PCSX2

PCSX2

PCSX2 is a free and open-source PlayStation 2 emulator for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It allows users to play PS2 games on their computer by emulating the PS2 hardware and software environment.
PCSX2 image
emulator playstation-2 ps2 games open-source

PCSX2: Free PlayStation 2 Emulator for PC

A free and open-source emulator for playing PS2 games on Windows, Linux, and macOS, emulating the PS2 hardware and software environment.

What is PCSX2?

PCSX2 is an open-source PlayStation 2 emulator that allows users to play PS2 games on their Windows, Linux, or macOS computer. It emulates the PS2 hardware, including the CPU, graphics card, memory cards, controllers, etc. so that you can run PS2 game discs or ISO images on your PC.

Some key features of PCSX2 include:

  • High compatibility - Plays most PS2 games without major issues
  • Save states - Save your progress at any point to quickly resume
  • Enhancements - Higher resolutions, anti-aliasing, and texture filtering for improved graphics
  • Supports popular controllers like DualShock via USB
  • Completely free and open source

Setting up PCSX2 takes a bit more effort than other emulators but it is one of the best and most accurate PS2 emulators available. It can require a powerful computer for more demanding games. Development is ongoing by a community of contributors to improve compatibility and fix bugs.

Overall, PCSX2 is the top choice for playing PS2 games on a PC. From classics like Shadow of the Colossus to obscure Japanese RPGs, it helps breathe new life into one of gaming's most beloved consoles and its massive library.

PCSX2 Features

Features

  1. Emulate PS2 games on PC
  2. Upscale graphics to HD resolutions
  3. Save states
  4. Controller support
  5. Plugin system for customization

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Play PS2 games without a console

Enhanced graphics and higher resolutions

Free and open source

Active development and support

Cons

Requires a powerful PC for good performance

Not all games are fully compatible

Can be complicated to set up and configure


The Best PCSX2 Alternatives

Top Gaming Software and Playstation 2 Emulator and other similar apps like PCSX2


OpenEmu icon

OpenEmu

OpenEmu is an open source video game emulator for the Mac platform. It enables users to play classic games that were originally released for older game consoles and handheld gaming systems like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Game Boy, Sega Genesis, Sony PlayStation, and more.One...
OpenEmu image
AetherSX2 icon

AetherSX2

AetherSX2 is an open source PlayStation 2 emulator for Android devices. It enables Android users to play PS2 games on their phones or tablets. AetherSX2 is based on the PCSX2 emulator code, but has been optimized specifically for mobile devices.Some key features of AetherSX2 include:Compatibility with a wide range of...
AetherSX2 image
HPS2x64 icon

HPS2x64

HPS2x64 is an open-source PlayStation 2 emulator that allows users to play PS2 games on a 64-bit Windows PC. It utilizes the power of modern hardware to enhance the gameplay experience beyond what was possible on the original PS2 console.Some of the key features of HPS2x64 include:Upscaled high-definition graphics up...
HPS2x64 image
MultiEmulator icon

MultiEmulator

MultiEmulator is an open-source, multi-system emulator that allows you to emulate various retro game consoles, arcade machines, and computer systems on modern computers and mobile devices. It supports emulating multiple systems in one program, allowing you to switch between different emulated systems easily.Some of the systems MultiEmulator supports include Nintendo...
MultiEmulator image
DobieStation icon

DobieStation

DobieStation is an emerging open-source emulator for playing original PlayStation (PS1) games on Windows, Linux, and macOS personal computers. It emulates the hardware and software environment of the PS1 console, enabling users to enjoy classic PS1 game titles without needing the actual console.As an early-stage emulator project, DobieStation is still...
DobieStation image
Play! PS2 Emulator icon

Play! PS2 Emulator

Play! is an open-source PlayStation 2 emulator that allows users to play PS2 games on their Windows, Linux, and macOS computers. It is an actively developed emulator written in C++ that aims to emulate the PS2 hardware as accurately as possible.The project started in 2016 and has seen rapid progress,...
Play! PS2 Emulator image