Changes

|version = 1.6.0{{Version|PCSX2}} <small>(Stable)</small>

|target = [[PlayStation 2 emulators|PlayStation 2]]<br>[[PlayStation emulators|PlayStation]]|developer = [httphttps://pcsx2.net/meet-the-team.html PCSX2 Team]|website = [httphttps://pcsx2.net/ PCSX2.net]

|license = GNU GPLv2LGPLv3 <small>(1.7+)</small><ref>Bositman (November 24, 2021). [https://pcsx2.net/301-aethersx2-pcsx2-mobile.html AetherSX2 brings PCSX2 to mobile]. ''PCSX2.net''.</ref>|support = [https://github.com/sponsors/PCSX2 GitHub Sponsor]|compatibility = [https://pcsx2.net/compatibility-list.html compat/ Compatibility list]

'''PCSX2''' is an open-source, plugin-based [[PlayStation 2 emulators|PlayStation 2 emulator]]for Windows and Linux. Its purpose is to mimic Since 2016, it has also supported the PS2 hardware using a combination of MIPS CPU [[wikipediahttps:Interpreter_%28computing%29|interpreters]], [[wikipedia:Dynamic_recompilation|recompilers]] and a [[wikipedia:Virtual_machine|virtual machine//forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-PSX-Mode-Unofficial-Compatibility-List PlayStation 2's backward compatibility mode]] which manages hardware states and PS2 system memory. In 2016, preliminary work was started on for [[PlayStation emulators|PS1PlayStation]] supportgames.<ref>https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/1571</ref>

|'''[https://pcsx2.net/download.html Stable downloads/ Nightly builds]'''<br><small>Mac builds are severely outdated</small>

|'''[http://buildbot.orphis.net/pcsx2/ Orphis dev builds]'''|-|align=center|{{Icon|Mac-big}}|'''[https://github.com/tellowkrinkle/pcsx2/releases Dev builds]'''|-|colspan=2|<hr/>|-|align=center|{{Icon|APK-big}}|[[AetherSX2|AetherSX2 Port]]

See [[Computer_specifications#PCSX2]]. =====Windows XP/7/8.1 Compatibility==Minimum===* OS: Despite Windows 7 and 8.1 or newer (32 or 64 bit)'''NOT''' being officially supported, Ubuntu 18[https://i.imgur.04com/Debian, Arch Linux, or other distro BsFBw1w.png 1.7-dev builds (32 or 64 bitup to version v1.7.3581)of PCSX2 can work with a few workarounds]. You'll need: * CPU: Supports SSE2 instruction, two physical cores with hyperthreading, [https://wwwgithub.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/releases/tag/v1.cpubenchmark7.net3581 <abbr title="Latest compatible build with Windows 7 and Windows 8/singleThread8.1 workaround.">1.html PassMark Single Thread Performance rating near or greater than 16007.3581-wxWidgets build</abbr>] (Intel Core i3-3210)* GPU[https: Support Direct3D10 and OpenGL 3//github.x, 2 GB Video Memory, com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases dxvk] '''OR''' [https://www.videocardbenchmarkreshade.netme/high_end_gpus.html PassMark G3D Mark rating around 3000reshade] (GeForce GTX 750)* RAM: 4 GB===Recommended===* OS: Windows 10 (For starters, extract PCSX2 in a folder and then extract the 64 -bit), Ubuntu 19dxvk: d3d11.dll and dxgi.dll '''OR''' extract Reshade.exe: and rename "reshade64.dll" to "dxgi.dll" and then move this file next to the main PCSX2 executable.04/Debian, Arch Linux, or other distro (64 bit)* CPU: Supports AVX2 instruction, four physical cores with or without hyperthreading, You'll also need to select [https://wwwi.cpubenchmarkimgur.netcom/singleThreadflxI0GH.html PassMark Single Thread Performance rating near or greater than 2100png Cubeb] (Intel Core i7-4770)* GPU: Support Direct3D11 and OpenGL 4as the audio renderer. Otherwise, it'll crash with XAudio.5And lastly, 4 GB Video Memoryalways pick between Vulkan, [https:OpenGL and Software. D3D11//wwwD3D12 can crash occasionally, and it won't function as intended anyways.videocardbenchmark'''Don't expect any official support if you post logs showing you're using Windows XP, 7, 8, or 8.net/high_end_gpus1.html PassMark G3D Mark rating around 6000] (GeForce GTX 1050 Ti)* RAM: 8 GB'''

These are recommended specs for using PCSX2<ref>[https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2#system-requirements</ref>, but depending on the game you want to play, your mileage may vary. Some games need [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-LISTMy-Thenew-Mostfork-CPUof-IntensivePCSX2-Games highmakes-end, possibly overclocked CPUs] or [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread1-LIST6-The0-Mostcompatible-GPUwith-IntensiveWindows-Games powerful GPUs]XP For Windows XP, whereas some games run even on [http://forumsuse this build.pcsx2You don't need workaround for this build.net/Thread-LIST-Games-] Note that-don-t-this build does not include the Direct3D9 renderer (or any DirectX rendering). If you want to use the old D3D9 renderer, you will need-a-strong-CPU-to-emulate weak processors]use the official build 1.4.0 which is the last to officially support Windows XP.

