PCSX2
PCSX2 is a free, open-source emulator for playing PlayStation 2 games on a PC.
What PCSX2 is
PCSX2 is a free, open-source emulator for playing PlayStation 2 games on a PC. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, with system requirements that vary by performance tier. Users can choose custom resolutions and upscaling, and the graphics options include Vulkan, OpenGL, Direct3D 12, Direct3D 11, and CPU software rendering. For saving, PCSX2 offers virtual memory cards that can be shared, as well as save states. The project recommends memory cards for long-term saves because save states are not guaranteed to work across different PCSX2 versions. A patching system and an internal recorder for lossless recording at full speed are also included. A PlayStation 2 BIOS is required, and users must dump the proprietary BIOS from their own console. PCSX2 does not support multitapped memory cards and is not a sandbox that protects a computer from malicious software run inside it. The project provides a searchable compatibility database and points users to its Discord server and forums for help.
Good
- Free and open source.
- Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Offers custom resolutions and upscaling.
- Includes virtual memory cards and save states.
- Has a searchable compatibility database.
Watch out
- Requires a BIOS dumped from a console you own.
- Does not support multitapped memory cards.
- Save states may not work across versions.
- Does not protect the computer from malicious software.
Who it suits
PCSX2 suits people who want to play PlayStation 2 games on a Windows, macOS, or Linux PC and can provide a BIOS dumped from their own console. It also fits users looking for graphics options, patches, or save states.
Verdict
PCSX2 offers a broad set of rendering and saving options for PlayStation 2 games on desktop systems. Users should account for the BIOS requirement and favor memory cards for saves they need to keep across versions.
Plans and prices
From PCSX2's own pricing page, checked 5 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| PCSX2 | Free | Free and open-source PS2 emulator · Requires a PS2 BIOS dumped from a console you own |
The facts
Each one read from PCSX2's own pages, with the date it was checked.
Where it runs
- BIOS requirement
- PCSX2 cannot play games without a BIOS, and the project says users must dump the proprietary BIOS from their own console.checked 5 Oct 2026
What it does
- Compatibility
- The project provides a searchable compatibility database with game title, serial, CRC, status, and latest testing fields.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Controller support
- SDL is the recommended cross-platform input source and supports automatic mapping for most controllers and operating systems.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Graphics APIs
- The documentation lists Vulkan, OpenGL, Direct3D 12, and Direct3D 11 hardware rendering options, plus CPU software rendering.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- Unless otherwise stated, PCSX2 emulator components are licensed under GNU GPL version 3 or later.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Memory card limits
- PCSX2 currently does not support multitapped memory cards.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Recording and patches
- PCSX2 includes a patching system and an internal recorder for lossless quality at full speed.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Save state limitation
- Save states are not guaranteed to work across different PCSX2 versions, and the documentation recommends memory cards for long-term saves.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Saving
- PCSX2 supports virtual and shareable memory cards and save states.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Security limitation
- The project warns that PCSX2 is not a sandbox and cannot protect a computer from malicious software run inside it.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its Discord server and forums for questions and troubleshooting.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The system requirements page lists Windows, macOS, and Linux, with requirements varying by performance tier.checked 5 Oct 2026
- Visual features
- PCSX2 supports custom resolutions and upscaling.checked 5 Oct 2026
- What it does
- PCSX2 is a free, open-source emulator that lets users play PlayStation 2 games on a PC.checked 5 Oct 2026
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