How to emulate PlayStation 2 on your PC
(Windows-Only Guide)

Important Links:

• PCSX2 Official site: http://www.pcsx2.net/
• PCSX2 Buildbot (for the most recent, but unsupported PC builds): http://buildbot.orphis.net/pcsx2/
• PCSX2 Official English Setup Guide: http://forums.pcsx2....on-guide-v0-9-7
• PCSX2 Configuration for Low-End PCs: http://forums.pcsx2....for-low-end-PCs

Table of Contents

1. System Requirements
2. Installation / Configuration
3. Troubleshooting
4. FAQ, Changelog, & Credits

Part 1: System Requirements
(Credit to PCSX2 Forum article "Will PCSX2 run fast on my computer?" Please refer to that thread if you're unsure about your own CPU.)

Note: These "Recommended" requirements presume maximum compatibility at closest to native speeds. Compliance with these requirements will usually give you plenty of flexibility to use higher-than-native resolution settings and other features (advanced sound settings, etc). PCSX2 will play most games on far less hardware; please refer to the link "PCSX2 Configuration for Low-End PCs" if you are having problems running PCSX2 on less-than-recommended specs.

Recommended CPUs:

• Intel Core 2 Duo / Core i3 @ 3.2Ghz or faster
• Intel Core i5 / i7 @ 2.66Ghz or faster
• AMD Phenom II / Athlon II (X2, X3, X4, X6) @ 3.4Ghz or faster

Recommended Graphics:


Ideally, DirectX9 or better graphics will be okay if your CPU is fast enough.

• Nvidia Geforce 9600GT / 8800GT or better
• ATI Radeon 4750 or better

Other requirements:


These are my recommended requirements, but the bare minimum requirements are a bit lower.

• Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7
• 2GB System RAM (4GB for 64-bit systems)
• DVD-ROM drive to read PlayStation 2 game discs
• USB-compatible game controller

Part 2: Installation & Configuration

There are two ways you can install and configure PCSX2. The "stable" installer (recommended); or the latest build from SVN (the Buildbot link at the top has the latest builds precompiled for Windows).
If you've never used PCSX2 before, I'd highly recommend going to the official site and using the full installer for the stable build first. Please remember that you usually won't get help for the most recent builds on their official forum.

Installation summary modified from the Official Configuration Guide.

1) Download the new PCSX2 v0.9.8 HERE.
2) PCSX2 comes in 3 flavors, full installer, web installer and binary. Full installer has the DirectX web installer bundled, web installer optionally downloads it from the internet, and binary is only the program with the plugins. Download the one you prefer or if you don't know which, the full installer.
3) Run the installer (if you downloaded the installer) or if you downloaded binary open the archive and extract its contents into a folder. (e.g. CCSX2)
4) Run pcsx2.exe which is in the folder you installed or extracted the files.

Spoiler: When you first run PCSX2, you should see this dialogue box:

System Default should be the primary language you use on your computer, you shouldn't need to change this.

The next screen is the most complicated part of setup, the Plugin configuration wizard.

Spoiler: The first three plugins in this Window are probably the only ones you'll need to touch.

Spoiler: 1. The first plugin is "GS".

If you have an Intel CPU, try using the SSE4.1 plugin first. If you have an AMD CPU, you will have to use the default SSE2 plugin.
After selecting the appropriate GS plugin and clicking the "Configure" button to its right, you will be able to adjust options specific to that plugin such as DirectX version and resolution.
I typically enable "Blend bff" interlacing on my high end system.

Spoiler: 2. The second plugin is "PAD".

Lilypad is the default plugin for configuring input devices and has a lot of options. In these screens I'm configuring an XBOX 360 controller, but many others will work, see the FAQ for more info about other controllers.

Spoiler: 3. The third plugin is "SPU2".

After configuring those, you may continue the wizard which will ask you to select a BIOS to use. If you have placed a bios file in the bios sub-folder it should show up automatically.
The original "SCPH10000" should not be used - it is best to use the most recent BIOS for your preferred region if possible.

Spoiler: BIOS Selection Screen

After that, you are done with the basic setup.


There is a little more you may do to improve performance before you run any games; enable speedhacks & fine-tune emulation window settings.

Spoiler: Speedhacks and Window Settings

Note: MTVU Speedhack is only available in the most recent builds and is not present in 0.9.8!

