PCSX2 uses two distinct methods for saving progress, each stored in its own location. By default, these files are found in your user's folder or the emulator's installation directory , depending on how you installed it. Default Save Locations
The exact path depends on your operating system and whether you are using a standard installer or a portable version. Windows (Installer) C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\PCSX2 Windows (Portable) : In the same folder where is located $XDG_CONFIG_HOME/pcsx2 (typically ~/.config/pcsx2 ~/Library/Application Support/PCSX2 Steam Deck (EmuDeck) /primary/Emulation/saves/pcsx2/saves/ Specific Save Folders
Inside the main PCSX2 directory, your progress is split into two folders: : Contains
files. These act like physical PS2 memory cards. You must save your game at an in-game save point for these to update. pcsx2 save game location
: Contains "Save States". These are snapshots of the game at any exact moment, created by pressing or using the System > Save State How to Find Your Folders Quickly
If you can't find these directories manually, use the emulator's built-in shortcuts: Managing PCSX2 Save Datas 20 Feb 2023 —
.ps2/.bin card files..p2s state files.If a custom path is set, PCSX2 writes a configuration entry in: PCSX2 uses two distinct methods for saving progress,
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\PCSX2 (legacy) or PCSX2.iniPCSX2.ini or PCSX2_vm.ini in the config root.find ~ -name "*.ps2" 2>/dev/null
find ~ -name "*.p2s" 2>/dev/null
PCSX2 save game locations are deterministic but depend heavily on the version and installation mode. Standard users will find memory cards under the memcards subfolder of the PCSX2 documents/config directory. Advanced users and developers should rely on the PCSX2.ini or the Qt UI’s folder settings to verify custom paths. For portable emulation, the portable.ini method provides absolute control.
Recommendation for backup: Always back up the entire memcards folder and the PCSX2.ini configuration file.
Report prepared by: Emulation Systems Analysis Unit
Last updated: 2024-01-15
Document version: 1.0 Key settings fields:
The save game location for PCSX2 depends on whether you are looking for virtual memory card files (standard in-game saves) or Save States (emulator-specific snapshots). Default Directory Paths
The easiest way to find your specific folder is to open PCSX2 and go to Tools > Open Data Directory . By default, the folders are located as follows: Windows (Installer version): Documents\PCSX2\ Windows (Portable version): Inside the main PCSX2 application folder. $XDG_CONFIG_HOME/PCSX2/ ~/.config/PCSX2/ Steam Deck (EmuDeck): /home/deck/Emulation/saves/pcsx2/saves/ Save File Types
Within these directories, your progress is split into two subfolders: \memcards\
files, which act as virtual PlayStation 2 memory cards. These store the standard saves you make at in-game save points.
Contains save state files. These are snapshots of the exact moment you saved using the emulator's "Save State" feature (often mapped to hotkeys like How to Manage Saves Browsing in App: You can manage or change these paths by navigating to Settings > Memory Cards Importing Saves: To add a save file from another source, use the PCSX2 Memory Card Manager found in the settings to import supported formats like To backup your progress, simply copy the entire folders to another drive. transfer these saves to a different device or convert them for use on a physical PS2
dir /s "%USERPROFILE%\Documents\PCSX2\*.ps2"
dir /s "%APPDATA%\PCSX2\*.ps2"