PS2 Ultra Slim

[FatBaldDad]

Do the Internal BlueRetro HW2 enhanced install. This way you just need to remove them. Costs any where from $15 to $40. Or get the Methylene kit from Gusse if you want it to be fast and clean.

 

[DGVaniX]

Do the Internal BlueRetro HW2 enhanced install. This way you just need to remove them. Costs any where from $15 to $40. Or get the Methylene kit from Gusse if you want it to be fast and clean.

Ok, that would take care of the controllers, but wouldn't I need a memory card port for FMCB? I don't quite understand how the internal SD card works, I thought it's just to have games on the SD card instead of a MX4SIO card but you would still need an FMCB card connected, right?

 

[FatBaldDad]

Ok, that would take care of the controllers, but wouldn't I need a memory card port for FMCB? I don't quite understand how the internal SD card works, I thought it's just to have games on the SD card instead of a MX4SIO card but you would still need an FMCB card connected, right?

Friend you want an internal SD2PSX for this build! The Memory card is emulated with a micro controller you have almost infinate saves and can load your games via MMCE. its super cool! You dont need the MemCard/Controller ports at all

 

[DGVaniX]

Friend you want an internal SD2PSX for this build! The Memory card is emulated with a micro controller you have almost infinate saves and can load your games via MMCE. its super cool! You dont need the MemCard/Controller ports at all

I can't seem to find any information online on how the internal SD2PSX (Methylene is waaay to expensive for me) or how to install Internal BlueRetro HW2. Could you point me in the right direction?
I think I'm a bit over my head but I'm up to the challenge if it means I get to play Need for Speed Most Wanted in my project car

 

[FatBaldDad]

I can't seem to find any information online on how the internal SD2PSX (Methylene is waaay to expensive for me) or how to install Internal BlueRetro HW2. Could you point me in the right direction?
I think I'm a bit over my head but I'm up to the challenge if it means I get to play Need for Speed Most Wanted in my project car

Here is what you need to know about the SD2PSX. I posted about the Blue Retro further down.

This has been an on-going project with the talented PS2 devs. You can check it out on the "PS2 Scene" discord and also the links below, a lot of information and very talented people making a lot of contributions.

This is also something of a game-changer for the Deckard-model PS2s. The performance of MMCE is noticeably better than MX4SIO, though still a bit below SMB—and it continues to improve. The devs behind it are relentless overachievers, lol!

There are a few different flavors of Memory Card Emulators (MCE) in this case, since you are putting this in a car and will not have complete acces to the console here is a better suggestion in addition to the PicoMemCard option.

1. Buy one of thePSxMemCard Gen2 MCEs
2. Solder a cable from the MoBo to the card (this should be tested first).
3. Mount the PSxMemCard someplace conveniant in your car
4.You now have acces to the OLED disaply and also the mSD card slot (this means no soldering a mSD card slot at the mobo, nice!).
5. Load the mSD card with Ripto's AIO card image.

You can run your exploit and also your games from this neat device. Make sure you get the latest version of OPL, you will need to enable MMCE.

Note: You might want shielded and 28 awg or larger for the cable, depends on how far away you are mounting the card from the Mobo.

use this tutorial for the PicoMemCard - no display very basic - solder to the mobo.

GitHub - dangiu/PicoMemcard: Emulating PSX Memory Card (or controller) using a Raspberry Pi Pico

Emulating PSX Memory Card (or controller) using a Raspberry Pi Pico - dangiu/PicoMemcard

github.com

then use the SD2PSX firmware for the PS2

Firmware Download

sd2psxtd.github.io

Also load your mSD card with Ripto's AIO

sdcard_APRIL12025_AIO.zip

This file has been shared with you on pixeldrain

pixeldrain.com

Find more information on SD2PSX project page.

SD2PSXTD

sd2psxtd.github.io

 

[MoistGoat]

I can't seem to find any information online on how the internal SD2PSX (Methylene is waaay to expensive for me) or how to install Internal BlueRetro HW2. Could you point me in the right direction?
I think I'm a bit over my head but I'm up to the challenge if it means I get to play Need for Speed Most Wanted in my project car

Hey are you copying me?!?
I'm doing similar to you (kind of). I'm removing all ports (including controller/mem slot) except 1 USB, adding a HDMI port, and putting memory cards and blue retro internally.

Doing blueretro internally isn't hard if you know how to use a multimeter and solder. Placement of it isn't something I've figured out quite yet but that's a little towards the end. Right now I'm test printing the bottom piece to ensure fitment of things.