Lastly, you should be ready to run a game.

Spoiler: Here is an example of me loading my back-up of Final Fantasy X.

Optional/Advanced: Cheats

• Official PCSX2 Forum Cheats Guide - This explains the cheat code format.
• Official PCSX2 Forum Patch Thread - This is a user-contributed index of verified patches.

PCSX2 includes support for raw cheat codes, but that means you can't just add any code straight from the web. You will have to create a properly formatted file for every individual game you want cheats applied to. Rydian had this helpful information to provide:

As for converting cheats, I've found the use of two utilities in tandem to do it for me. First Omniconvert like you said will convert any code I've seen into raw/unencrypted, and then you can stick those decrypted codes into the PCSX2 Cheat Converter to have them put in the right syntax for you to copy-paste into your patch files. This way I can just go grab codes from many online sites... though it seems the only ones that are trustworthy (that is, don't just have 12 year olds copy-pasting each other's codes and actually post the right versioning and region most of the time) are these.

http://gamehacking.org/?s=bsfree2
http://cheats.codetwink.com/

Part 3: Troubleshooting
One of the most common problems with this emulator is failure to launch.
If you have errors regarding missing DLL's or unsupported commands, please make sure to use the full installer for PCSX2; that will make sure you have the proper DirectX libraries installed. Even Windows 7 may not have some of them preinstalled.
Also, run Windows Update to make sure your .NET frameworks are all fully updated.
Some errors are caused by not having installed Visual C++ libraries as well, this can also be remedied, by installing Visual C++ runtime components.



Part 4: FAQ & Other Resources
Q: Where can I find a list of compatible games?
A: http://pcsx2.net/compat.php?c=key

Q: I seem to be missing the BIOS? How do I get that?
A: Unfortunately due to the forum rules I can't solve that problem for you.

Q: Does it work with any controller?
A: The input plugin LilyPad is highly configurable for any controller that works in your PC. I have it set up with a wired XBOX 360 controller. Rydian suggests getting an inexpensive USB adapter for the official PS2 controller such as this one from Amazon. It is also possible to set up a PS3 controller using special drivers (see MotionInJoy).

Q: Does it emulate PSX / PSone games?
A: No, it doesn't- at least, it's not ideal/optimized for this. I recommend the well documented & supported ePSXe for PSX / PSone emulation.

Q: There are so many different configuration options, can you help me out?
A: Unfortunately, configuration is very system-specific, in most cases you will be better off looking to the Official Configuration & Official 0.9.6/0.9.7 FAQ and learning what applies to your machine.

Q: How do I figure out if I meet the system requirements?
A: I suggest getting the freeware program CPU-Z from CPUID, running it, and using the "Validate" option to generate a shareable web-based factsheet about the components of your computer. The page it generates can be very helpful to others if you need to figure out why you may be experiencing problems.

Q: I have installed the official release, what are the advantages to installing the most recent builds?
A: In the late summer, a speedhack that provides support across more than 2 threads/cores was introduced into the builds (It is called MTVU support). You may experience increased performance with a 3-or-higher core CPU by trying out a more recent build. Furthermore, SVN builds have the most up-to-date gamefixes.

Q: Can I have the official and the latest build installed at the same time?
A: Yes, if you have the official build installed and working, you could create a seperate folder to run a more recent build to test the modifications to PCSX2 since the 0.9.7/0.9.8 stable releases.

Q: Swapping PS2 discs is pretty inconvenient, can I back them up to my computer and run the image in PCSX2?
A: Yes, I would recommend a utility such as ImgBurn to create an ISO backup of your games.

Q: Can I import my PS2 memory card saves onto my computer (and vice versa)?
A: Yes, depending on what hardware you have. Check out mymc, a PS2 Memory Card Image Utility.



Changelog:
01/23/2012 - Updated a detail in the FAQ for accuracy.
10/25/2011 - Added another link regarding cheats/patches.
10/22/2011 - More details added, moved Cheats info from FAQ to its own subsection, changed installation instructions to refer to 0.9.8, improved formatting a little.
10/21/2011 - Added screenshots and fleshed out the configuration section of the guide
10/19/2011 - Initial Draft



Credits:
Raiser for information about PS3 controller drivers.
Rydian for additional information about cheats.

