Savedata

The PS2 savedata are stored on a PS2 memory card that must be inserted in one of the physical ports of the console. Each PS2 game is affected a folder in the memory card filesystem, whose name is usually an extension of the TITLE ID. For example, BASCUS-97429JakXSave for SCUS-97429 (Jak X: Combat Racing U-NTSC).

See also PS2 Savedata page on the PS3 dev wiki.

File formats

In the PS2 memory card, the savedata are stored in folders but for transfer it was not convenient as file properties like dates can be modified during transfer. Hence why many softwares for transfer (to PC for example) and modification (cheats) chosed to pack these folders into archives. Many different archive file formats were used:

• .mcs (PS1 PSXGameEdit format)
• .psx (PS1 AR/GS/XP format)
• .cbs (PS2 CodeBreaker)
• .max (PS2 ActionReplay Max)
• .psu (PS2 uLaunchElf, EMS). See PSU.
• .xps (PS2 Xploder/SharkPort)

As PS2 games went to be emulated, even officially by some more recent Sony consoles (PS3, PS4, PS5) and even on PC, Sony created at least two file formats:

• .VM2, on PS3 internal HDD, not encrypted
• .VMC/.VME standing for Virtual Memory Card or Virtual Memory card Encrypted, used on PS3 (maybe also on PS4 and PS5) for ps2_netemu.self, encrypted and signed
• .PSV standing for PlayStation Virtual memory card, also designed for PS1 savedata transfer between PS3 and PS Vita/PS TV by USB or network, encrypted and signed

Some other file formats exist:

• .ps2, which is 1:1 archive of a PS2 memory card

Tools

• Various PS2 save tools
• mymcplusplus by Adubbz (2024)
• mymcplus by thestr4ng3r (2018-2021)
• mymc-dual by joack (2018-07-11)
• mymc by Ross Ridge (2004)
• Online tool save-editor.com (2019-2024)