PCSX2 on Mac: how to set it up
PCSX2 runs on a Mac. It emulates the PlayStation 2. The Mac build is Intel-only, so on Apple Silicon it runs through Rosetta 2. PCSX2 recommends macOS 14 or 15 for demanding games.
- Mac download
- pcsx2.net or GitHub releases
- Chips
- Intel-only: Apple Silicon Macs run it through Rosetta 2
- macOS
- 11.0 or later
- Signed by Apple
- Yes: it opens without a warning
- Graphics
- Metal, Vulkan (MoltenVK) or OpenGL
- You need
- A PS2 BIOS dumped from your own console, and your own game dumps.
- Latest version
- 2.8.2, September 4, 2026
How to install PCSX2 on a Mac
- Download it from the official source. Get the Mac version from PCSX2's own site or its official repository. Sites that bundle an emulator with games or BIOS files are distributing pirated files, and often malware.
- Move it to Applications. Open the .dmg or .zip and drag PCSX2 into your Applications folder.
- Install Rosetta 2 if asked. On an Apple Silicon Mac, macOS offers to install Rosetta 2 the first time you open an Intel app. Click Install; it's a one-time step.
- Add the files it needs. A PS2 BIOS dumped from your own console, and your own game dumps.
- Add your games and play. Point PCSX2 at the folder with your game dumps, pick a game and start it. Set up your controller in PCSX2's settings.
Other emulators on Mac
Checked October 19, 2026 against: System requirements (docs), Running PCSX2 (docs, macOS install), Dumping BIOS (docs), GitHub release v2.8.2, GitHub releases Atom feed.
Common questions
Does PCSX2 work on a Mac?
Yes. PCSX2 2.8.2 has an official Mac version. Intel-only: Apple Silicon Macs run it through Rosetta 2. It needs macOS 11.0 or later.
Does PCSX2 run natively on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)?
Not natively. The Mac build is Intel-only, so Apple Silicon Macs run it through Rosetta 2, which macOS offers to install the first time you open it. Rosetta translates it as it runs, which costs some speed.
What do I need to play games in PCSX2?
A PS2 BIOS dumped from your own console, and your own game dumps.
Is PCSX2 legal?
PCSX2 itself is a legal, open-source emulator. The BIOS files, firmware and games it runs are copyrighted, so dump them from a console and games you own. Downloading them from the internet is piracy in most countries.
Why won't PCSX2 open on my Mac?
PCSX2's releases are signed by Apple, so it should open normally. Check you downloaded it from the official site and that your Mac runs macOS 11.0 or later.