 

[Raiser]

Great guide so far.

Note that 0.9.8 was out a while ago and, to my knowledge, is the latest "stable" build. Why they have it on a different page than the aging 0.9.7 is a mystery to me.

Also, to those that read this:
Just because a certain configuration works best for someone else does not mean it will also work best for you. It may take a while to achieve your 'ideal' configuration, but it's definitely worth the time and effort!

EDIT: The above guide pretty much applies to 0.9.8 and SVN builds (as of now). It's highly advised that if you are using 0.9.7 (or any older build for that matter) and you are having problems even with a number of different configurations, try using a more recent version or build. Each stable build tends to be a massive step up from the previous builds.

 

[Satangel]

I've done this about a year ago to play God of War and DQ VIII. Completed the last game, I'm still working on the first one.
It already worked superb back then, you had to configure a shitload of things though (especially plug-ins). I recommend that you visit their forums and ask your questions there, they are very willing to help you. When configured right (and with the more recent releases) it should work fantastically.

 

[exangel]

Note that 0.9.8 was out a while ago and, to my knowledge, is the latest "stable" build. Why they have it on a different page than the aging 0.9.7 is a mystery to me.
...
The above guide pretty much applies to 0.9.8 and SVN builds (as of now). It's highly advised that if you are using 0.9.7 (or any older build for that matter) and you are having problems even with a number of different configurations, trying using a more recent version or build. Each stable build tends to be a massive step up from the previous builds.

I agree and I personally use the latest builds from the buildbot. A lot of the documentation applies to 0.9.8 and newer builds, that's true. I just felt that referring to the most thoroughly documented build would help avoid confusion for some people new to the emulator.

I've done this about a year ago to play God of War and DQ VIII. Completed the last game, I'm still working on the first one.
It already worked superb back then, you had to configure a shitload of things though (especially plug-ins). I recommend that you visit their forums and ask your questions there, they are very willing to help you. When configured right (and with the more recent releases) it should work fantastically.

Their forum is great and most of the questions I had were already asked by other people, so I never even had to consult them to get my stuff working. But I did see an occasional stern word to people asking for help with the most recent (unsupported) builds.

 

[Cyan]

Thanks for that guide

Maybe it should be better in the "Other consoles>PS2" forum, or even the "General Tutorial and Faqs".
Both are fine, but I think PS2 forum is more appropriate than general computer. What do you think?


Anyway, I never used PCSX2, I should give it a try.
I'm wondering if I can extract my saves from real console to continue on PCSX2 (but I don't see why it shouldn't work). I have few tools I could try to convert them.
If possible (I know it's bad), I would like to apply cheat to one of my game, it's making me crazy, I start thinking the game is buggy as its difficulty is random. (I tried 3 different action replays, but it didn't work on my modchip'd console).
The cheat engine use a specific format, or is compatible with all AR type? (Game shark, code breaker,ARmax). I'll see when I'll try it.

 

[exangel]

Thanks for that guide

Maybe it should be better in the "Other consoles>PS2" forum, or even the "General Tutorial and Faqs".
Both are fine, but I think PS2 forum is more appropriate than general computer. What do you think?


Anyway, I never used PCSX2, I should give it a try.
I'm wondering if I can extract my saves from real console to continue on PCSX2 (but I don't see why it shouldn't work). I have few tools I could try to convert them.
If possible (I know it's bad), I would like to apply cheat to one of my game, it's making me crazy, I start thinking the game is buggy as its difficulty is random. (I tried 3 different action replays, but it didn't work on my modchip'd console).
The cheat engine use a specific format, or is compatible with all AR type? (Game shark, code breaker,ARmax). I'll see when I'll try it.

I'm not sure that this should be moved to the other forum since it does require a computer to work. But I don't mind if you move it.

The cheat engine uses a raw format but there are some utilities to convert AR codes for it - http://www.herrvillain.com/omniconvert/

You can probably copy memory card data using mymc if you have a common type of reader/converter - http://www.csclub.uwaterloo.ca:11068/mymc/index.html

 

[Cyan]

Thanks for these tools, I didn't have them.

 

[Raiser]

I'm wondering if I can extract my saves from real console to continue on PCSX2 (but I don't see why it shouldn't work). I have few tools I could try to convert them.

