A new update for OSD-XMB has been released, Sony ‘s iconic XrossMediaBar (XMB) interface , which originally appeared on the PSP and PlayStation 3 , has been adapted for the PlayStation 2 console by developer HiroTex .

Based on DanielSant0s’ Athena Env’ and inspired by the XtremeEliteBoot+ dashboard , this version offers a simple and functional design, with optimized navigation for controllers and D-pads.

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The interface supports a customizable plugin system, with predefined modules divided into different categories. The User section allows you to access the OSDSYS browser, update the interface and change general settings.

The update introduces a major overhaul of the plugin system, now compatible with JSON and XML formats. JSON ensures faster loading performance, while XML allows the use of custom JavaScript code.

JS files are still supported, although they are slower to load and process. Implementing multi-layered plugins improves startup times by initially loading only the essential information and fetching the rest only when needed.

Among the new features are the addition of time zone settings in the date and time configuration, as well as the ability to delete files or directories directly from File Explorer via the options menu.

The localization system has also been improved, now based on JSON files located in the XMB/lang/. To access a localization string from a custom JSON file, you can use the prefix XMBLANG.YourStringNameHere, as shown in several plugin examples.

Existing plugins have also been optimized to ensure faster startup times and a smoother boot process.

On the fixes front, a bug has been fixed that caused PS2 games to be duplicated when OSD-XMB was placed in the root directory of the device.

Also fixed an incorrect time display that was 12 hours off and removed all unsupported video modes above 480p.

Characteristics

Plugin System – Allows you to create custom plugins to display elements on the dashboard. The default plugins are:

Category User

Return to Browser : Returns to the OSDSYS browser.
Refresh Interface : Resets the OSDXMB interface to update the settings.

Category Settings

Game Settings : Adjust various global POPS and Neutrino settings.
System Settings : Configure the interface language and confirmation button.
Theme Settings : Customize XMB colors, fonts and icons.
Time Settings : Change clock settings.
Display Settings : Configure the video mode and aspect ratio.
Security Settings : Enable or disable parental control.

Category Game

File Explorer : Explore files on the USB drive or in the default applications folder. Allows you to run ELF files.
Memory Card Utility : View save data on Memory Cards.
OpenPS2Loader : Example plugin to launch a version of OPL.
Retroarch : Example plugin for running RetroArch.
PlayStation 1 : List of games in the POPS folder on USB.
PlayStation 2 : List of games in DVD or CD folders on USB.

Booting PS2 Games from USB

The application automatically lists all ISO games present in the DVD or CD folders on the root of the USB drive.
You can customize the settings for each game by opening the Options menu , selecting the game, and then About .
To save your changes, press the confirmation button.
The Show Logo and Show Debug Colors options can be configured globally in the Game Settings section .

Booting PS2 Games from Disc

If there is a PS2 DVD in the player, the app will automatically recognize it and select it in the Game category .
You can customize game names by adding .cfg files to the CFG folder , using the syntax:Title=Nome del Gioco

Booting PS1 Games from USB

The app automatically scans the POPS folder on your USB to list all .VCD files in the PlayStation 1 section .
The name of the .VCD file will be used as the game name.
If no matching ELF file is found , it will be generated automatically.
You can configure special settings for POPS in the same way you set options for PS2 games, via the Options menu .
Global options are found in the Game Settings section .

Running ELF files

Custom ELF files can be launched via File Explorer or using dedicated plugins.
File Explorer launches ELF files without arguments, while plugins allow you to configure advanced parameters.

Installation instructions

Copy the neutrino folder to Memory Card Slot 1 or 2 if you intend to use it to launch games from USB with Neutrino ( mc0:/neutrino/or mc1:/neutrino/).
Place the OSDXMB folder in the root of the USB drive and launch the file OSDXMB.ELFto run the application.
Place the RetroArch coresand folders infoinside APPS/retroarch.

Changelog

Plugin System Review:
- Support for JSON and XML plugin formats.
  - JSON offers fast loading performance.
  - XML supports custom Javascript code.
  - JS files are still supported, but they are slow to load and process.
- Multi-level plugins improve startup times (they only load essential plugin information for the main element and the rest only when selected).
Added time zone setting in date and time settings.
Added option to delete files or directories in File Explorer (in the options menu).
Implemented an improved localization system based on JSON files in the XMB/lang/.
- To access a locale string from a custom JSON file, use "XMBLANG.YourStringNameHere", as shown in several plugin examples.
Improved existing plugins for faster boot times and a smoother boot sequence.
Bug fixes:
- PS2 games duplicated if OSD-XMB was placed in root of device.
- Fixed 12 hour offset in date and time settings.
- Removed all unsupported video modes (over 480p).