Modern versions of PCSX2 have streamlined the file structure. By default, they use the standard Windows user directories.
Linux paths vary depending on whether you installed the native package or the sandboxed Flatpak version. ~/.config/PCSX2/memcards/
PS2 saves are strictly region-locked. A save file generated from a North American (NTSC-U) version of a game will not load if you boot up the European (PAL) version of the same game.
Have a specific save file issue? Check the official PCSX2 forums or the r/PCSX2 subreddit for community-driven solutions. pcsx2 save files location work
Typically found at $XDG_CONFIG_HOME/PCSX2/ or inside your home directory under .config/PCSX2/ .
Moving your PCSX2 saves to a new computer is straightforward:
Within this directory, you'll find several important subfolders: Modern versions of PCSX2 have streamlined the file structure
within the PCSX2 app and point the "Memory Cards" and "Save States" paths to your preferred location. Summary Table File Extension Common Folder Name In-Game Save .ps2 (Card file) Emulator Snapshot
In :
folders to providers like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive directly within the PCSX2 settings. Automatic Device Handshake Check the official PCSX2 forums or the r/PCSX2
These are exact digital replicas of a physical PS2 memory card (8MB or 64MB). When you save inside a game using its native save menu, PCSX2 writes data to a .ps2 or .bin file. These are the safest, most compatible saves.
: These are files that emulate the physical Sony PlayStation 2 memory card. By default, PCSX2 creates two virtual memory card files named Mcd001.ps2 and Mcd002.ps2 inside the memcards folder. Each file is exactly 8MB in size, mimicking the storage capacity of an official Sony PS2 memory card. These saves work exactly like their real-world counterparts, created through the game's built-in save menus. Their primary advantage is their high stability and compatibility.
Click to change this location to any folder you prefer (e.g., a cloud storage folder for automatic backups). For PCSX2 Older Versions (1.6.0 and Below) Open PCSX2 and navigate to Config . Click on Memory Cards .
When portable mode is active: