MemCard PRO vs MemCard PRO2 vs MemCard PRO GC: Which to Buy

Quick answer

Buy the MemCard PRO2 for PS1 and PS2, the MemCard PRO GC for GameCube, and the original MemCard PRO only if you find it cheaper and don't need PS2 support. Your console decides which card fits; the trade-off is that each model is built for a different system.

What each MemCard PRO model actually supports

The three cards look similar but target different consoles. The MemCard PRO2 adds PlayStation 2 support, so it works on PS2 Fat and Slim consoles when playing PS2 games, as well as on PS1. The MemCard PRO GC is built for the original GameCube and replaces the need for multiple GameCube memory cards. The original MemCard PRO covers PS1 only, so if you also play PS2 games you will need a separate solution.

Because the cards are console-specific, the real decision is which system you play most. If you own both a PS1 and a PS2, the MemCard PRO2 covers both with one card. If you own a GameCube, the MemCard PRO GC is the only one of the three that fits.

Feature differences that matter day to day

The MemCard PRO2 adds features beyond basic saving: cloud backups, template cards, and a new OLED display with updated graphics. Cloud backups are useful if you want a copy of your saves outside the card, and template cards help you set up a fresh card quickly. The OLED display makes it easier to see what is loaded without guessing.

The MemCard PRO GC carries over the features people liked from the MemCard PRO line, but the catalog does not list cloud backups or template cards for it, so treat those as MemCard PRO2 extras rather than shared features. The original MemCard PRO has the fewest listed features of the three. If you want the newest feature set, the MemCard PRO2 is the one to choose.

Price and value trade-offs

At catalog prices, the MemCard PRO2 is the least expensive at USD 28.32, the MemCard PRO GC is USD 37.72, and the original MemCard PRO is not listed in the supplied records, so you will need to check the store page for its current price. The MemCard PRO2 is also the only one with PS2 support, which makes it the better value if you play both PS1 and PS2 games.

The MemCard PRO GC costs more than the MemCard PRO2 but is the only option for GameCube saves. If you only play GameCube, that price difference is unavoidable. If you only play PS1 and never plan to use a PS2, the original MemCard PRO may be enough, but confirm its price and features before buying.

How to decide in under a minute

Check which console you will actually use. PS1 or PS2: get the MemCard PRO2. GameCube: get the MemCard PRO GC. PS1 only and you want the lowest cost: compare the original MemCard PRO price against the MemCard PRO2 and buy whichever is cheaper for you.

If you are unsure whether you will add a PS2 later, the MemCard PRO2 is the safer pick because it covers both systems. The MemCard PRO GC cannot play PS1 or PS2 saves, and the original MemCard PRO cannot play PS2 or GameCube saves.

Trade-offs at a glance

• MemCard PRO2: most flexible: Works on PS1 and PS2 and includes cloud backups, template cards, and an updated OLED display. Best if you play PS1 and PS2 games and want the newest features.
• MemCard PRO GC: GameCube only: Built for the original GameCube and carries over features from the MemCard PRO line, but the catalog does not list PS2 support or cloud backups. Buy this only if GameCube is your target console.
• Original MemCard PRO: PS1 only: Covers PS1 saves but lacks the PS2 support and newer features of the MemCard PRO2. Consider it only if the price is lower and you never play PS2 games.

Product facts

• MemCard PRO for PS1 and PS2 (Red Frost): The latest hardware revision adds support for saving and loading your saves on PlayStation 2 Fat and Slim consoles when playing PlayStation 2 games. One card covers both your PS1 and PS2 libraries, so you do not need separate memory cards for each console.
• MemCard PRO for PS1 and PS2 (Red Frost): It supports cloud backups, template cards, and new graphics on the OLED display. These extras make it easier to back up saves and manage cards, which matters if you have years of progress you do not want to lose.
• MemCard PRO GC for GameCube (Indigo): The MemCard PRO GC for the original GameCube is described as the last memory card you will ever need, solving the problem of storing your game's saves forever. If you play GameCube, this is the only one of the three cards that fits your console, so it is the default choice.

Which MemCard PRO should you buy?

Best for

• Players who use both a PS1 and a PS2 and want one card for both
• GameCube owners who want a single card instead of a stack of memory cards
• Buyers who want cloud backups and an OLED display on a PS1/PS2 card

Not for

• GameCube-only players should not buy the MemCard PRO2 or original MemCard PRO
• PS2 players should not buy the original MemCard PRO if they need PS2 save support
• Buyers who want the lowest price should compare the original MemCard PRO against the MemCard PRO2 before deciding