This is most certainly possible. It may require the use of a PS3 and purchasing of a particular adapter though.
Take a look:
http://www.amazon.ca/GTMax-Memory-Card-Adapter-Sony/dp/B004529C7Q

Reason being: the USB ports on PS2s are pretty much useless and, as far as I know, cannot communicate with PCs in any way.
With the adapter, you insert your PS2 memory card into the easily identifiable slot, connect the USB to a PS3 USB port, extract the save files to some sort of flash drive, and then import them into PCSX2. It's as simple as it sounds.
After extracting the saves, you do not need the adapter or the PS3 again unless you intend to transfer save files again (so if you don't have a PS3, you should be able to just use a friend's).

This is the method I used and have had absolutely no problems.

 

[The_Dragons_Mast]

Actually you don't need a ps3 at all . As long as you can launch .elf files you can get a codebreaker elf (I am not sure of their legality so won't post the one I got) & use it to backup the saves to a pen drive . You then convert them with mymc & use them for the emulator .

 

[Cyan]

You can extract savegame from PS2 using the USB ports.
It involves either an action replay (usually encypted format), like Action Replay MAX , or Code breaker allow file management over an usb FAT32 drive, or using uLaunchElf homebrew (it's a RAW file browser, the the save files are listed as is, they need to be extracted/renamed as they contains FAT32 incompatible characters.)

 

[Raiser]

Ah, I see. Thanks for the heads up.
I remember reading into this a while back, and using AR or Code Breaker is definitely one of the methods I came across.
I guess I've always been much too lazy to get a hold of either of them unfortunately.

 

[exangel]

As much as I hate to bump a topic, I am bumping this only to inform that I've basically edited the guide for "final" draft. If a mod would like to move this to the tutorials section that would be all right.

 

[Cyan]

Thanks for adding the configuration part

I'll try the emu today.


I have another question:
In the joypad plugin configuration, I see a "Dual shock 3 native mode" grey'ed option.
Is it used when connecting a PS3 joypad to PC?

I never used my PS3 controller on my computer, but I guess it requires either bluetooth or USB?



I'll try to move the topic as sticky on PS2, and remove it to guide while keeping redirection to have it in both forum.

 

[Raiser]

I have another question:
In the joypad plugin configuration, I see a "Dual shock 3 native mode" grey'ed option.
Is is used when connecting a PS3 joypad to PC?

I never used my PS3 controller on my computer, but I guess it requires either bluetooth or USB?

I am not sure about what native mode actually does, but yes, a PS3 controller can be used with PCSX2 through Bluetooth or USB.
If you are interested, check out MotioninJoy.

 

[Rydian]

• One of your spoilers seems to be broken.
  
• You should add a note that the first BIOS version (SCPH10000) should not be used, you should try using the last BIOS version for your region. For the US it appears to be 1.60 or "39001" (07/02/2002), for EU it appears to be 2.00 or "V12" (14/06/2004)... at least, those are the latest I could find and confirm. Not sure on Japan's versioning.
  
• And personally I recommend using an actual PS2 controller with an adapter (the adapters are like $5 on amazon and need no special drivers or anything) if a person doesn't have a controller that's styled like a PS2/360 one.
  
• As for converting cheats, I've found the use of two utilities in tandem to do it for me. First omniconvert like you said will convert any code I've seen into raw/unencrypted, and then you can stick those decrypted codes into the PCSX2 Cheat Converter to have them put in the right syntax for you to copy-paste into your patch files. This way I can just go grab codes from many online sites... though it seems the only ones that are trustworthy (that is, don't just have 12 year olds copy-pasting each other's codes and actually post the right versioning and region most of the time) are these.
  http://gamehacking.org/?s=bsfree2
  http://cheats.codetwink.com/
  
• I've been using the stable 0.9.8, but somebody on the forums suggested I try the SVN builds to use the moar-corez hack, going to give that a run now and will report back on if it was a noticeable increase or not for my CPU (C2Q Q8400).

EDIT: http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Question-on-CPU-EE-usage
Doesn't look like it's working for my situation, it causes slowdown instead.

