknown media in drive" after following all steps :/

[@Johnny-Heaven]

same

[@Musicrecords10]

It worked but any tips on how to eject the burned disc safely? Everytime I press eject the disc tray makes a grinding sound and I notice a scratch or two on the disc

[@MrMario2011]

Hold down reset then eject to boot it up.

[@Musicrecords10]

@@MrMario2011 thanks i'll try that should mention it's a slim ps2

[@talldood2112]

I already patched my game and it says “disc cannot be read” so I get ESR and it doesn’t even run. I already patched it and it still doesn’t work, its on a DVD-R and its done with an ISO file. What can I do to fix this and also would you mind sharing the ESR .elf file for me to try it out on my PS2 Silver Slim ?

[@daydoe40s]

Marvel vs capcom 2 is on the compatibility list, but It doesnt seem to work.

[@snow4562]

Why is it not working with harvestmoon and marvel vs capcom 2? Both are bin cue files converted to iso

[@bmrful]

I have ISO’s of Mega Man X8 and Rayman 3 those are the games I want to get working will ESR run them

[@BostonBrew]

Running into a myriad of issues trying to convert CD based JAPANESE games . Nobody seems to be asking about this but I have yet to make a backup with of a CD JP game using this method and have it get past the ESR loading screen. US CD games made using this work fine still.

[@MrMario2011]

It wouldn't surprise me if Japanese game compatibility hasn't been worked on as much as other world releases.

[@lessel3465]

I tried to convert the ps2 game gauntlet dark legacy from cd to dvd doing as you showed aswell as patching it with esr and it didnt work as i couldnt get past the intro cutscene anything that can be done about that?

[@rudyrigg682]

Hi I tried downloading ESR disc patcher from the link but it detected a virus.

[@schwarzeneggermanoj2634]

Mine it shows just pink screen. Also status showing dvdvideo in drive but not ps2dvd

[@faridmiah77]

Amazing stuff sir, thank you.

[@MrMario2011]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@urbansekkt6355]

So i got a memcard with the noobie pack included but i'm struggling man... Tried burning killzone with ESR patch but the screen goes black and drive makes weird sounds (whereas it doesn't with original DVD). Tried the pen option using USButil, screen flashes with colors and stays on green. Any help?

[@ahmadhafiz5952]

Hi, i am from Indonesia. I burned game to a blank DVD-R and it works well on my FAT PS2 with modbo 5.0 chip installed. But I want to ask why when the game is on playing and then I try to open the disc tray and then I insert back again the DVD-R to PS2 the game can't resume, so i must reset the PS2 to start from the beginning and the game will work. Is there a way to make a DVD-R backup game like the original DVD game because i can't use a Action Replay Max with a burned DVD-R game. Sorry if my English bad, hopefully you can understand, thank you.

[@stefanvukcfcgames2724]

When i bought my ps2 it had some games with it. They were all burned and when i put the games in it automatically goes to the esr menu or whatever and i run it that way. What is gonna happen if i do it like that? Or do i have to open the esr menu manually?

[@StanleyOpar]

Where is the ESR ELF? I didn't see you launch anything it was already on the menu

[@Markhoss]

He did mention it was already preinstalled from the freemcboot noobie package at some point