Download PCSX2 Emulator v2.6.3 (2026)
PCSX2 is the most popular PlayStation 2 emulator on desktop today, offering 90% performance similarity to the original console that supports the x86 architecture. by providing many features that you can activate to optimize your gaming experience.
Screenshot PCSX2 (HD)
PCSX2 GamePlay
Winlator main interface view
PES 2017
Smooth 60 FPS while playing PES 2017
One Piece Pirate Warrior 3
High quality graphics and smooth gameplay!
What is PCSX2?
PCSX2 is a free and open-source PlayStation 2 (PS2) emulator for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Unlike simple Android wrappers, PCSX2 replicates the original console's hardware directly on your PC. It enables features impossible on the original console, such as 4K resolution upscaling, texture filtering, and instant save states.
PCSX2 Features
Explore the core capabilities that make Winlator the best choice for emulation.
Massive Game Library
PCSX2 Emulator Can run almost all PS2 console games smoothly and stably. PCSX2 has compatibility with up to tens of thousands of supported games and is continuously added and updated if there are bugs in the games run on the PCSX2 Emulator.
Graphics & Resolution Enhancement
PCSX2 Emulator Has a graphic processing feature to create a better resolution in games than those on the PS2 console. Features in PCSX2 Emulator such as internal resolution scaling, anti-aliasing, and texture filtering can make games look sharper, clearer, and more detailed on your device's screen.
Save State Feature
Just like other popular emulators, PCSX2 has a Save State feature that allows you to save your game progress without having to restart from the beginning. This feature is also useful for continuing difficult mission parts of the game and can replay the scene if you want.
Gamepad & Keyboard Support
PCSX2 supports a variety of external hardware input devices, such as keyboards and mice, as well as modern gamepad controllers. You can also configure each controller's button functions to your preferences, and it also supports vibration.
Virtual Memory Card Support
To save game data, PCSX2 uses virtual memory cards that function like real memory cards found in Playstation 2 consoles. You can also create multiple virtual memory cards, manage save files, and transfer them between other devices.
Cheat Code Support
PCSX2 also supports cheat codes for games that support the PNACH format. These cheat codes can make things easier for you, such as providing unlimited ammo, invulnerability, or unlocking hidden content. You can add and manage them in the PCSX2 emulator settings.
Customizable Performance Settings
PCSX2 offers a variety of features to optimize PS2 emulation performance, tailored to your hardware specifications. Features like VU Cycle Stealing, EE Cyclerate, emulation presets, and advanced graphics settings allow you to fine-tune performance to match your game and hardware.
Multi-Format Support (ISO/CSO)
PCSX2 emulator supports various game disc formats such as ISO, DVD and compressed formats such as CSO.
Gameplay Recording
PCSX2 Emulator provides tools to record screen or take screenshots with third-party applications in games, providing high-quality images or videos.
Cross-Platform (Win/Lin/Mac)
PCSX2 supports almost all desktop operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and macOS, provided the architecture used must be x86. This provides broad OS support for users to be able to play PS2 games on various desktop platforms.
Custom Post-FX Shaders
You can enable the post-processing shader feature to improve the game's graphics appearance beyond the original. This feature can improve effects like color, image sharpening, CRT simulation (scanlines), and many other features, allowing you to customize the game's visual quality.
Turbo / Fast Forward
The Fast Forward feature speeds up gameplay, which is especially useful for skipping long cutscenes or repetitive, grinding sections. You can also adjust the turbo speed to suit your needs.
Auto Game Configuration
PCSX2 uses an internal data repository (called GameINI or GameDB) that stores both game data and custom saves. PCSX2 can also automatically select the best configuration for a particular game when running, making things easier for novice users.
Accessory Plugin System
PCSX2 also supports custom external PlayStation 2 hardware inputs other than keyboard/mouse, such as the DualShock 2 with vibration and analog buttons, the GunCon (mouse-enabled), the Dance Pad for DDR, the Buzz! controller, the SingStar microphone, and a racing wheel with force feedback. PCSX2 supports these through input plugins, so you can play like you would on a real PS2 console.
CPU Overclocking
PCSX2 also features a Virtual CPU Overclocking/Underclocking feature (Emotion Engine) that adjusts the EE speed. Overclocking can improve performance in demanding games, but requires a high-end PC and carries the risk of bugs. Underclocking reduces the workload, making it suitable for lower-end PCs or for overclocked games. You can enable this feature in Settings → Emulation Settings → EE Cycle Rate.
Online Network Play
PCSX2 has a plugin called DEV9 that provides network connectivity, simulating a PS2 network connection. While most games don't support this feature, the PCSX2 emulator at least supports games that require an internet connection, utilizing a configurable LAN connection.
Game Fixes & Mods
The PCSX2 developers and community often provide patches or custom tools to improve performance and fix issues in certain games. PCSX2 also supports modding, such as changing textures, skin definitions, colors, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions PCSX2
Other Articles
Download PS2 BIOS For PCSX2 Emulator
PS2 BIOS is an important tool to run playstation 2 emulation on PCSX2 Emulator with several variants …
How To Install PCSX2 Emulator
PCSX2 is a popular PS2 emulator on the desktop especially for x86 architecture, supporting various …
Download PCSX2 Emulator for Android, Windows, Linux, Mac and iOS
PCSX2 is a popular PlayStation 2 emulator currently on the desktop, offering improved and stable …
Popular Games on PCSX2
Devil May Cry 3
Devil May Cry 3 is an action game that you can play on the PCSX2 Emulator and was released in 2005 by Capcom. You will be taken on an adventure with …
