RetroArch PS2 Setup Guide - How To Play PS2 Games With RetroArch

[@c0mplex_Ale]

been a few days trying to get it to work and your video was the only one that actually helped me, thanks!

[@BearDozer]

Excellent video. Can't believe this channel isn't bigger.

[@machinosts]

Amazing, I can't wait to try this out. Cheers for making such an easy to follow guide

[@HowtoRetro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Imgema]

Isn't the LRPS2 core currently broken? Pretty sure it doesn't exit and gets stuck in task manager.

[@yagami3933]

didn't work for me. im chalking it up to it being broken as of right now. Hopefully theres a fix on the way. I watched 5 different videos and did everything exactly the same and nothing works.

[@richardhall938]

thank you for your helpful guide

[@EizikDarvish]

i gets "failed to load content" :( why? i did everything exactly

[@dianaxrose9]

I downloaded the PS2 core and bios and put it on the system folder but when I load up the game rom it shows a white screen and lags the audio. Please help 🥲 Also which type of file do the game roms work? (.iso .7z .chd .rar)

[@aNgElandPaRaMoReRoX]

.iso files are what the actual game is supposed to be but im running into the issue that it comes on but freezes

[@crysosisback7115]

I have no idea why but... Once i put my pcsx2 files into the pcsx2 folder, which is in retroarch/system, i can open the exe and it'll work But if i load a rom and the core FROM the retroarch gui... It crashes instantly, same as "before doing anything"... I have no idea what's wrong here

[@yogibear2k220]

Sadly this did not work for me. I followed all the steps, but when I went to run a game, the screen went blank and came back to the menu screen. But thank you anyway. I understand that it won't work for everybody. And yes, PCSX 2 works perfectly. I have over 30 bios files.

[@acid_kat4000]

when i go to load core, "download core" dosent appear, at the bottom is just "install or restore a core" and "start remote retroarch"

[@HowtoRetro]

Are you using the Steam version of RetroArch? If so, you'll ideally need to use the standalone version which you can download from the RetroArch site, since PCSX2/LRPS2 is not directly available in the Steam version.

[@sussysocks8124]

I do exactly everything as in the video, and It still doesnt work it just crashes. any help? thanks!

[@HowtoRetro]

I'd need to know a little bit more information to advise, but one thing that is a common issue is not having the correct BIOS files in place, this can often result in games not booting or things crashing.

[@jeffcockerill18]

Thanks for the video. Works OK, but I get a lot of texture flicker. I tried God Hand and Burnout Revenge.

[@brockytm5753]

It's strange. I have used both, yet, yours runs better/smoother than mine. I must be missing something.

[@HowtoRetro]

Performance is often game dependent, but also your system will also be a factor in how well PS2 games will run. You can also try to limit the upscaling/graphical enhancements in the core options to see if that helps performance.

[@ahmedswedan4533]

Try this app before but never link ps2

[@HowtoRetro]

It is a tricky to set up. Personally I do prefer just using the PCSX2 standalone emulator, but using LRPS2 in RetroArch can be convenient, but is still nowhere near as good as using PCSX2.

[@Redhood247]

can you help me do this for ios because every other game works but ps2 it always says missing bios file but i have it

[@HowtoRetro]

Sure, I'll try to help. First of all, what is the bios file name and what folder specifically have you placed the bios file in?

[@KingCuffey]

I am not seeing any core and I don't see this folder with language and everything either ?

[@HowtoRetro]

It is only in the Windows version of RetroArch you will find the LRPS2 / PCSX2 core. Ensure you're using the latest version of RetroArch for Windows and the core should appear in the download list.

[@PseudoWounds]

thank you very much!

[@goktugesen7223]

İts stops working everytime i open a game

[@Anderworld1000]

same

[@matttondr9282]

Make sure you extract the game file out of its zip folder. That at least worked for me.

[@PSUNATION]

Make sure you have the bios

[@PowertoysTV]

How to fix bro , i same Has Stopped working :((

[@darkwolf2998]

Create a folder called "pcsx2“ in the system folder of retroarch and make a folder inside that called "bios" and copy the PS2 bios from the pcsx2 directory to that folder

[@Freeeeeeeee27]

thank you! 😭

[@Big_Goddo]

my retroarch is not even giving me an option that says "Download a core)

[@sonyfxi]

My RetroArch does not have Core Playstatiom LRSP2.. Any other solutions?

[@HowtoRetro]

Because LRPS2 uses the PCSX2 standalone emulator to function, you will need to be sure to use RetroArch on a Windows based PC. Just ensure that you have the latest version of RetroArch for PC and you should see LRPS2 available in the core download menu.

[@supastein1909]

Hey! I know probably not the place for tech support lol. But in my Retroarch there isn't a core download. Tried reinstalling a few times, I have everything else. RIP

[@HowtoRetro]

Hey! Are you downloading the installer from the RetroArch site? Maybe try to download the standalone version which is labelled 'Download (64bit)' on the RetroArch downloads page. Then extract that to it's own folder, then try running that version instead? Alternatively, you could try to run all of the online updates in your current version of RetroArch to see if that resolves the issue?