For those Latest wxWidgets build (but its not compatible with [[DualShock 3]] controllersWin7, use [8 and 8.1 workaround because of fast memory implementation): [SCP Driver Package]https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/releases/tag/v1.7.3771 v1.7.3771].

[[File:New_God_Hand_Config.jpg|thumb|Get God Hand running on a laptop]][http://www.mediafire.com/view/115130h5rc6qe6b/LilyPad-SCP.lily Native DS3 controls with LilyPad-SCP] - Import this with the 'Load Bindings' button in LilyPad's config. Either that, or you can use [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Pokopom-KrossX-s-Pad-Plugin the Pokopom XInput Plugin.] If you use a DualShock controller running under a XInput wrapper such as SCP Server, then this plugin is a no-brainer. It's very customizable, and you don't have to configure it beforehand. All of the buttons are bound at startup.

AlsoEither that, or you can easily (and quite effortlessly) set up and use [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Pokopom-KrossX-s-Pad-Plugin the Pokopom XInput Plugin.] If you use a DualShock 4 pad if controller running under an XInput wrapper such as SCP Server, then this plugin is a no-brainer. It's very customizable, and you connect don't have to configure it wirelessly via an official PlayStation DualShock 4 Bluetooth USB dongle PC adapter from Sonybeforehand. A generic bluetooth adapter (integrated or external) should work too with combination ryochan7/DS4Windows or via steam as a wrapper for wired or wirelessAll of the buttons are bound at startup.

Most of the video options should be straightforward, with the possible exception of interlacing modes. Many games will run fine with 'None', while others may experience artifacting or jitter. "Auto" is recommended.

To completely eliminate the de-interlacing issue, the community has made patches/hacks for a lot of games that can be loaded through a .pnach file, like a cheat code. Those can be found in the PCSX2 wiki or forums. Another method to get around this in older versions (custom res as an option was removed) is by running GSdx in hardware rendering, doubling the vertical resolution (if a game displays 640x480 on the emulator window, set vertical res to 960) and selecting bob-tff for interlacing. This can eliminate interlacing artifacts in most cases, although issues with upscaling, as well as using hardware emulation over software, can arise.

Code for 64-bit support for all major PC versions of PCSX2 including Windows, Linux and macOS was originally created in development from 2001 by Linuzappz and Shadow as the successor to [https://github[PCSX-Reloaded|PCSX]], another PlayStation emulator.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/3451 June 07Development of PCSX ceased on September 17, 2003, 2020]; and both 32-bit & 64-bit builds for all three desktop PC systems started being available to focus on [https://githubPCSX2. When version 0.9.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/3451#issuecomment-653720205 July 048 was released in May 2011, 2020]only 55% of the PS2's library was considered supported.<ref name="Reddit_1">{{cite web|url=refraction (November 25, 2010). [https://wwwpcsx2.reddit.comnet/rdeveloper-blog/emulation/comments/hkzzv2/pcsx2_now_has_a_64_bit_version/ |title=PCSX2 now has a 64 bit version |publisher=Reddit|accessdate=202090-the-07history-06|date=2020 Jul 04}}</ref> Eventually, this has the potential to reduce the soof-called pcsx2.html The History of PCSX2]. ''technical debtPCSX2.net' (Consisting of hacks built in for some games) that still cause issues in 32-bit builds; and broaden the emulator's support for more platforms and devices such as support for ARM64 chips (Also for Mac too).</ref>

