Why these changes matter
If you have an unmodded 90006, you will likely need to use or FreeDVDBoot to get homebrew running.
| Feature | SCPH-90006 BIOS v2.20 | SCPH-90006 BIOS v2.30 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Around 2006 | Around 2008 | | System Update Ability | Present | Removed by Sony | | FMCB Compatibility | Generally Compatible | Not Compatible | | Open PS2 Loader (OPL) Boot | Via Free Memory Card Boot (FMCB) | Requires a Modchip |
If you have the "new" BIOS:
There are several methods to update the SCPH90006 BIOS, including:
Downloading a BIOS file from a public directory violates copyright laws. The legal method to obtain this file is extracting it directly from physical hardware you own.
| Revision | MD5 Hash (example) | Characteristics | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 81d60e6e... | Works with TonyHax, old PSnee | | "New" 90006 | f3a2e1c8... (varies) | Blocks certain cheat devices, needs TonyHax International |
: Since standard FMCB doesn't work, users have pivoted to OpenTuna, a specialized exploit designed specifically for the latest v2.30 BIOS.
For now, the 90006 sleeps. But with a new BIOS, it would roar.
The BIOS is stored on a ROM chip soldered onto the PS2's motherboard. Over the PS2's 12-year manufacturing lifespan, Sony released several BIOS revisions, each adding compatibility for newer hardware features or patching security exploits.
Understanding the SCPH-90006 PS2 BIOS: A Comprehensive Guide to the "New" 90k Slim Models
