: Originally designed for the PlayStation Portable (PSP), this format is compatible with most PS1 emulators. It is particularly useful for multi-disc games (like Final Fantasy VII ), as it can combine all discs into a single, smaller file. .ECM (Error Code Modeler)

refers to repackaging these files using advanced algorithms (like CHD, EZ-Boot, or even 7-Zip) to shrink the file size by 60-90%. For example:

In fact, because the file is smaller, your SD card reads it faster . Decompression happens in RAM instantly on modern devices (even cheap ones). The only exception is on a 1995 PS1 console—but you are using an emulator.