PCSX2 is an open-source PlayStation 2 emulator. It's purpose is to mimic the PS2 hardware, using a combination of MIPS CPU [Interpreters](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpreter_\(computing\)), [Recompilers](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_recompilation) and a [Virtual Machine](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_machine) which manages hardware states and PS2 system memory. This allows you to play PlayStation 2 games on your PC, with many additional features and benefits.
The PCSX2 project has been running for more than ten years. Once only able to run a few public domain demos, newer versions enable many games to work at full speed, including popular titles such as *Final Fantasy X* or *Devil May Cry 3*. Visit the *[PCSX2 homepage](http://pcsx2.net)* to check the latest compatibility status of games (with more than 2000 titles tested), or ask your doubts in the *[Official forums](http://forums.pcsx2.net/)*.
**NOTE 1**: PCSX2 1.4.0 is the last version to support Windows XP. Windows XP is no longer getting updates (including security-related udpates), and graphics drivers for Windows XP are older and no longer maintained.
**NOTE 2**: If you have Windows Vista, make sure you have fully updated Windows and have the latest drivers to ensure maximum stability. Having a newer GPU is also recommended so you have the latest drivers.
**NOTE 3**: Make sure to update your OS, drivers, and [DirectX](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8109) (if applicable) to make sure you have the best experience possible.
**NOTE 4**: Because of copyright issues, and the complexity of trying to work around it, you need a BIOS dump extracted from a legitimately-owned PlayStation 2 console to use the emulator.
**NOTE 5**: PCSX2 mainly takes advantage of 2 CPU cores. As of r4865 PCSX2 can now take advantage of a 3rd core using the MTVU speedhack. This can be a significant speedup on CPUs with 3+ cores, however on GS-limited games (or on dual-core CPUs) it may be a slowdown.
Windows | [](https://ci.appveyor.com/project/gregory38/pcsx2/branch/master)
