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PCSX2

Free#16 of 35 in Game Console EmulatorsEmulator Software

PCSX2: A capable free PS2 emulator with broad graphics, save, controller, and recording options. Ranked #16 of 35 in Game Console Emulators by our editors (7.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for desktop PlayStation 2 emulation.

7.6/10Editor score
Visit PCSX2
PCSX27.6 Visit PCSX2

At a glance

  • Editor score
    7.6 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    Desktop PlayStation 2 emulation
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    Free
  • Supported console systems
    PlayStation 2
  • Facts checked
    20 Sep 2026
PCSX2 screenshot

  • Where it wins

    • Custom resolutions and graphics upscaling
    • Save states, memory cards, and game patching
    • Free, open-source builds for Windows, macOS, and Linux

  • Where it doesn't

    • Supports PlayStation 2 rather than multiple console systems
    • Requires a BIOS dump from an owned console
    • Requires legally obtained game discs or image files

Our verdict on PCSX2

PCSX2 is a free, open-source emulator for PlayStation 2 hardware on Windows, macOS, and Linux computers. It is aimed at users who want to run legally obtained PS2 games from discs or image files, using a BIOS dump from an owned console. The project focuses on desktop emulation and provides configurable graphics rendering, controller support, memory cards, save states, game patching, and internal video recording.

Graphics flexibility is a central strength. PCSX2 supports custom resolutions and graphics upscaling, giving users control over how PS2 games are rendered on desktop displays. Virtual and shareable memory cards help manage game saves, while save states provide another way to preserve progress. Controller mapping and input profiles add configuration options for different games or devices, and lossless internal video recording supports capturing gameplay from within the emulator.

The project is a focused choice rather than a broad multi-system emulator: its supported system is PlayStation 2. That narrow scope suits anyone specifically seeking PS2 emulation, while users looking for one application covering several console generations should consider a different category of tool. PCSX2 also requires the user to supply legally obtained game media and a BIOS dump from an owned console. Stable and continuously updated nightly builds are available, and the open-source license makes the project a practical fit for users who value inspectable software and ongoing desktop development.

Your product? Our editors can test PCSX2 in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

PCSX2 pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on pcsx2.net

PCSX2 fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromFree
Supported console systemsPlayStation 2
Desktop operating systemsCross-platform
NetplayNot verified
Graphics upscalingYes
Open sourceYes
License typeOpen-source
DeploymentDesktop
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
SupportCommunity, Docs
Built forSolo (editorial estimate)
PricingFree plan
Websitepcsx2.net
Facts checked20 Sep 2026

Alternatives to PCSX2

See all PCSX2 alternatives →

Also Ranked In

PCSX2 is ranked in 2 of our directories.

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Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — PCSX2 7.6/10

PCSX2 is listed in our Game Console Emulators directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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