 

[exangel]

• One of your spoilers seems to be broken.
• You should add a note that the first BIOS version (SCPH10000) should not be used, you should try using the last BIOS version for your region. For the US it appears to be 1.60 or "39001" (07/02/2002), for EU it appears to be 2.00 or "V12" (14/06/2004)... at least, those are the latest I could find and confirm. Not sure on Japan's versioning.
• And personally I recommend using an actual PS2 controller with an adapter (the adapters are like $5 on amazon and need no special drivers or anything) if a person doesn't have a controller that's styled like a PS2/360 one.
• As for converting cheats, I've found the use of two utilities in tandem to do it for me. First omniconvert like you said will convert any code I've seen into raw/unencrypted, and then you can stick those decrypted codes into the PCSX2 Cheat Converter to have them put in the right syntax for you to copy-paste into your patch files. This way I can just go grab codes from many online sites... though it seems the only ones that are trustworthy (that is, don't just have 12 year olds copy-pasting each other's codes and actually post the right versioning and region most of the time) are these.
  
  http://gamehacking.org/?s=bsfree2
  http://cheats.codetwink.com/
• I've been using the stable 0.9.8, but somebody on the forums suggested I try the SVN builds to use the moar-corez hack, going to give that a run now and will report back on if it was a noticeable increase or not for my CPU (C2Q Q8400).

EDIT: http://forums.pcsx2....on-CPU-EE-usage
Doesn't look like it's working for my situation, it causes slowdown instead.

• I don't see any broken spoilers on it. I didn't intend to hide every single screenshot (if you're referring to the screenshot of the configuration window). I did that to imply the quote that has screenshots of 3 of the plugin configuration windows belongs to it, in a visual sense. If you have a more intuitive way of doing this let me know.
• Right-o, will fix
• I never implied any controller is "best" for this, and don't want to change the section on configuring Lilypad but I'll add your suggestion to the FAQ
• Thank you for helping me clear up that info on cheats
• I intend to adjust the guide to remove references to 0.9.7 in my next revision, but keep in mind I will prefer to be concise and avoid overcomplicating things. This does remind me that I need to make note of the Speedhacks screenshot including the MTVU option not being available in the Stable builds yet.

Thank you Rydian

 

[Ericthegreat]

Thank you guys this got me running pcsx2 without lag.

 

[ShineroDark]

CPU Arch : 1 CPU - 2 Cores - 2 Threads
CPU PSN : AMD C-60 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
CPU EXT : MMX(+), SSE (1, 2, 3, 3S, 4A), x86-64, AMD-V
CPUID : F.2.0 / Extended : 14.2
CPU Cache : L1 : 2 x 32 / 2 x 32 KB - L2 : 2 x 512 KB
Core : (0 nm) / Stepping : ???

Freq : 811.21 MHz (202.8 * 8)


MB Brand : Acer
MB Model : JE10-BZ
NB : AMD ID1510 rev 00
SB : AMD SB800 rev 40

GPU Type : AMD Radeon HD 6290 Graphics
DirectX Version : 11.0

RAM : 4096 MB DDR3
RAM Speed : 540.8 MHz (3:16) @ 7-7-7-20
Slot 1 : 4096MB (10700)
Slot 1 Manufacturer : Micron Technology

This isnt good enough is it?

 

[NES SNES V.B. N64 G.C. Wii WiiU]

CPU Arch : 1 CPU - 2 Cores - 2 Threads
CPU PSN : AMD C-60 APU with Radeon HD Graphics
CPU EXT : MMX(+), SSE (1, 2, 3, 3S, 4A), x86-64, AMD-V
CPUID : F.2.0 / Extended : 14.2
CPU Cache : L1 : 2 x 32 / 2 x 32 KB - L2 : 2 x 512 KB
Core : (0 nm) / Stepping : ???

Freq : 811.21 MHz (202.8 * 8)


MB Brand : Acer
MB Model : JE10-BZ
NB : AMD ID1510 rev 00
SB : AMD SB800 rev 40

GPU Type : AMD Radeon HD 6290 Graphics
DirectX Version : 11.0

RAM : 4096 MB DDR3
RAM Speed : 540.8 MHz (3:16) @ 7-7-7-20
Slot 1 : 4096MB (10700)
Slot 1 Manufacturer : Micron Technology

This isnt good enough is it?

Most likely the emulator will run quite slowly.

 

[ShineroDark]

oh wells i guess Ill go back to reading books thankyou