The practice of creating backup copies of PlayStation 2 software onto recordable media, typically CDs or DVDs, allowed users to play these copies on their console. This involved using specialized software to copy the original game data and then “burning” it onto a blank disc using a CD or DVD writer. An example of this would be creating a copy of a game to avoid damage to the original disc.
This process became popular for several reasons, including preserving original discs from scratches or damage, circumventing regional lockouts, and playing imported titles. During the PlayStation 2’s lifespan, access to legitimate replacement games could be limited or expensive, making the creation of backup copies a convenient alternative. This practice had legal and ethical implications related to copyright infringement, but it provided benefits to some users in terms of accessibility and preservation.
