Retro

Install PCSX2: PlayStation 2

PCSX2 is the standard emulator for the PlayStation 2. The current version is much easier than before: an installation wizard guides you through the initial settings.

What do you need?

  • A 64-bit PC with a processor that supports AVX2 (virtually any PC from recent years) and a Vulkan or DirectX 12 video card.
  • A PS2 BIOS from your own console. PCSX2 won’t work without it.
  • Games as disc images (.iso or .chd) that you’ve created from your own discs.

Installing

  • Windows and macOS: download via pcsx2.net/downloads.
  • Linux: the AppImage from the same page, or via Flatpak.
flatpak install flathub net.pcsx2.PCSX2

First start

  1. The Setup Wizard appears. Choose your language.
  2. At BIOS Image, choose Open BIOS Folder, copy your BIOS file into it, and click Refresh List.
  3. Set up your controller and choose the folder with your games.

Useful tips

  • Renderer: choose Vulkan (or Direct3D 12 on Windows).
  • Sharper image: set the internal resolution to 2x or 3x (under Graphics). That’s beautiful for many games, especially on a PC with a discrete video card.
  • Widescreen: PCSX2 has built-in patches for 16:9 for many games. Enable them in the game properties.
  • Memory cards: create a separate card per game (Folder memory card), so saves stay neatly separated.
  • Save space: convert .iso files to .chd; that’s much smaller.
  • Game not working properly? Try a different renderer first. The PCSX2 wiki lists what’s known for each game.