Emulation/PlayStation 2

The two major PlayStation 2 revisions.

About PlayStation 2

The PlayStation 2 was a very popular game console in the 2000's. As a result it has a large library of historically and culturally important titles.

PlayStation 2 Emulators

Official

Some models of PlayStation 3 used emulation software to play PlayStation 2 games after PlayStation 2 hardware was removed and before the feature was removed in later revisions.

PCSX2

The interface of PCSX2.

PCSX2 is the premiere PlayStation 2 emulator. It is open source and runs under Windows, Mac, and GNU/Linux. PCSX2 is pluginless, which helps maintainability and usability. PCSX2 supports Vulkan and OpenGL.

AetherSX2

Semi-open port of PCSX2 for Android devices. Free (gratis).

DobieStation

An open source and accuracy focused PlayStation 2 emulator. Very early in development as of 2021.

Play!

Open source high level emulator for traditional computers and mobile. Uses OpenGL or Vulkan. Does not require a PS2 BIOS for operation, but compatibility is lower then some other emulators.

System Files

The PlayStation 2 uses a BIOS, which emulators do not include. To use most PS2 emulators, one must dump a BIOS from a PlayStation 2 they own. There are some emulators which are able to run without a BIOS file.