PS2 BIOS Collection: Download All Versions for All PlayStation 2 Emulators

Ah, the PlayStation 2. For many of us, it’s a time machine straight back to weekends spent glued to the screen, battling in God of War, racing in Gran Turismo, or exploring Shadow of the Colossus.

But what if you don’t have your trusty PS2 anymore? Enter emulators like PCSX2 (for PC) and AetherSX2 (for Android). However, there’s one critical piece you’ll need to make the magic happen: the PS2 BIOS.

Let’s break down everything you need to know, from what a BIOS is to how to set it up like a pro.

What the Heck is a PS2 BIOS? (And Why Do You Need It?)

The PS2 BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a proprietary firmware embedded in every PlayStation 2 console. It’s the bridge between the hardware and the games, handling everything from system checks to initializing the console’s hardware.

For emulators to accurately mimic the PS2’s behavior, they need this BIOS file. Without it, your emulator is like a car without an engine—it looks the part but won’t go anywhere.

Why is it legally fuzzy?

Sony owns the copyright to the BIOS, which means distributing or downloading it without owning a PS2 is technically illegal. However, if you own a PS2, you’re legally allowed to dump (extract) the BIOS from your own console for personal use. We’ll touch on how to do this later.

PS2 BIOS Versions Explained: Which One Should You Use?

PS2 BIOS files vary by region and hardware revision. Here’s the breakdown:

• SCPH-xxxxx_BIOS_VX_REGION: The numbering indicates the console model (e.g., 39001 = North American PS2).
• Regions:
  • NTSC-U/C (USA): SCPH-39001
  • PAL (Europe): SCPH-39004
  • NTSC-J (Japan): SCPH-30000

Why does region matter? Some games are region-locked. Match your BIOS region to the game for compatibility.

Download PS2 BIOS

As I have discussed earlier, three versions of PS2 BIOS are now readily available over the internet: USA, Japan, and Europe.

All three are popular, of course, among gamers, but the Japanese version of PS2 BIOS is very much in demand at this time.

Regardless of your preferred region, you can download any version of the PS2 BIOS by clicking on the links below:

BIOS Name	Last modified
SCPH-10000_BIOS_V1_JAP_100_(NTSC)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-30000_BIOS_V4_JAP_150_(NTSC)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-30003_BIOS_V3_UK_120_(PAL)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-30004R_BIOS_V6_EUR_160_(PAL)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-39001_BIOS_V7_USA_160_(NTSC)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-39004_BIOS_V7_EUR_160_(PAL)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-50000_BIOS_V9_JAP_170_(NTSC)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-50004_BIOS_V9_EUR_190_(PAL)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-50009_BIOS_V10_CHN_190_(NTSC)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-70000_BIOS_V12_JAP_200_(NTSC)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-70004_BIOS_V12_EUR_200_(PAL)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-70006_BIOS_V12_HK_200_(NTSC)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-70008_BIOS_V12_RUS_200_(PAL)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-70012_BIOS_V12_USA_200_(NTSC)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-75008_BIOS_V14_RUS_220_(PAL)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-77000_BIOS_V15_JAP_220_(NTSC)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-77001_BIOS_V15_USA_220_(NTSC)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-77004_BIOS_V15_EUR_220_(PAL)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-77008_BIOS_V15_RUS_220_(PAL)/	28-Feb-2018
SCPH-90001_BIOS_V18_USA_230_(NTSC)/	28-Feb-2018

Note: Download the PS2BIOS.rar file and extract it using WinRAR software/app to obtain the PS2 BIOS files for PS2 emulators.

Step-by-Step Guide: Setting Up PS2 BIOS for Emulators

Let’s get your emulator up and running. We’ll focus on PCSX2 (the gold standard for PC) and AetherSX2 (the best Android option), with a note on avoiding sketchy tools like DamonPS2 (it’s closed-source and has a history of shady practices).

Part 1: Using PCSX2 on PC

Step 1: Download PCSX2
Head to the official PCSX2 website and grab the latest version. Avoid third-party sites—they often bundle malware.

Step 2: Install PCSX2

• Run the installer.
• Choose your language.
• When prompted, select a plugins folder (leave it default unless you’re a tinkerer).

Step 3: Obtain the PS2 BIOS
Legally, you should dump the BIOS from your own PS2 using tools like FreeDVDBoot. But if you’re in a pinch, ensure your BIOS files match these checksums (Google “PS2 BIOS MD5 checksums” for verification).

Step 4: Configure the BIOS

• Launch PCSX2.
• Go to Config > BIOS Selector.
• Click Open in Explorer and copy your BIOS files (e.g., SCPH-39001_BIOS_V7_USA_160) into the bios folder.
• Close and reopen PCSX2. Select your BIOS from the dropdown.

Step 5: Load Your Game

• Insert a PS2 disc into your DVD drive or download a legally owned ISO (again, you must own the game).
• In PCSX2, click CDVD > ISO Selector > Browse and pick your game.
• Hit System > Boot ISO and let the nostalgia flood in.

Pro Tip: Tweak graphics settings under Config > Video (GS) > Plugin Settings for better resolution or performance.

Part 2: Using AetherSX2 (or NetherSX2) on Android

Step 1: Install AetherSX2
Download it from the Play Store or the official site. Avoid the “AetherSX2” clones—stick to trusted sources.

Step 2: Transfer BIOS Files to Your Phone

• Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
• Copy the BIOS files to a folder named bios in your phone’s internal storage or SD card.

Step 3: Configure AetherSX2

• Open the app and grant storage permissions.
• Tap Settings > BIOS. Navigate to your bios folder and select the correct file (e.g., SCPH-39001 for USA games).

Step 4: Load Your Game

• Place your game ISOs in a folder (e.g., PS2).
• In AetherSX2, tap Game List > Refresh. Select your game and play!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

---

The PS2 era was special, and emulators let us relive those moments. But remember: support developers by buying games when possible, and always dump your own BIOS if you can. Now, go replay Kingdom Hearts or Final Fantasy X—you’ve earned it.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments below, and let’s keep the retro gaming community thriving! 🎮✨

(Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes. We do not condone piracy. Always own copies of games and BIOS files you use.)