PCSX2, the well-known PlayStation 2 emulator, wasn’t initially designed for ChromeOS. However, with the support of Linux (Beta), also known as Crostini, Chromebook users equipped with Intel or AMD processors can install and run PCSX2 effectively. This guide provides a complete walkthrough of the setup process, covering installation, configuration, and key legal considerations.
This guide is only applicable to Chromebooks with Intel or AMD CPUs. Devices with ARM-based processors (such as MediaTek) are not compatible. Additionally, since PCSX2 does not officially support ChromeOS, performance results may vary depending on your Chromebook’s hardware.
Step 1: Enable Linux (Beta) on Chromebook
Linux (Beta) provides the Linux environment required to install and run PCSX2.
- Open your Chromebook’s Settings.
- Scroll down to Advanced → Developers.
- Click Turn On next to “Linux development environment (Beta).”
- Follow the on-screen setup process to install the Linux container (Debian-based). According to the official ChromeOS support page, Linux (Beta) is required to run desktop Linux apps like PCSX2, and it’s only available on Chromebooks with Intel or AMD processors.
- After installation, the Terminal app will appear in your app launcher under “Linux apps.”
Step 2: Add 32-Bit Architecture Support
PCSX2 relies on 32-bit libraries, which are not included by default in the Linux container. To enable support for these libraries, you’ll need to add the i386 architecture.
- Open the Terminal from your Linux apps and run the following command:
sudo dpkg –add-architecture i386
- Press Enter and wait for the command to finish executing. This step ensures your system can install 32-bit packages required by PCSX2.
Step 3: Update Linux Repositories
After enabling 32-bit architecture, you need to update your Linux package lists so the system recognizes the new architecture and can fetch the latest versions of required packages.
- In the Terminal, enter the following command: sudo apt update
- Press Enter and let the process complete. This refreshes the package manager with the most current software sources.
Step 4: Install PCSX2 Emulator
With your repositories updated, you’re ready to install the PCSX2 emulator.
- In the Terminal, run the following command: sudo apt install pcsx2
- When prompted, press Y or Enter to confirm the installation. This command installs PCSX2 along with all necessary dependencies.
Step 5: Launch PCSX2
After installation, you can launch PCSX2 in one of two ways:
- Open your app launcher and go to the Linux apps folder. Click on PCSX2.
- Or, launch it directly from the Terminal by running: pcsx2
The emulator will start and prompt you to go through initial configuration steps, including language selection, plugin setup, and BIOS configuration.
Step 6: Add BIOS and Game Files
PCSX2 requires a PlayStation 2 BIOS to run properly. You must legally extract this BIOS from your own PS2 console, you can also download PS2 BIOS from our website.
- Place the BIOS file (e.g., scph10000.bin) into your Linux files folder.
- In PCSX2, go to Config → BIOS, then select the folder where your BIOS file is located.
To load PS2 games:
- Extract the ISO from your legally owned PS2 game disc.
- In PCSX2, go to CDVD → ISO Selector, then choose the game’s ISO file.
Downloading BIOS or game files from the internet is illegal unless you own the original hardware and disc.
Optional: Use Flatpak Instead (Alternative Method)
If you’re facing issues with the standard APT installation (e.g., broken dependencies or missing libraries), you can install PCSX2 using Flatpak, which provides a containerized version of the app that runs independently of your system packages.
- Install Flatpak on your Chromebook’s Linux environment. This allows you to install and manage Flatpak apps.
- Add the Flathub repository, which is the official source for Flatpak applications, including PCSX2.
- Search for and install PCSX2 from Flathub using a Terminal command. The Flatpak version includes all necessary libraries bundled with the app.
- Launch PCSX2 via Terminal using the Flatpak run command, or find it in your Linux apps list once installed.
Conclusion
Running PCSX2 on a Chromebook is entirely possible with the help of the Linux (Beta) environment, as long as your device uses an Intel or AMD processor.
By following the steps in this guide from enabling Linux and installing dependencies to setting up BIOS and games you can turn your Chromebook into a capable PlayStation 2 emulator.
If you encounter issues with the standard installation, the Flatpak method offers a reliable alternative. Just remember, for legal and performance reasons, always use BIOS and game files sourced from your own PS2 console and discs.