Download PS2 BIOS Files for PCSX2 & AehterSX2 [Official]!
USA
Japan
Europe / PAL
China
Do you want to revisit your childhood memories of playing legendary games like God of War, Need for Speed Underground 2, and Shadow of the Colossus on PlayStation 2? But you need the PS2 BIOS because without it, you’ll get an error “BIOS files not found”. And you won’t be able to play the games. With the BIOS file completely set up along with your PS2 emulator, you can have an effortless gaming experience without any voice glitches or game lag issues.
Moreover, you can even play PS2 games on your mobile device and PC if you don’t have a PS2 controller. By the end of this article, you can easily download and set up PS2 BIOS on your device and troubleshoot common issues you might face during the process. So, let’s dive in.
Types of PS2 BIOS Versions
Did you know that the PS2 BIOS had multiple versions? Nope? It’s crucial to understand these types of BIOS versions so you can use the one compatible with your device the most. Now, these versions are different based on the region. There are a total of 4 versions for 4 regions (Japan, USA, Europe, China). If you use the Japanese version in China, it will not work.
1. USA (North America)
For the United States of America, Canada, and other North American regions, following are the go-to BIOS versions. You can experience an effortless gaming experience while using these versions if you’re somewhere in North America.
2. Japan
There are multiple versions available for the Japanese game titles. You’ll be able to play smoothly without any specific bugs that can only be fixed by downloading, and using the right version of the BIOS file. You’re already on the track!
3. Europe / PAL
Use any of the following versions when you’re playing European PS2 Games, testing multi-language game compatibility, or need better stability if you’re from a location in Europe or PAL (Phase Altering Line).
4. China
This one is region-locked with limited language, as it was sold specifically in China and Southeast Asia. It works efficiently with PCSX2, AetherSX2, and RetroArch. It has an output format of NTSC 60Hz. So, for Chinese PS2 enthusiasts, following versions are to go with.
What is PS2 BIOS?
PS2 BIOS feels like a breath of fresh air for those who don’t have a PlayStation 2 console, yet they wanna play PS2 games. Basically, PS2 BIOS (PlayStation 2 Basic Input/Output System) is an essential file that controls system settings, handles region locking, loads game discs, and boots the system before the game even starts. When you switch on the PS2, this is the first file that starts working right away.
For PS1 Bios downloads, You may check this
Why Does Emulation Require a PS2 BIOS File?
If you’re wondering, why isn’t an emulator enough to run the games smoothly? Here’s the answer for your confusion: Because emulators, i.e., PCSX2 (for PC), AetherSX2 (for Android), can’t function without a BIOS file. The BIOS file is more like an engine for the PS2 console because it’s developed by Sony, and emulator developers can’t include it in the emulator by default. Hence, without it, you can’t play games on PlayStation 2.
As you already know that without choosing the right BIOS for your region, you can’t play the majority of DVDs or games. The BIOS file contains specific keys, and make sure the emulator (whichever you’re using) perfectly mimics the original console security checks.
Most of the games depend on the PS2 BIOS file to set their graphics, time, date, sound settings, and video quality.
How To Use PS2 BIOS On PC, Android & iOS?
In this section, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to downloading the PS2 BIOS file and starting to play the games you love. Whether you’re downloading it on Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS, the process stays almost the same.
1. Download the right version
First off, you have to download the respective version of PS2 BIOS depending on the region you’re currently living in. Then, save it in the location that is easier to find (it’s up to you).
2. Extract the BIOS file
Now, you’ll have to extract the zip files through software applications, i.e., WinRAR, 7Zip (for Windows/macOS), ZArchiver (for Android), and iZip for iOS. You can even do it with the already built-in extractors. After doing this, the file’s name will be something like: scph10000.bin, ROM1.BIN, NVM.DAT, etc.
3. Place the file in a folder
With respect to your device, you’ll have different emulators, i.e., PCSX2 for Windows, AetherSX2 for Android, and RetroArch or Play! For iOS. So, the process of moving the file to the correct location will differ from one another. So, here are the steps for each device:
4. Test the BIOS Setup
Launch your emulator after applying these changes and see if the BIOS file is installed correctly. To confirm it, check whether it’s booting to the PS2 BIOS screen or system menu.
If everything is fine, y`all are set to crush it in the games and enjoy!
Top Emulators That Support PS2 BIOS (Windows, iOS, Android)
Here are some of the best emulators that support PS2 BIOS and are compatible with Windows, iOS, and Android as well.
1. PCSX2 for Windows
2. Play! For Windows and iOS
3. AetherSX2 for Android
4. DamonPS2 for Android
5. RetroArch for iOS (Advanced Users Only)
How to Download PlayStation 2 Emulators for PC, Android, and iOS?
If you’re someone aspiring to play PS2 games, but you don’t have any idea about PS2 emulators for PC, PS2 emulator Android, etc. Don’t worry, here’s the solution for you. We have compiled a step-by-step guide for PC gamers, Android users, and iOS users.
PCSX2 Setup Guide For PC
Follow these steps to download the most recommended PS2 emulator for PC, i.e., PCSX2.