A significant number of quality-of-life changes have come about since the project moved to GitHub, with a renewed interest in bringing it up to par with emulators for similar-gen consoles. Until mid-2021, PCSX2 is was a holdout of the plugin system, despite development of each plugin-based emulator eventually consolidating into the main repository. While the stable 1.6.0 build still contains the plugin API, the nightlies no longer have it, as it was removed entirely in name only[https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/4436 PR 4436]. All plugins are developed in tandem with Compatibility has also seen major improvements across the emulator in board, to the same source treepoint where every game at least boots. With As of January 2022, 98% of the exception of some specialized input plugins discussed belowPlayStation 2 library is considered playable, although only 26 games are marked as perfect. A pull request adding x86_64 support was opened on [https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/3451 June 7, 2020], and both 32-bit and 64-bit builds for Windows, macOS, there and Linux were first made available on [https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/3451#issuecomment-653720205 July 4].<ref name="Reddit_1">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/hkzzv2/pcsx2_now_has_a_64_bit_version/ |title=PCSX2 now has not been a reason 64-bit version |publisher=Reddit|accessdate=2020-07-06|date=2020 Jul 04}}</ref> The plan is to add additional plugins reduce so-called "technical debt", including game-specific hacks that cause accuracy issues and bugs in the 32-bit builds, as well as broaden support for more platforms and devices such as the older ZeroGSARM64 chips. A pull request removing x86 support was opened on [https://ZeroSPU2 for many yearsgithub. Similar to current versions of Dolphincom/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/5130 December 9, 2021], and the last 32-bit build and first 64-bit-only build were made available on March 19, 2022. PCSX2 developers intend is also able to eventually have all run PS1 games by emulating the plugins statically linked/"bakedoriginal hardware's built-in"backward compatibility. To facilitate Unfortunately, there's some PS1 software that doesn't run correctly (if at all) on a real PS2 and therefore is unlikely to be compatible with thisemulator either, PSX so you'll still need a more straightforward [[PlayStation emulators|PS1 emulator ]] for those. PCSX2's PS1 support is inaccurate even compared to a real PS2, and it was dropped from LilyPad largely added as a proof-of-concept and GSdx (does not affect playing PSX games in PCSX2). Currently, all plugins except the graphics plugin (GSdx) have been integrated into the coreis only really useful for novelty purposes.

Whenever a game has graphical Graphical problems such as garbage texturecorrupted textures, missing effects, clipping light sources visible through a wall, burn-in or transparent objects being opaque, can usually be solved by switching to the easiest fix is generally to switch to software mode either renderer by pressing F9 in-while the game is running or via the configuration GSdx's config panel of the GSdx plugin. If using the DX11 Direct3D 11 renderer another option is to , try the OGL one which is generally more up to date and OpenGL renderer, as it may be more accurate. If you're using a stable version of the emulatorbuild, try using switching to the most recent development nightly or dev build. Newer development builds of the emulator may have fixes in or other features added to the hardware rendering renderers, which may remove graphical errors such as common glitches like red or green bars appearing on the screen. The newest development build can be found at https://pcsx2.net/download/development/dev-windows.html, click the download link of the revision closest to the top of the page.

Many games will require you to switch to software mode to fix various issues, albeit at the cost of a significant performance loss. However, an easily overlooked setting in the graphical plugin configuration panel, extra rendering threads, might help lessen the performance loss if you have a quad-core or higher CPU. It is recommended to set it to the number of cores in your CPU minus one if you aren't using the MTVU speed-hack, or minus two if you are (ex: if you are using a quad -core CPU , you should set this number to 3 without MTVU and 2 with MTVU).The process described above is partially automated in recent development versions of PCSX2 , but you might still need to tweak it to get optimal performance levels

Multi-threaded microVU (MTVU), while generally a very useful speed-hack, might sometime cause minor problems like hanging and absence of performance gain , or more severe ones like massive performance hits, save-states state corruption (PCSX2 keeps a backup you can load with Shift+F3 in case any issues arise) and crashes to desktop, or just plain crashing.

Crashes could be the results result of several things.

If the log warns you one or several times about being out of memory or the emulator crashes without warning several times in a row after playing for around the same amount of time you will need to apply a patch to make the executable large address aware, its more commonly referred to as the [http://www.ntcore.com/files/4gb_patch.zip 4GB patch]. If your GPU drivers also crash simultaneously (or you get massive graphical corruption on your desktop and/or a BSOD while trying to run a game) , this means you're either using outdated drivers , or you're trying to use an AMD card with the OGL renderer and Blending Accuracy set to none, in which case, either set it to basic or higher or use the DX11 renderer instead. in which case either set it to basic or higher or use the DX11 renderer instead.If the log warns you about TLB miss , you are either:

* Trying to play a game that isn't supported by the emulator, in which case you cannot do anything except trying another version of the game (PAL or NTSC-J , for example).* Trying to play a game with a massive , or in some cases , any EE overclock applied, in which case turn it back down in the speedhack speed hack menu.* Try You need to configure modo clamping check the Wiki to Completo, see if the game requires any specific settings regarding the Clamping Mode of the EE/VU.* Cheats used in the emulator settingsgame's .pnach file are invalid.

If PCSX2 still crashes after doing all of the above, check that you aren't using any speed-hacks and that your system is stable and not overheating especially . Especially if you are 're overclocking.

===Extreme fluctuation in emulation speed===The large fluctuation in emulation generally are is often caused by the games themselves and cannot be avoided , but there is are a handful of cases where this is caused by specific configuration issues.

