PCSX2 review
A capable free PS2 emulator with broad graphics, save, controller, and recording options.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
PCSX2 pros and cons
- 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
PCSX2 fact sheet, pricing and score →
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