# Best PlayStation 2 emulator: PCSX2, the Gold Cartridge pick

Page: https://whichemulator.wtf/ps2/ · Reference: WEM-PS2-DUTU

The Ask API at `GET https://whichemulator.wtf/ask` answers questions from the same data as this page, and it is the only place the setup steps are published. It takes `q` (the question, 3 to 500 characters) and an optional `page` (a local path such as `/ps2/`). It returns JSON `{answer, consoles, sources, follow_ups}`, or Markdown when the request sends `Accept: text/markdown`. No key; 30 requests a minute per IP. Guide: https://whichemulator.wtf/skill.md

Sony PlayStation 2, Sony, 2000. best-selling console ever made.

## Recommended: PCSX2

whichemulator.wtf calls its recommendation for each system the Gold Cartridge pick. For the PlayStation 2, the Gold Cartridge pick is PCSX2.

Over twenty years of work and it shows. Runs the vast majority of the library at full speed, upscales cleanly, and its game database quietly applies the right fixes per game.

Runs on Windows · Mac · Linux. Open source. Download: https://pcsx2.net

**BIOS required:** PCSX2 needs a BIOS dumped from a PS2 you own. The setup wizard tells you where to point it.

## Alternatives

- [Play!](https://purei.org) (Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iOS, open source): No BIOS needed and runs almost anywhere, including iOS. Compatibility is well behind PCSX2.
- [AetherSX2](https://www.aethersx2.com) (Android, closed source): Built on PCSX2 code for Android. Development stopped years ago but it still runs well on a decent phone.

## RetroArch cores

- LRPS2: PCSX2 fork for libretro · Win, Mac, Linux
- Play!: lower compatibility, broader reach

standalone PCSX2 is the easier, more complete experience

## Hardware

- CPU: Emotion Engine
- GPU: Graphics Synthesizer
- Resolution: 640×448 (up to 1080i)
- Media: DVD / CD
- Library: ~4,000 games

## Notes

### Why it took 20 years

The Emotion Engine leans on two vector units that games programmed directly, and the Graphics Synthesizer had enormous memory bandwidth that developers used for fog, blur and bloom. Reproducing that on a PC GPU is the hard part.

### Upscaling artefacts

If you see lines or misaligned bloom at higher resolutions, drop back to native for that game. The game database already handles most of these.

## Support the developers

- [GitHub Sponsors](https://github.com/sponsors/PCSX2)
- [Star on GitHub](https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2)

## Questions the Ask API answers

- [Which PlayStation 2 emulator should I use on Android?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+PlayStation+2+emulator+should+I+use+on+Android%3F&page=%2Fps2%2F&via=page)
- [Which RetroArch core should I use for the PlayStation 2?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+RetroArch+core+should+I+use+for+the+PlayStation+2%3F&page=%2Fps2%2F&via=page)
- [Does PlayStation 2 emulation need a BIOS?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Does+PlayStation+2+emulation+need+a+BIOS%3F&page=%2Fps2%2F&via=page)