[@supastein1909]

@@HowtoRetro You know, I'm not actually using the downloaded one, I'm on the steam one! That might be the issue

[@HowtoRetro]

That'll be the problem, I don't think the PCSX2/LRPS2 core is downloadable directly from the Steam version, you have to install it manually.

[@HowtoRetro]

This reddit post details how to do it if you would still rather use the steam version of retroarch www.reddit.com/r/RetroArch/comments/oo4v7i/help_putting_pcsx2_on_to_retroarch_please_steam/

[@santiagohincapie5721]

Ty bro

[@marionarez272]

Did I miss the disc image step?

[@HowtoRetro]

I assume in the guide that you already have PS2 disc images ready yourself

[@yig6606]

thanks, your tutorial works great!

[@mroof7824]

i have very high fps but the sound is a bit laggy and also where do i download working roms?

[@cincaila]

same issue. have you fix it?

[@Autistic_Pixel]

why use retroarch if you have to also run pcsx2

[@HowtoRetro]

I prefer to use the standalone PCSX2 emulator myself for PS2 emulation, but it is also useful to have the option to play PS2 games via RetroArch, for the convenience of having everything in one place.

[@Tea-Tonky_6760]

im actually trying to run "Evangelion battle orchestra" but even if i try to load any ps2 core it still show a "failed to load content" pop up, i've searched on internet still nothing. the game file is an iso, i downloaded the bios from your vid, and still don't work, im getting lost and mayby doing mistakes any help please?

[@HowtoRetro]

I just tried running that game myself with no problems. I would perhaps recommend that you try including a Japanese BIOS file in your "retroarch/system/pcsx2/bios/" folder. I have all region BIOS files in mine and seem to have no issues.

[@Tea-Tonky_6760]

thank you!@@HowtoRetro

[@NewKazemaru]

Does it work on the Steam's RetroArch version?

[@DevaPein]

got to 3:15 just to realize.. ya this shit aint there no more on retro arch steam... so,, no idea what i do now with a core that is not listed and there is no download option like this that lists the ps2 one

[@indigomizumi]

Is it possible to get texture mods to work on LRPS2? That's something standalone PCSX2 supports.

[@HowtoRetro]

I do not believe that this is currently supported within LRPS2 as there are no options available in the LRPS2 core options to configure replacement textures.

[@TheLucasSavage]

its not working :(

[@zerotolerance5581]

If one has to copy over the whole psx2 emu, then why not just use it to begin with? haha

[@Constant---K]

Retroarch needs you to download all these emulators and just condenses your access to them with one app... honestly... yeah. Seems totally pointless. I just have a 120gb sd card with my emulators and games on it.

[@HowtoRetro]

Totally agree! 😀 It's convenient for some though to have PS2 emulation within RetroArch as well, although I use PCSX2 more for my PS2 gaming.

[@andersonrodrigo63]

Hi! Thank you for this video! Very useful! Buut, can you help me how to run ps2 games recorded on cd (like phantasy star generation 1)? Didn't worded for me 😢

[@robvogs]

3:19 download a core section does not exist. is it because im on steam version? edit: switched to the online version and it has download cores, but the game crashes on start up and when the game does work, the textures are all glitchy. would not recommend using retroarch

[@robingaming3262]

hi how to retro! thanks for the tutorial, but i have one small issue. when i pick a games .iso to load, it always sends me to a quick menu. what does it mean?

[@bluflame8894]

Same

[@sussysocks8124]

same

[@kano7837]

Hello i tried this on iOS but nothing happens, I see the PS2 files, I added all files inside, even bio but when I want to install cord I don’t see any Ps2 emulator (play! As PSXC2, both ain’t appearing)

[@alessandrosurdo2870]

PS2 Retroarch talvez difícil ninguém diefentre NeoCd fraco SNES 2002 ninguém Gpsp ninguém Mgba talvez Nes bem

[@clashwithkeen]

I don't see Port 1 Controls under Input

[@felobaterremon]

can someone help it gives me white screen btw i have pcsx2 nightly it worked but i reinstall retroarch and it doesen't work anymore the screen only white but i can hear game loading

[@charismacolin09]

So the Ps2 emulator in retro arch will not work at all even if you have bios files? You need the pcsx2 emulator to run the emulator on retroarch? Seems crazy

[@dimaswardhana2851]

You still have to manually download the pcsx2 and do all those things you did instead of simply just download the LRPS2 core from the retroarch? I thought it will be the same as the PSX that i just have to download core then run the game, as simple as that.. i have plan to play ar tonelico 2 in the future, pls clarify my question some1, thanks

[@InSaiyan-Shinobi]

How do I setup 2 controllers to play co op games?

[@HowtoRetro]

The same way as you do for the first controller. Simply connect your second controller and most of the time RetroArch will auto configure it as the second controller (as long as the first is already connected). If it does not configure it, you can manually map controls in the settings.

[@user-ee8ot6ht1d]

Can it play Dreamcast games?

