How to Burn PS2 Games

Before we get started with a guide on how to burn PS2 games, it is important that we have a brief discussion on the legality of this practice.

As you may already know, burning a CD, DVD, or video game disc is the same as creating an extra copy of that existing CD, DVD, or video game disc. You use a CD- or DVD-writer ("burner") on your computer to create these copied discs.

Making backup copies of your own video games and movies is not illegal, so long as these backup copies are only for your own use and not for distribution. For example, if you already bought a copy of Rock Band for the PS2 and want to make a backup just in case, that's fine. You can't, however, give this backup copy to your friend who does not own a legitimate copy of Rock Band on the PS2.

Learn How to Burn PS2 Games

One of the main reasons why you may want to make backup copies of your PlayStation 2 games is because it can sometimes be challenging to fix scratched video games. If the "real" game disc happens to get damaged, you'll have a backup copy ready to go.

This guide on how to burn PS2 games will assume that you have a physical copy of the original game in your possession and not just a downloadable PlayStation ROM. That said, if you are familiar with .iso disc image files, the process will be quite similar.

In order to play burned games, your PS2 must first be modified using a compatible "mod chip." These are available online and possibly through some local retailers. You will not find them, however, through larger stores like EB Games or Wal-Mart. Some mod chips require a "bootloader" disc, whereas others allow for the direct playing of copied games. Ask your chosen seller for more information.

To burn PlayStation 2 games, follow these steps:

1. Modify your PlayStation 2 using a compatible mod chip.
2. Download and install a program called DVD Decrypter on your computer.
3. Make sure you have an appropriate CD/DVD burning program on your computer.
4. Open DVD Decrypter.
5. Go to Mode -> ISO -> READ with the game disc inserted.
6. An ISO file will be produced by the software program.
7. Go to Mode -> ISO -> WRITE.
8. Select the ISO file created earlier.
9. Follow the instructions to burn onto a blank disc.

One thing that you'll want to keep in mind when you think about how to burn PS2 games is that some of these DVD-based PS2 games may use double-layer discs. To make copies, you'll need both a dual-layer DVD burner and blank dual-layer discs