PCSX2

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Freedom report

Three barsScore 6.5

Free tierA free tier is on its own pricing page
Open codeNo open-source code on record
Runs widely3 of 6 device platforms
DocumentedPlans, terms and facts published

PCSX2 is ranked #14 of 37 in emulator software on Freedom251. It runs on Linux, macOS, Windows. There is a free plan.

PCSX2 plans and pricing

All plans

PCSX2 Free Free and open-source PS2 emulator · Requires a PS2 BIOS dumped from a console you own pcsx2.net · 5 Oct 2026

Compared on emulator software

Free plan: Yes

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The record

What it does: PCSX2 is a free, open-source emulator that lets users play PlayStation 2 games on a PC.
Visual features: PCSX2 supports custom resolutions and upscaling.
Saving: PCSX2 supports virtual and shareable memory cards and save states.
Recording and patches: PCSX2 includes a patching system and an internal recorder for lossless quality at full speed.
Supported systems: The system requirements page lists Windows, macOS, and Linux, with requirements varying by performance tier.
BIOS requirement: PCSX2 cannot play games without a BIOS, and the project says users must dump the proprietary BIOS from their own console.
Compatibility: The project provides a searchable compatibility database with game title, serial, CRC, status, and latest testing fields.
Graphics APIs: The documentation lists Vulkan, OpenGL, Direct3D 12, and Direct3D 11 hardware rendering options, plus CPU software rendering.
Controller support: SDL is the recommended cross-platform input source and supports automatic mapping for most controllers and operating systems.
Memory card limits: PCSX2 currently does not support multitapped memory cards.
Save state limitation: Save states are not guaranteed to work across different PCSX2 versions, and the documentation recommends memory cards for long-term saves.
Security limitation: The project warns that PCSX2 is not a sandbox and cannot protect a computer from malicious software run inside it.
Support: The project directs users to its Discord server and forums for questions and troubleshooting.
Licensing: Unless otherwise stated, PCSX2 emulator components are licensed under GNU GPL version 3 or later.
Price from: Free

Where it ranks on Freedom251

Best Emulator Software in 2026#14 of 37
Best Game Console Emulators in 2026#15 of 35

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Sources

pcsx2.net· checked 5 Oct 2026
pcsx2.net/docs/setup/requirements/· checked 5 Oct 2026
pcsx2.net/docs/setup/bios/· checked 5 Oct 2026
pcsx2.net/compat/· checked 5 Oct 2026
pcsx2.net/docs/configuration/general/· checked 5 Oct 2026
pcsx2.net/docs/configuration/controllers/· checked 5 Oct 2026
pcsx2.net/docs/· checked 5 Oct 2026
pcsx2.net/intellectualproperty/· checked 5 Oct 2026