A Tutorial on How to Softmod a PS2

Modifying a video game console allows you to play your games from alternative sources like the system's hard drive. Most of the time a microchip needs to be soldered onto the system's motherboard to be able to use such a feature. This is called a hard-mod as you are modifying the hardware of the system. A soft-mod is a much easier process that many people can perform without much difficulty. This requires only using a software disk to be able to access the system's hard drive reading capabilities. In the case of the Sony Ps2, the software that allows such a feat is aptly named HD Loader.

Things You'll Need

• HD Loader

Instructions

1. Remove the screws holding the expansion cover on the back of the Ps2 with a Phillips screwdriver. Insert the hard drive into the expansion slot and place the cover back on. Tighten the screws with the screwdriver.

2. Insert the HD Loader disk into the Ps2's drive and the program will start to run on the Ps2. Highlight the "Install" option on the HD Loader menu. Press the "X" button on the Ps2 controller.

3. Press the "Eject" button on the Ps2 and remove the HD Loader disk. Insert the Ps2 games that you want to install onto the Ps2 hard drive.

4. Close the Ps2 disk drive and the game is installed onto the Ps2 hard drive. Press the "X" button to return to the HD Loader menu.

5. Highlight the "Play" option on the HD Loader main menu and press the "X" button. Select the game from the "Installed" list and press the "X" button. The game begins to run and the soft-mod is complete. Continue to install games to the Ps2 hard drive as required.

References

• HD Loader: Installing a Ps2 Hard Drive
• HD Loader: HD Loader Software Guide