[@Esteem_Boat_Willy]

This is a f'n nightmare. Nothing works. I've got multiple copies of different things in different folders, but it says they aren't there. Blah, blah, wah! I just wanted to play need for speed to see which one I want to get off steam. I can't remember which one I liked back in 2004. I don't understand why if the emulator has a ps2 core...why in the hell do I ALSO have to get PCSX2??? And why wouldn't the emulator just not include or suggest where to get the cores elsewhere. I've tried multiple BIOs. Bins Isos...still dick.

[@duhfenix4251]

Why dont you play directly on pcsx2? That work

[@yagami3933]

yeah it sucks when you're trying to get the retro achievements you gotta download a whole other thing that barely works if at all LOL. I'm gonna try this tomorrow and i hope it'll work. I can load the core and load the content file and it'll work but when i scan it wont work and/or recognize the game(s) at all ughhhh

[@tweekt6482]

cant find a core think thats all i need any help?

[@ImTheEyeInTheSky]

Is PCXS2 only for the computer version of retroarch cause I'm on android?

[@aNgElandPaRaMoReRoX]

Doesnt work

[@krishnaaryasena]

Can you use mame?

[@jackieburkhart3268]

hi! this worked flawlessly on the steam version. had to copy the core from buildbot to the steam directory but all good. the question is, does retroachievements work with yours? for me it says "achievements cannot be unlocked with this core". it works with pcsx2 standalone but i really like having an interface. could you please help?

[@PICKman510]

Any help on finding that core that you pulled from buildbot? I can't seem to track anything usable/recent down :(

[@porp685]

how do you open the retroarch system folder by not using the retroarch app (settings-directory?) i cant seem to create new files from the app

[@GraysonVoisinet]

Just find your retroarch folder. The system folder should be in there in the root folder of retroarch

[@HowtoRetro]

@GraysonVoisnet is correct, simply find your RetroArch folder, the should be a folder in there called 'system'

[@creatorex1]

What bios file fits best? I have a lot!!!

[@aex2170]

USA 2008 or EU

[@superleo16]

grazie bel video

[@potato_0of782]

Can this happen for ios?

[@daltonrueter1832]

no matter what I do, any emulations i've ever used with pcsx2 have always been buggy with visual errors and constant slowing and some audio bugs. not sure if it's a bios thing or what but nothing has ever worked to fix it

[@HowtoRetro]

Hi Dalton, I do agree that PS2 emulation is a tricky one to get perfect. Try checking out the PCSX2 compatibility page which has links to the PCSX2 wiki per game where they have details on each game and the state of emulation along with tested configurations.

[@daltonrueter1832]

@@HowtoRetro weird. I check the compatibility for the game I want to play, I used to play it all the time growing up it’s called Kya - Dark Lineage. It says it’s playable, but for me it tends to only run at 100% speed only about 50% of the time, with the rest of it dropping down to about 40% speed or maybe a little higher.

[@HowtoRetro]

What are you system specs?

[@daltonrueter1832]

@@HowtoRetro 3060, 16gb ram, i7 3700

[@HowtoRetro]

Decent enough then. I find I have performance issues with games, but have to just experiment with settings. Gran Turismo 4 has always been a tricky one to get working well without glitches I've found.

[@blissurzu7216]

Does this perform just as good as the standalone version of PCSX2?

[@HowtoRetro]

I guess you could argue it does, but the configuration of LRPS2 is more tricky so is more of a pain to get tweaked per game to optimum settings.

[@JacksTheGreat]

Mine just crashes whenever I try to run anything PS2 related. Any fixes?

[@JacksTheGreat]

One more thing, regular PCSX2 works on my computer as well.

[@HowtoRetro]

LRPS2 is a bit of a pain still, even now! The first things to check are that your BIOS files are all in place as they should be. I would also suggest not trying to run PS2 games from archive files, extract them and run the .iso directly. These are a couple of typical issues that people experience when using this core.

[@arichan6550]

que buenardo

[@JoelAMaldonado]

My crashes when running a game

[@HowtoRetro]

There can be several things that can cause this, I would suggest starting again and ensuring you have the relevant BIOS files in place and all in the correct directories as detailed in the guide.

[@JoelAMaldonado]

@@HowtoRetroCould you be kind enough to reply the directory of the ROM location file please.

[@ken_danerdiest1]

It's too confusing.

[@HowtoRetro]

I agree it's quite a convoluted process, but it's unfortunately the only way at present to play PS2 games with the LRPS2/PCSX2 core.

[@King-wy1yd]

😪 promo sm

[@WaxSoup]

This doesnt make sense

[@HowtoRetro]

It is a long winded way to play PS2 games, I'd suggest just using PCSX2 standalone emulator for an easier experience, but some do want the convenience of running PS2 games via RetroArch too.

[@cameraboi5117]

useless didnt support me at all

[@willhudson5703]

I done what you did and when I go to install or download core nothing pops up

[@HowtoRetro]

What version of RetroArch are you using? The LRPS2 core will only be available on the Windows PC version.