ePSXe FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers about ePSXe — what it costs, whether it is safe, what it does not include, and which version you should run on each platform.

Is ePSXe free?

On Windows, Linux and macOS, yes — ePSXe is distributed as freeware, and the official readme allows free distribution of the unmodified package. The Android version is not free: ePSXe for Android is a paid app that costs $3.75 on Google Play.

Is ePSXe safe to download?

Download it from the official source and you can check the file yourself. Our download page links the Windows package directly from epsxe.com and publishes its SHA-256 checksum (for ePSXe2018.zip: ec0d0e235f839261818acc5118cd810a7193b0fbcbd339517f884dffc31792bb). For Android, install only from Google Play — any site offering a free ePSXe APK is distributing a paid app without permission.

Does ePSXe include games or the PS1 BIOS?

No. The emulator ships with neither. Games must come from discs you own, and the PlayStation BIOS is copyrighted Sony firmware that you may only possess if you are legally entitled to it — the legal route is to dump it from your own console. Our legal BIOS guide explains how.

What is the latest ePSXe version?

Windows: v2.0.18 (released December 23, 2025), which added CHD support for ISOs and a DPI Awareness option. Android: v2.0.19 (July 2026), which added the Oboe sound engine, Google Drive save sync, CAS & MMPX shaders and SDK 35 support. Linux and macOS remain on v2.0.5 (2016). See our version history.

What PC do I need to run ePSXe?

Very little. The official recommended configuration in the ePSXe readme is a fast dual-core CPU, 512 MB of RAM, a video card with OpenGL 2.0 and GLSL support, Windows Vista or later, and DirectX 8+. There is no official minimum spec; modern integrated graphics handle native-resolution PS1 games easily, and HD upscaling is where extra GPU power helps.

Which game formats does ePSXe support?

BIN/CUE, ISO, IMG and PBP images, and — since Windows v2.0.18 — CHD. Android v2.0.19 improved CHD support further. Our CHD conversion guide shows how to convert your own disc rips.

ePSXe or DuckStation?

For most modern setups, DuckStation is the stronger emulator in 2026 — native PGXP, Vulkan rendering, RetroAchievements and active development. ePSXe remains a good pick for very old hardware, classic plugin setups, and players with existing ePSXe memory cards. Read the full ePSXe vs DuckStation comparison.

Can I use my ePSXe saves in other emulators?

Usually, yes. ePSXe memory cards are standard .mcr files stored in the memcards folder, and most PS1 emulators can import them. Save states are emulator-specific and do not transfer. See our memory card guide.