Topic: The SCPH-90006 BIOS and the Later PS2 Models
The SCPH-90006 refers to a specific model of the PlayStation 2 console, primarily released in the Asian market (often Hong Kong and Singapore regions) during the later years of the system's lifecycle. It belongs to the "90000" series, which represented the final hardware revision before Sony ceased production.
When users search for "SCPH-90006 BIOS new," they are typically looking for a dump of the ROM (Read-Only Memory) chip specific to this hardware version for use with emulation software like PCSX2.
Key Technical Details:
20090224.Achex or Asia region codes, supporting English and Traditional Chinese languages by default.Context for Emulation: For accurate emulation, obtaining the correct BIOS dump from your specific console is preferred. While earlier BIOS versions (like v1.60 or v1.90) are more common online, the v2.30 found in the SCPH-90006 is often sought after to ensure compatibility with games specifically optimized for later hardware revisions or to match the user's specific console region settings.
Sony PlayStation 2 SCPH-90006 is a late-model "Slim" revision specifically released for the Hong Kong and Asian markets
. It is highly regarded for its sleek design and built-in power supply, but its updated BIOS (version
) introduced significant changes for enthusiasts and modders. BIOS and Hardware Overview
The SCPH-90006 is part of the final hardware series for the PS2. BIOS Version v2.30
: This is the "new" BIOS found in most 9000x models manufactured after late 2008 (starting around date code Mod-Proof Design scph90006+bios+new
: Sony designed this BIOS as a "mod-proof" system to patch the memory card exploit used by FreeMcBoot (FMCB)
. If your console has this version, standard FMCB will not boot. Internal Power Supply
: Unlike earlier Slims (SCPH-7000x to 7900x), the 9000x series integrated the AC adapter into the console, making it more portable but slightly heavier (720g). Key Solutions for SCPH-90006
Since this model often blocks traditional softmods, the community has developed alternative "solid" solutions: Funtuna / OpenTuna
: These are the go-to softmods for consoles with the v2.30 BIOS. They function similarly to FreeMcBoot but require a specific manual trigger to launch homebrew from a memory card.
: This is an advanced "exploit" that reprograms the console's drive controller (the Mechacon). It can make your SCPH-90006 region-free
and allow it to play original or master-patched discs from any region. MX4SIO / SIO2SD : Because Slims lack an internal HDD bay, many users use an MX4SIO adapter
to load games from an SD card through the memory card slot for better speed than USB 1.1. Technical Specifications
SCPH-90006 is the final revision of the PlayStation 2 Slim, specifically the region-locked model for the Southeast Asia/Hong Kong market. Because it features a revised internal BIOS (v2.30), it is famous in the homebrew community for its compatibility issues with older softmods like FreeMcBoot (FMCB). 1. Understanding the SCPH-90006 BIOS Topic: The SCPH-90006 BIOS and the Later PS2
Unlike earlier Slim models (SCPH-7xxxx), the 90000 series integrated the power supply inside the console and updated the BIOS to prevent certain exploits. ObsoleteSony BIOS Version: Typically v2.30. Date Code Importance: Consoles with date codes 8C, 8D, and 9x
generally have the updated BIOS that blocks FMCB from booting automatically from a memory card. Checking Your Version: Boot your PS2 with no disc. Go to System Configuration
to view the version info. Note that "Browser" and "CD Player" versions are shown here, but the date code on the sticker is the most reliable indicator of hardware revisions. 2. Modern Softmod Solutions (The "New" BIOS Fixes)
Since traditional FMCB doesn't work on the "new" SCPH-90006 BIOS, you must use alternative exploits: FunTuna / Fortuna:
These are specialized softmods designed specifically for late-model Slims. Instead of auto-booting, you enter the Browser, go to the Memory Card, and then back out to trigger the exploit.
An open-source version of the Fortuna exploit often recommended for the SCPH-90006. FreeDVDBoot:
This allows you to burn a special ISO to a DVD-R that exploits the DVD player's firmware, letting you launch homebrew (like uLaunchELF) to install other mods. 3. Extracting the BIOS for Emulation
If you are looking for the SCPH-90006 BIOS to use in emulators like , you have two primary legal methods: Method A: Dumping via Console (Recommended) Prepare a USB: Format a USB drive to Launch biosdrain: Use a softmod (like FunTuna) to run the Extraction: The tool will save your BIOS files (usually ) directly to the USB drive. Method B: PS3 Firmware Extraction (Advanced)
A "new" technique involves extracting PS1/PS2 BIOS components from official PS3 firmware files available on Sony's Website using community batch tools. 4. Setting Up the BIOS in PCSX2 Once you have the BIOS file (e.g., ps2-0230a-20080220.bin How To Dump PS2 Slim BIOS For PCSX2 Emulation BIOS Version: The SCPH-90006 usually shipped with BIOS
The SCPH-90006 BIOS is a Japanese PlayStation (PS1) console firmware revision that collectors and modders often encounter. This post summarizes what changed in this BIOS release, why it matters for hardware enthusiasts and preservationists, and practical tips for working with it.
Background
Key Changes in SCPH-90006 BIOS
Why these changes matter
Working with SCPH-90006 BIOS: Practical Tips
Further reading and resources
Short checklist for collectors/modders
If you want, I can:
Which follow-up would you like?
The biggest selling point: A new BIOS means:
Recently, preservationists have discovered that Sony released silent BIOS revisions for the 90006 late in its life cycle (circa 2005-2006). These "new" BIOS dumps differ from the early 90006 firmware.