Before unified standards were established in emulation, various "Action Replay" and "CodeBreaker" devices used proprietary compression and header formats for sharing saves online.

games, using downloaded save files is the way to go. Whether you're playing on the standalone emulator or mobile options like AetherSX2 , the process typically involves managing virtual memory cards (often .ps2 files). Where to Find PS2 Save Files

: Tools like MyMC are essential for opening the .ps2 virtual memory card files used by emulators.

Utilizing community-sourced, verified PS2 save files with emulators like PCSX2 and AetherSX2 allows for instant access to 100% completion states, typically requiring region matching to the game ISO. The process involves using specialized management tools, such as the MyMC utility , to import downloaded .max or .psu saves into virtual .ps2 memory card images.