* Using a large internal resolution multiplier on a lower low-end GPU, even if the game runs mostly fine some effect , can cause the emulator to suddenly have need to do a lot of very heavy operation cumbersome operations on the VRAM, lower GPU . Low-end GPUs tend to have much lower VRAM bandwidth and will get absolutely crushed by what PCSX2 tries to do, that. This is especially true when using Large framebuffer Framebuffer and even more so when using the OGL renderer. Obviously, obviously the only real fix is turning the resolution down and disabling Large Framebuffer if possible* Playing the game games directly from the original DVD using a disc drive, in which case you should [[Ripping Games|rip the game]] and play using the .iso instead

Due to how the synchronizing function of the audio plugin works, even when running games on a computer that is capable of going way above 100% speed in a stable fashion, random bits of time-stretched audio can be heard occasionally or even frequently. There are, there are however , a few ways to work around that issue.

* Unlock the PCSX2 framerate limiter and use an external one , such as MSI Afterburner

===BlurryBlurriness===It's either interlacing or a filter in the game itself. For the former, switching the de-interlacing mode with F5 may help, and may cause flicker or screen shaking. For the latter, hacks are required. Either Aggressive-CRC if the game is listed there, or skipdraw (toy with the number, numbers 1-100) might work otherwise.

Black lines are caused by scaling to a non-integer internal resolution (anything other than Yx Native), texture filtering (Try anything that isn't bilinear (Forced), improperly offset textures (TC Offset, Wild Arms Offset hacks, Half-Pixel Offset), or improperly handled texture edges (Merge Sprite hack, Sprite/Round Sprite combobox). Native The native resolution, for the most part, fixes these issues, however. However, software rendering may be required as well.

The DualShock 2 joypad bundled with the PS2 has all buttons and sticks with variable pressure states.  While most PS2 games don't require this feature, instead preferring variable trigger/stick pressure (e.g. sneaking past the sleeping dog in Chulip), a select few do. Some examples include:{{Main|PlayStation_2_emulators#Pressure_Sensitive_Buttons}}

* All three attack buttons ===Lightgun support===Lightgun support was available in the Bouncer do different attacks based on whether PCSX2 emulator via a third-party plugin called nuvee.<ref>https://lightgungamer.com/pcsx2</ref> This is no longer relevant since the removal of the press was lightplugin system, medium or strong. Same goes for the musical game Mad Maestro.* Star Ocean 3 has a musical item that plays different melodies depending on pressure and they're required for progressingnow PCSX2 handles lightgun support by itself.

Games requiring variable trigger pressure need physical controllers with analog sticks, but rare are third-party controllers which support variable pressure buttons. To know if your controller supports it, open the LilyPad plugin settings by going to the ==Multiplayer on PCSX2 menu and selecting "Config", "Controllers (PAD)", and "Plugin Settings". At the LilyPad plugin popup, select your gamepad from the list of detected controllers in the "Device Diagnostics" box in the lower left then click the "Test Device" button. A small popup window will appear, showing a list of all the gamepad's buttons as well as their current state. 0.000 = indicates unpressed, 1.000 = indicates fully depressed. Roll either analog stick around. See how the values change from 0.000 to 0.xyz, with the .xyz values shifting incrementally. These changing .xyz values show how the plugin detects different changes in angle as you move the analog stick around. Now press any of the buttons normally used by games, i.e. the triangle/square/cross/circle buttons. See how the values immediately shift from 0.000 = unpressed, directly to 1.000 = pressed. If your gamepad truly has pressure sensitive buttons you will see gradual 0.xyz changes as you slowly press each button, just like the different changes in angle as you move the analog sticks around.If the buttons change from 0.000 directly to 1.000 this proves that your gamepad buttons are not pressure sensitive and are merely tracking the pressed/unpressed state.  The solution would be to either buy an official DualShock 3 controller and use an appropriate 3rd party driver such as [[SCP Driver PackagePlayStation 2 emulators#Hardware features and accessories]], or mapping the button to a rarely used trigger/stick in LilyPad this way: An additional button needs to be mapped to circle as well but configured to deliver "light" pressure. This is done by opening the gamepad plugin configuration and choosing a rarely used key - for example, the lower shoulder button L2 - and remapping it to the circle button, and setting the sensitivity to 0.500 > LAN or thereabouts. In the gameNetwork Adapter sections, merely use the remapped L2@circle button to deliver "light" tap/hold tunes while the regular circle button also you can be used normally to deliver "hard" tap/hold tunes. ==Lightgun support==Lightgun support is available in the pcxs2 emulator via a third party plugin called nuvee. His allows you to use and mouse or mouse compatible device (such as a lightgun) to LAN tunelling for offline multiplayer play the large ps2 library of lightgun games<ref>https://lightgungamer.com/pcsx2</ref>. ==See also==* [[How To Play PCSX2 Online]]* [[Online PS2 games]]

[[Category:Consoles' Multi-emulators]][[Category:Console emulators]][[Category:Home consoles' console emulators]]