MemCard PRO for PS1 and PS2: How to Back Up and Transfer Saves

Quick answer

The MemCard PRO for PS1 and PS2 lets you backup your saves to a microSD card and transfer them between consoles, memory cards, and even PC emulators. Set it up by inserting a microSD card, loading the menu on your PlayStation, and using the on-screen interface to copy saves.

If you've ever lost a PS1 or PS2 save file to a corrupted memory card or a dying battery, you know the sting. The MemCard PRO for PS1 and PS2 solves that by acting as a virtual memory card that stores unlimited saves on a microSD card. It works with both PS1 and PS2 consoles and even adds cloud backup options.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to set up the MemCard PRO, back up your saves, and transfer them between memory cards or to your PC. We'll also touch on common mistakes and checkpoints along the way.

What You Need Before You Start

Before you begin, make sure you have the MemCard PRO for PS1 and PS2 (Classic Grey) and a microSD card (FAT32 formatted, up to 512GB). You'll also need a way to connect the card to your computer if you plan to manage saves on a PC. The card is compatible with PS2 Fat and Slim consoles, so you're covered regardless of which model you own.

The latest hardware revision adds PS2 support and features like Template cards and cloud backups. The OLED display shows the menu and save management interface directly on the card. That means you can manage your saves without needing a PC, though transferring to a computer still requires removing the microSD card.

A common question is whether it works with PS1 games played on a PS2. Yes, the MemCard PRO works in both modes. It automatically presents the correct memory card type to the console depending on the game you're running.

• Use a high-quality microSD card from a reputable brand to avoid corruption.
• Format the microSD card to FAT32 before first use if it isn't already.

Setting Up the MemCard PRO

Insert the microSD card into the MemCard PRO, then plug the card into your console's memory card slot. Power on the console. You'll see the MemCard PRO menu appear on the OLED display. Navigate using the console's controller buttons to select options.

The first time you use it, you'll need to create a virtual memory card. The menu will guide you through this. Each virtual card acts like a separate physical memory card, so you can organize saves by game, user, or purpose. The card supports multiple virtual cards on a single microSD card.

• If the console doesn't detect the card, try re-seating it or check the microSD card is properly inserted.

Backing Up Saves from a Standard Memory Card

To copy saves from a regular PS1 or PS2 memory card, plug both the original card and the MemCard PRO into the console (if available). Use the official memory card management screen on the console to copy saves from the original card to the MemCard PRO. Since the MemCard PRO acts as a standard card, the console treats it like any other memory card.

If your console only has one memory card slot — as is the case with PS1 — you can use the MemCard PRO's built-in copy function from its OLED menu. The exact steps vary by firmware version, but generally involve selecting the original card in one slot and copying to the virtual card on the other.

• Always copy rather than move saves when possible, to keep a backup on the original card until you're confident the transfer worked.

Transferring Saves to Your PC

One of the biggest advantages of the MemCard PRO is that you can extract .mcr or .ps2 files from the microSD card and use them in emulators like PCSX2. Simply remove the microSD card from the MemCard PRO, insert it into your computer's card reader, and browse the folder structure. Each virtual card appears as a set of save files.

You can also copy saves from your PC back to the MemCard PRO, which is great for restoring saves or moving saves from an emulator to real hardware. Just make sure the file format is compatible and that you copy files to the correct folder for the virtual card slot you want to use.

• Keep a separate folder on your PC as a master backup so you don't accidentally overwrite important saves.

Managing Saves with the OLED Menu

The MemCard PRO's OLED display lets you navigate save files without a PC. You can view the list of virtual cards, rename cards, copy saves between cards, and even delete saves. The interface is controlled with the console controller, so you can do everything from the couch.

While the menu is straightforward, the buttons on the card itself also allow some direct interaction. If you're ever unsure about a function, consult the manual that came with your card or the manufacturer's website.

• Take a few minutes to explore the menu before you rely on it in a tense gaming moment.

Step-by-Step Workflow

1. Insert the microSD card into the MemCard PRO: Make sure the microSD is FAT32 formatted and properly seated. Then plug the MemCard PRO into the memory card slot. If the card isn't recognized, re-seat the microSD and try again.
2. Create a virtual memory card via the OLED menu: Power on the console, navigate the OLED menu, and create a new virtual card. Give it a descriptive name. Use separate cards for different games or users to keep things organized.
3. Copy existing saves from a standard memory card: If both slots are available, use the console's memory card manager to copy saves from the original card to the MemCard PRO. Otherwise, use the card's copy function. Keep the original card unchanged until the copy is verified.
4. Manage saves on the OLED display or via PC: Use the OLED menu to copy, delete, or rename saves on the fly. For PC transfer, remove the microSD and copy files to your computer. Always maintain a second backup on your PC or in the cloud.
5. Restore saves from PC to the card: Copy .mcr or .ps2 files from your PC back to the correct virtual card folder on the microSD. Test the restored save in a game to confirm it works before relying on it.

Product Fact Check

• MemCard PRO for PS1 and PS2 (Classic Grey): The latest hardware revision of the original MemCard PRO now adds support for saving and loading your saves on PlayStation 2 Fat & Slim consoles when playing PlayStation 2 games. It also supports Cloud Backups, Template cards, and new graphics on the OLED display. This means the same card handles both PS1 and PS2 games, and features like cloud backups give you an extra layer of safety for your saves.

Backing up your PS1 and PS2 saves with the MemCard PRO for PS1 and PS2 is simple once you get used to the menu. With virtual cards, cloud backups, and PC transfer options, you can rest easy knowing your progress is safe. Whether you're preserving a childhood save or just avoiding a restart, the MemCard PRO is a reliable upgrade over a standard memory card.