Side by side
Mesen vs PCSX2
Both stand on game console emulators. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Mesen covers a broad list of systems across three desktop operating systems at no cost. Check the SDL2 and Gatekeeper requirements for your setup before installing.
Visit Mesen Free plan LinuxMacWindows
PCSX2 combines broad desktop platform support with graphics options, controller mapping, recording, and detailed compatibility information. Users must supply their own PlayStation 2 BIOS and should rely on memory cards for saves kept across versions.
Visit PCSX2The facts
| Mesen | PCSX2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | mesen.ca | pcsx2.net |
| On game console emulators | #17 of 35 | #21 of 35 |
Mesen: what it does well
- Supports multiple Nintendo, Sega, and other systems.
- Available for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Free and licensed under GPL version 3 or later.
- Development builds include Linux ARM64 and Apple Silicon.
- Link cable support connects two Game Boy systems.
What to know first
- Windows requires Windows 10 or later.
- Linux and macOS builds require SDL2.
- macOS builds need Gatekeeper approval to run.
PCSX2: what it does well
- Free and open-source emulator
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Supports custom resolutions and upscaling
- Virtual memory cards and save states
- Searchable compatibility database
What to know first
- Requires a BIOS dumped from your own console
- No multitapped memory card support
- Save states may not work across versions
- Not a malware-protection sandbox