 

[echan42]

Little update on my own build. The PS2 works with the USB-C and turns on, and boots just fine.

However, I must have done something wrong with the memory card cause it's not booting from the memory card. I do have a feeling that because it's not a Samsung card, that could be the reason it's not reading. Which, if that's the case, i'll have to wait until I can buy one. lol.

But I also wouldn't rule out the fact that my wiring could be wrong as well, even though I did follow the instructions exactly.

Will update once I figure this out.

Nice shell!
Did you print it yourself or did you order?
If ordered what service and options did you select?

Good job on the build

 

[DGVaniX]

Hey are you copying me?!?
I'm doing similar to you (kind of). I'm removing all ports (including controller/mem slot) except 1 USB, adding a HDMI port, and putting memory cards and blue retro internally.

Doing blueretro internally isn't hard if you know how to use a multimeter and solder. Placement of it isn't something I've figured out quite yet but that's a little towards the end. Right now I'm test printing the bottom piece to ensure fitment of things.

Haha, now that you've mentioned it, I will copy you
I'm not going to add a HDMI port as my head rests use RCA for video input, but how do you actually install blueretro? I can't find any guides or even parts that I can buy (in UK), and even for the internal memory cards (I assume SD card) I couldn't find a guide. I'm ok with a multimeter and solder, as long as I know the values I need to look for and what to solder.

 

[MoistGoat]

Haha, now that you've mentioned it, I will copy you
I'm not going to add a HDMI port as my head rests use RCA for video input, but how do you actually install blueretro? I can't find any guides or even parts that I can buy (in UK), and even for the internal memory cards (I assume SD card) I couldn't find a guide. I'm ok with a multimeter and solder, as long as I know the values I need to look for and what to solder.

All I did was probe the memory card ports in continuity mode, then you translate that onto the memory card basically.

Blueretro wise I bought the actual thing and took it apart (isn't the easiest thing to take apart!)

 

[DGVaniX]

All I did was probe the memory card ports in continuity mode, then you translate that onto the memory card basically.

Blueretro wise I bought the actual thing and took it apart (isn't the easiest thing to take apart!)

Ohh, so you pretty much took the cards apart and soldered wires between the pins and put them inside the shell. That's actually pretty smart, thanks for the idea!

But thinking of BlueRetro, can you solder 2 of them internally so you can have 2 controllers connected?

 

[FatBaldDad]

@DGVaniX
I’ll drop this here for now, since I include this mod in a lot of my Ultra Slim builds—but if we continue we should probably go to a different thread as we may get into some details of just the BlueRetro.

This isn’t the same as simply soldering in a BlueRetro Core. This is the internal BlueRetro HW2 "enhanced" install, which allows you to power on, power off, and reset the console using a Bluetooth controller. It functions exactly the same as Gusse's "Methylene" so exact, it uses the Methylene FW.

I've been working on a tutorial for the fat and slims—it’s not quite finished, but for now, it lives in a thread over on the "PS2 Scene" Discord (highly recommend joining if you haven’t already).

Below is a screenshot of the BOM (in a diagram form) to help you get started. I originally set out to follow Darthcloud’s HW2 internal BlueRetro install, but I ended up creating what I jokingly call a “poor man’s Methylene”—or the “Ali-thylene.” To be clear, my intent was never to reverse-engineer Gusse’s work—just to build the internal HW2 install. However, I found myself naturally converging with elements of Gusse’s design as I progressed.

I’ve since reached out to Gusse and received his permission to write a tutorial on this DIY version. He was completely supportive. Honestly, this might convince some folks to just buy the Methylene, because it really does save time and avoids a lot of potential headaches.

That said, this DIY method is cheaper—but it’s a lot more work. Still, it was a rewarding challenge, and I learned a ton from the process.


Please remember to support and credit Darthcloud and Gusse—they’ve both contributed amazing work to the scene.

 

[DGVaniX]

@DGVaniX
I’ll drop this here for now, since I include this mod in a lot of my Ultra Slim builds—but if we continue we should probably go to a different thread as we may get into some details of just the BlueRetro.

This isn’t the same as simply soldering in a BlueRetro Core. This is the internal BlueRetro HW2 "enhanced" install, which allows you to power on, power off, and reset the console using a Bluetooth controller. It functions exactly the same as Gusse's "Methylene" so exact, it uses the Methylene FW.

I've been working on a tutorial for the fat and slims—it’s not quite finished, but for now, it lives in a thread over on the "PS2 Scene" Discord (highly recommend joining if you haven’t already).