1. Go to the official website of PCSX2.
2. On the homepage, click on Latest Stable or Latest Nightly and download the software according to your device..
3. Once the downloading is done, install the emulator by following the instructions given on the screen.
4. Launch PCSX2.
5. Configure the emulator by selecting the BIOS folder and controller settings.
AetherSX2 Setup Guide For Android
AetherSX2 is considered to be the most suitable for Android. Here’s how you can download it:
1. Search “aesthersx2” on Google.
2. Download the latest APK file from one of the results on the Google results page.
3. Install it on your mobile device (you might have to allow installation from unknown sources in your device settings).
4. Now, launch the app.
5. Set up the BIOS file and the game directory.
RetroArch Setup Guide For iOS
While downloading a PS2 emulator on iOS, keep in mind that this activity isn’t officially supported by iOS, unlike PC or Android. For iOS, there are a few options, but RetroArch is the stable among all. So, let’s take a look at this.
1. Install AltStore on your iPhone (as required to install unofficial apps on iPhone).
2. Download the RetroArch IPA file from the official website.
3. Install it via AltStore on your iOS device.
4. Load your BIOS and games.
How To Extract BIOS From A PS2 Console (If You Have One)?
If you have your original PlayStation 2, then you can create your own BIOS dump. This is the most reliable and legal method if you are using your own hardware. Let’s take a look at some must-have tools:
Must-Have Tools and Cables
1. A PS2 console
2. A USB flash drive (FAT32 formatted)
3. Homebrew software like wLaunchELF
4. A BIOS dumper program.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide that you should follow for extracting the PS2 BIOS from your own console to use with your emulator.
This method ensures that you have a clean and compatible BIOS file straight from your own console.
Common Errors You Might Face While Setting It Up
It’s completely normal to face some technical issues while setting up the whole system from scratch. The thing is, don’t let them get on your nerves, and learn to troubleshoot the issues with patience.
We can’t list down all of them here, butthe top 6 most common issues and the method to troubleshoot them are listed below:
1. BIOS File Not Found
Reason: Your emulator isn’t able to locate the BIOS file, or the file you have downloaded is corrupted.
Here’s how to fix:
1. Double-check if you have extracted the .zip file properly (and make sure it’s not compressed).
2. Make sure the BIOS file is placed in the correct folder. For example, PCSX2: Documents → PCSX2 → BIOS
3. Go to emulator settings > manually select the BIOS directory and click “Refresh list”.
4. Make sure your PS2 BIOS file is around 4MB in size and a clean format such as scph-1001.bin.
2. Incompatible Region
Reason: Most of the gamers aren’t educated about region-specific versions, so they might be using a BIOS file from one region, i.e., China, while trying to operate the game from a different region, i.e., Europe.
Here’s how to fix:
1. Double-check if your BIOS region matches your game ISO region. For example, if it’s supposed to be the USA, it should be NTSC-U, NTSC-J for Japan, PAL for Europe, etc.
2. If it doesn’t match your region, download the correct version of the PS2 BIOS file.
Tip: Try to use clean game backups when possible.
3. Emulator Keeps Crashing After Launch
Reason: The causes vary in this case. It might be a corrupted or incomplete BIOS file, an unsupported ISO, or bad graphics settings.
Here’s how to fix:
1. Relaunch the BIOS alone to check if it boots; don’t load a game for now.
2. If it doesn’t work, you must delete and re-download the BIOS file.
3. You can also lower your emulator’s graphics settings, like:
a) Use Software Mode in PCSX2 for testing.
b) If using a PS2 BIOS Android, minimize the resolution or toggle “Safe Defaults”.
4. Check if your device meets the minimum system requirements.
4. Controller Not Working
Reason: Your emulator might not be demanding the controller, or maybe it hasn’t been configured in the settings. This could also happen if the drivers are missing or outdated.
Here’s how to fix:
1. Check if your controller is properly connected to your PC or mobile device.
2. For PC users, go to Config > Controllers > Plugin Settings in PCSX2 and then select your controller.
3. Map all the buttons and enable analog mode if needed.
4. Update your controller’s drivers and restart the emulator after changes.
5. PCSX2 Slow Motion Issue
Reason: This usually happens when your device’s hardware isn’t powerful enough, or the emulator settings are too demanding for your system.
Here’s how to fix:
1. Lower the resolution in video settings.
2. Switch to Software Mode for testing.
3. Disable unnecessary graphics like anti-aliasing.
4. Make sure your PC meets PCSX2’s minimum requirements.
6. Error: “This Is Not A Valid PS2 BIOS.”
Reason: You might face this error because the BIOS file is either incomplete, corrupted, or not an actual PS2 BIOS file.
Here’s how to fix:
1. Verify the BIOS file size, and it should be around 4MB for a complete dump.
2. Then make sure the file names look correct.
3. Re-download or re-dump the BIOS file from your own PS2 console.
4. Before loading it in the emulator, ensure the file is not compressed in a .zip or .rar archive.
How To Use A PS4 Controller With a PS2 BIOS?
Imagine how enjoyable it would be to play on PS2 games without having the console, and if you have a PS4 controller already. There isn’t any deadly combo like this. Without dragging further, we’ll guide you on how you can use your PS4 controller with the PS2 BIOS.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Final Thoughts For You
So, now you can easily play your favourite games from PS2 by downloading this PS2 BIOS with the right version, along with a suitable PS2 emulator BIOS for your device. This article has touched on every point you need to have a seamless gaming experience without the Sony PlayStation 2 console (a lost, forgotten gem). Keep playing, keep rocking!