How to Dump PS2 BIOS From Your Own Console (2026) 

What You Need Before Starting

You need these things ready before starting:

• A real PS2 console (any model works)

• A USB drive (minimum 1GB, FAT32 format)

• A PC or laptop

• Free software: uLaunchELF (download from official source)

• Basic knowledge of copying files

That's it. No paid tools, no sketchy downloads.

What is BIOS Dumping?

Dumping means copying the BIOS data directly from your PS2 console's memory chip to a file. The output is a .bin file — same file that PCSX2, AetherSX2, and other emulators need.

Your PS2 has BIOS stored on a ROM chip inside. uLaunchELF reads that chip and saves it as a file you can use on any emulator.

The file you get will match your console's region — USA console gives USA BIOS, European console gives PAL BIOS, Japanese console gives Japanese BIOS.

Step 1 — Format Your USB Drive

Plug your USB drive into your PC. Format it as FAT32.

On Windows: Right click the USB drive → Format → File System: FAT32 → Start.

On Mac: Open Disk Utility → Select USB → Erase → Format: MS-DOS (FAT).

FAT32 is important. PS2 won't read NTFS or exFAT drives.

Step 2 — Download uLaunchELF

uLaunchELF is a free PS2 homebrew file manager. This is the tool that reads and dumps your BIOS.

Download the latest version from a trusted PS2 homebrew source. The file you need is called uLaunchELF.elf or BOOT.ELF.

Copy this file to the root of your USB drive. Don't put it inside any folder — keep it in the main directory.

Step 3 — Boot uLaunchELF on PS2

This is where most people get stuck. PS2 doesn't run homebrew by default. You need one of these methods to launch uLaunchELF:

Method 1 — FreeMCBoot (Easiest)

FreeMCBoot is a modified PS2 memory card that runs homebrew automatically on boot. If you have one, just plug it in and your PS2 boots straight to the homebrew menu.

This is the easiest method. FreeMCBoot memory cards are available online for $5-10.

Method 2 — PS2 with modchip

If your PS2 has a modchip installed, it can boot unsigned software directly. Insert your USB drive and boot the ELF file from the modchip menu.

Method 3 — Swap Magic disc

Swap Magic is a licensed PS2 disc that allows running homebrew. Less common in 2026 but still works on all PS2 models.

For most people, FreeMCBoot is the way to go. Cheapest and easiest.

Step 4 — Open uLaunchELF

Once uLaunchELF launches on your PS2:

1. You'll see a file browser screen

2. Navigate using the PS2 controller

3. Go to mass: (this is your USB drive)

4. Confirm your ELF file is there

Now go back to the main menu.

Step 5 — Dump the BIOS

In uLaunchELF main menu:

1. Press R1 to open the top menu

2. Select MISC

3. Select PS2 Ident or BIOS Dumper (depends on your uLaunchELF version)

4. Select your destination — choose mass: (USB drive)

5. Press confirm/X to start the dump

The process takes 1-3 minutes. You'll see a progress bar. Don't turn off the PS2 during this.

When done, your USB drive will have a new folder with BIOS files inside.

Step 6 — Check Your Dumped Files

Plug the USB back into your PC. Open the BIOS folder on the drive.

You should see files like these depending on your console region:

SCPH-39001.bin — USA fat PS2

SCPH-70012.bin — USA slim PS2

SCPH-50003.bin — European PS2

SCPH-10000.bin — Japanese PS2

The file size should be around 4MB. If it's much smaller, the dump failed — repeat Step 5.

Step 7 — Use the BIOS on Your Emulator

Now copy the .bin file to your PC or phone.

For PCSX2 on PC: Paste it in Documents → PCSX2 → bios

For AetherSX2 on Android: Copy to phone storage → create a bios folder → paste inside

For any other emulator: Check that emulator's BIOS folder location

Your dumped BIOS will work perfectly. It's a clean, verified file from your actual hardware.

For full setup guides on each emulator, everything is at AllPS2Bios.com

Which PS2 Models Can Be Dumped?

Every PS2 model can be dumped. Fat, slim, original, late revision — all of them work with uLaunchELF.

The only difference is the BIOS version you get. Newer slim models have newer BIOS versions. Both work fine with modern emulators.

If you want to know which BIOS version is better for emulation, check the PS2 BIOS version comparison guide on AllPS2Bios.com.

Common Problems and Fixes

USB drive not detected by PS2 Reformat as FAT32. Some USB drives above 32GB have issues — use a smaller drive or partition it to 32GB.

uLaunchELF crashes on launch Your ELF file might be corrupted. Re-download and copy again to USB root.

BIOS dump is only 512KB or 1MB Dump failed or incomplete. Repeat the dump process from Step 5. A complete PS2 BIOS is always around 4MB.

PS2 freezes during dump Power cycle the console and try again. Make sure USB drive is fully inserted.

Can't find BIOS Dumper option in uLaunchELF Some versions use PS2Ident instead. Download the latest uLaunchELF version — it has the dumper built in.

Is This Actually Legal?

Yes. Dumping BIOS from hardware you own is legal in most countries including USA, UK, Pakistan, and most of Europe.

The gray area is downloading BIOS files from the internet — you don't own those files. But a BIOS you dumped yourself? That's your data from your hardware.

For a deeper look at the legal side of PS2 BIOS, read the PS2 BIOS legality guide on our site.

Already Fixed the BIOS Error in PCSX2?

If you're setting up PCSX2 and running into the BIOS not found error, the fix is simple. Full step-by-step solution here: How to Fix BIOS Not Found Error in PCSX2

FAQs

Can I dump PS2 BIOS without FreeMCBoot?

Yes. You can use a modchip or Swap Magic disc. But FreeMCBoot is the easiest method for most people.

Does the dumped BIOS work on PCSX2 and AetherSX2?

Yes. A properly dumped BIOS works on every PS2 emulator — PCSX2, AetherSX2, NetherSX2, RetroArch, DamonPS2.

How long does the BIOS dump take?

1 to 3 minutes on most consoles. Don't turn off the PS2 during the process.

What file size should the dumped BIOS be?

Around 4MB (4,096 KB). Anything smaller means an incomplete dump.

Can I use my Japanese PS2 BIOS to play USA games?

You can run it but some USA games may have issues. For best results, match your BIOS region to your game region.