Below is a screenshot of the BOM (in a diagram form) to help you get started. I originally set out to follow Darthcloud’s HW2 internal BlueRetro install, but I ended up creating what I jokingly call a “poor man’s Methylene”—or the “Ali-thylene.” To be clear, my intent was never to reverse-engineer Gusse’s work—just to build the internal HW2 install. However, I found myself naturally converging with elements of Gusse’s design as I progressed.

I’ve since reached out to Gusse and received his permission to write a tutorial on this DIY version. He was completely supportive. Honestly, this might convince some folks to just buy the Methylene, because it really does save time and avoids a lot of potential headaches.

That said, this DIY method is cheaper—but it’s a lot more work. Still, it was a rewarding challenge, and I learned a ton from the process.


Please remember to support and credit Darthcloud and Gusse—they’ve both contributed amazing work to the scene.


View attachment 38543View attachment 38544

Ok wow this is awesome and I think this deserves it's own topic, but for the 79k motherboard. I feel like the purpose of the PS2 Ultra Slim build is to have as small of a footprint as possible, and for people like me, to stick it in small places, so this mod would make the Ultra Slim even more compact!

 

[FatBaldDad]

@DGVaniX I updated my blank post about the SD2PSX above

https://bitbuilt.net/forums/index.php?threads/ps2-ultra-slim.5077/post-73044

if we continue further on this topic, it should go to a different thread as well.

 

[FatBaldDad]

Ok wow this is awesome and I think this deserves it's own topic, but for the 79k motherboard. I feel like the purpose of the PS2 Ultra Slim build is to have as small of a footprint as possible, and for people like me, to stick it in small places, so this mod would make the Ultra Slim even more compact!

Right on! Same with the SD2PSX as well. Im in tbe process uof updating all my ultras with the sd2psx.

 

[MoistGoat]

Little peak into where I'm at. Again; will be putting everything internal - except HDMI port, power port (USB C), Front USB, and likely USB C for blueretro + the button for it.

Haven't tested anything since removing all the components but yeah, pretty optimistic about it working still. Printing out the bottom part as I type this, so I'll probably start tacking down things that'll be underneath the motherboard at least. Can't wait!

(Oh the bottom PCB is a usb ethernet)

 

[echan42]

@DGVaniX
I’ll drop this here for now, since I include this mod in a lot of my Ultra Slim builds—but if we continue we should probably go to a different thread as we may get into some details of just the BlueRetro.

This isn’t the same as simply soldering in a BlueRetro Core. This is the internal BlueRetro HW2 "enhanced" install, which allows you to power on, power off, and reset the console using a Bluetooth controller. It functions exactly the same as Gusse's "Methylene" so exact, it uses the Methylene FW.

I've been working on a tutorial for the fat and slims—it’s not quite finished, but for now, it lives in a thread over on the "PS2 Scene" Discord (highly recommend joining if you haven’t already).

Below is a screenshot of the BOM (in a diagram form) to help you get started. I originally set out to follow Darthcloud’s HW2 internal BlueRetro install, but I ended up creating what I jokingly call a “poor man’s Methylene”—or the “Ali-thylene.” To be clear, my intent was never to reverse-engineer Gusse’s work—just to build the internal HW2 install. However, I found myself naturally converging with elements of Gusse’s design as I progressed.

I’ve since reached out to Gusse and received his permission to write a tutorial on this DIY version. He was completely supportive. Honestly, this might convince some folks to just buy the Methylene, because it really does save time and avoids a lot of potential headaches.

That said, this DIY method is cheaper—but it’s a lot more work. Still, it was a rewarding challenge, and I learned a ton from the process.


Please remember to support and credit Darthcloud and Gusse—they’ve both contributed amazing work to the scene.


View attachment 38543View attachment 38544

Amazing work, thanks for compiling all the information this is amazing

 

[DavidT]

View attachment 38564

Little peak into where I'm at. Again; will be putting everything internal - except HDMI port, power port (USB C), Front USB, and likely USB C for blueretro + the button for it.

Haven't tested anything since removing all the components but yeah, pretty optimistic about it working still. Printing out the bottom part as I type this, so I'll probably start tacking down things that'll be underneath the motherboard at least. Can't wait!

(Oh the bottom PCB is a usb ethernet)

Hi, could you tell me what you're using the Raspberry Pi board on the right for in your project? Is it for sharing games via Ethernet?

 

[MoistGoat]

Hi, could you tell me what you're using the Raspberry Pi board on the right for in your project? Is it for sharing games via Ethernet?

Yep. I'm going to be wiring it internally, with a UPS Hat for the pi zero (so it can turn off safely, rather than immediately when power is removed).