- PlayStation 2 was a popular gaming console by Sony, boasting long market presence and a wide range of popular games.
- To play PS2 games on your PC, you can use PS2 emulators like PCSX2, Retroarch, NSX2, Play, PS2Emu, and Hpsx64.
- These emulators offer compatibility with various games, customizable features, multiplayer options, and different platform support for an enhanced gaming experience.
The PlayStation 2 (PS2) remains one of Sony’s best-selling gaming consoles of all time, with a legacy that spans over 13 years. During its reign, it introduced some of the most iconic and beloved games in gaming history—titles that are still cherished by players around the world.
Even though the PS2 is now a thing of the past, that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your favorite classics. Thanks to PS2 emulators, you can bring back the nostalgia and play your favorite PS2 games on a PC—with enhanced graphics, better performance, and modern features!
If you’re looking for the best PS2 emulators to experience your favorite PS2 titles on a Windows or macOS PC, here are the top choices in 2025.
Best PS2 Emulators Of 2025
1. PCSX2
The very first we have is PCSX2, which is probably one of the best PS2 Emulators on the list. This emulator is compatible with more than 90% of the PS2 games. You can check the compatibility list to see which games are compatible with the emulator.
The emulator allows you to save the game at any time and load it from the same place so you don’t lose data. You can easily play the games and record or capture your gameplay in FHD using the hotkey. Not only you can play PS2 games but games from other consoles as well, such as PS3 and Xbox 260.
ALSO READ: Top 10 Best Nintendo 3DS Emulator for PC/Android
2. Retroarch
The next PS2 emulator we have on the list is Retroarch, which offers a smooth and interactive interface to its users. The emulator is completely customizable, and one can completely customize it as per their needs. Moreover, the performance of this emulator can also be changed to provide a retro feel with video shader calibration, CRT monitor, and various other things.
The best part about using this emulator is that it can run easily on a low-end PC. Retroarch allows you to play the game online with other players through Netplay servers. It also allows you to host a Netplay server of your own to enjoy gaming with your friends. This is one of the reasons why we have included it in the list of the best PS2 emulators for PCs.
3. NSX2
Now, we have on the list NSX2, which surely is one of the best PS2 emulators for PC that you can try using. NeutrinoSX2, popularly known as NSX2, is an open-source platform, which means that users can customize the emulator according to their requirements.
The app’s interface is easy to use, making it easier for everyone to play games on the emulator. It supports games from PSX and PS2.
4. Play
Play is another PS2 Emulator that you can try going for. The emulator is multi-platform, and you can run it on any platform that you want. This emulator works fine on Android devices, Windows laptops and computers, Linux, macOS, Android, and even Chromebooks. Therefore, you can use the emulator that you want. You are not restricted by the platform to play the games that you want.
5. PS2Emu
This emulator shares quite a basic interface, which is easy to use for most people. However, the program is still in the experimental stage, and the program is developed on a weekly basis. You get full-screen mode with this emulator with different video output windows for playing games.
6. Hpsx64
The last on the list we have is hpsx64. This is an open-source PS2 emulator for PC. The emulator has been available to people since 2018. It has various features like support for the gamepad, V-sync, video buffering, and various others, which makes it one of the best PS2 emulators on PC.
It has supports for two gamepads which allows multiplayer gaming. You can play multiplayer games such as FIFA or Tekken with your friend offline.
ALSO READ: Top 5 Xbox One Emulators for Windows PC, macOS 2025
FAQs
Why Should One Go For PS2 Emulators?
Emulators allow you to run programs that are not supported by your device. For instance, if a MacOS application is not compatible with your Windows PC, you may prefer using an Emulator to run the application successfully. Similarly, using PS2 emulators, you can play PS2 games without requiring a PS2.
Is There Any Con Of Using Emulator?
Well, there’s no major con of playing games using the emulator, but yes one can experience graphic issues or performance lags when using an emulator.
Which Is The Best PS2 Emulator?
All of the PS2 emulators mentioned in this list are the best you can try. However, when it comes to choosing anyone from the above, our idea choice would be PCSX2.
Final Words
These were some of the best PS2 emulators for PC that you can go for. If you are looking forward to playing PlayStation 2 games on your PC, these are the emulators you can go for. If we have missed out on useful information about PS2 and its emulators, please let us know in the comments section below.
