PSBBN On PS2: Boot Skip & Modchip Q&A

Hello everyone! I'm thrilled to dive into a discussion about the PSBBN Definitive English Patch and address some questions that have arisen, particularly regarding boot screen behavior and modchip compatibility. First off, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Cosmic Scale and every single person involved in this incredible project. Your hard work and dedication have made it possible for us to experience this fantastic game in English, and that's something truly special. Thank you!

Initial Success and Lingering Questions

A few months back, I encountered an issue that I brought up here on the project's GitHub page. After the release of Update 4.0, I decided to give it another shot, and to my delight, PSBBN finally worked! What's even more curious is that it's now running smoothly on hardware that was previously deemed incompatible. This was a huge win, but it also sparked a few questions that I'm hoping the community and developers can shed some light on.

Boot Screen Behavior: The Case of the Skipped "Sony Computer Entertainment" Screen

One of the first things I noticed after getting PSBBN up and running was the behavior of the boot screen. Specifically, the 'Sony Computer Entertainment' screen seems to be skipping during the boot process. Here's the sequence of events: I power on my console, there's a brief black screen for a few seconds, and then it jumps directly to the PS2 logo, followed by the PSBBN boot sequence.

Is this skipping behavior normal? Is it a known characteristic of PSBBN, or could it indicate a potential issue? I'm particularly curious about whether there's a "Fast Boot" feature enabled somewhere, either intentionally or unintentionally. If so, is there a way to disable this Fast Boot functionality? I appreciate the speed, but I'm also a bit of a purist and would prefer to see the full boot sequence if possible.

Understanding the nuances of the boot process is crucial for troubleshooting and ensuring the optimal performance of PSBBN on various PS2 setups. The 'Sony Computer Entertainment' screen serves as an initial diagnostic check, and skipping it might mask potential underlying issues. Therefore, exploring the reasons behind this behavior and potential solutions will benefit not only myself but also other users who might encounter the same phenomenon.

Delving deeper into the technical aspects, we might consider whether the boot skipping is related to the specific version of the PS2 console, the type of modchip installed (more on that later), or even the configuration of the memory cards. Each of these factors can influence the boot sequence and potentially trigger the skipping of certain screens. By systematically investigating these variables, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the boot process and identify any potential conflicts or incompatibilities.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure a consistent and reliable boot experience for all PSBBN users. Whether it's a simple setting adjustment or a more complex technical tweak, resolving the boot screen skipping issue will contribute to the overall polish and user-friendliness of the Definitive English Patch. Sharing our findings and solutions within the community will empower others to troubleshoot similar issues and further enhance the collective knowledge base surrounding PSBBN on the PS2.

Modchip Considerations: Thunder PRO 2 Gold Edition and Linux Boot

My second question revolves around my console's modchip, a Thunder PRO 2 Gold Edition. This is where things get a little more intricate. This particular modchip has a feature where holding the circle button on the controller during power-on deactivates the modchip. When I do this, it takes me to a screen confirming the modchip is deactivated, which, unfortunately, prevents me from booting into Linux.

Since this deactivation is a built-in function of the modchip itself, I haven't been able to find a workaround. The modchip also has a deactivation option in its main menu, but that doesn't seem to affect the button-triggered deactivation. This leads to my core question: is there a way to assign a different button on the controller to boot into Linux?

I understand that this is a somewhat niche issue, given that the Thunder PRO 2 Gold Edition is a relatively rare modchip. However, I'm hesitant to remove the modchip from my PS2, as it has sentimental value and I'd prefer to keep it installed if possible. Finding a solution that allows me to boot into Linux without triggering the modchip deactivation would be ideal.

Exploring alternative button assignments for booting into Linux could involve delving into the modchip's configuration settings or even exploring custom firmware options. The Thunder PRO 2 Gold Edition likely has a configuration menu accessible through a specific button combination during startup. Within this menu, there might be options to remap button functions or disable certain features altogether. Navigating this menu and experimenting with different settings could potentially reveal a solution to the button conflict.

Furthermore, the possibility of utilizing custom firmware for the modchip should not be overlooked. Custom firmware can often provide advanced features and customization options that are not available in the stock firmware. If a compatible custom firmware exists for the Thunder PRO 2 Gold Edition, it might offer the ability to remap the Linux boot sequence to a different button, effectively bypassing the circle button deactivation trigger. However, it's crucial to exercise caution when flashing custom firmware, as improper installation can potentially damage the modchip. Thorough research and adherence to best practices are essential when considering this approach.

Ultimately, resolving the modchip compatibility issue will not only enable me to boot into Linux but also enhance the overall versatility and functionality of my PS2 setup. By exploring the available options and sharing our findings, we can contribute to a broader understanding of modchip behavior and provide valuable guidance to other users who might encounter similar challenges.

Overall Satisfaction and Continued Support

Despite these questions, I want to reiterate that everything is working remarkably well. As the title suggests, these aren't critical issues, and I'm incredibly happy to finally be enjoying PSBBN on my PS2. It's a testament to the quality of the patch and the dedication of the development team.

Thank you once again for your time and consideration. I look forward to any insights you can provide!

Conclusion

In conclusion, while I'm experiencing great success with PSBBN on my PS2, I have a couple of questions regarding the skipped boot screen and modchip compatibility. I'm hopeful that the community can offer some insights and potential solutions. Thank you again to the Cosmic Scale team for this amazing patch!

For more information on the PlayStation 2 and its capabilities, you can visit the official PlayStation website.