Download PS1 BIOS Files (USA, Japan, Europe, China) All Regions
If you’re looking to run PlayStation 1 (PS1) games on an emulator, having the correct BIOS file is essential. A BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a small piece of software that bridges the gap between your emulator and PS1 games, ensuring they run smoothly and as intended.
Available PS1 BIOS Files by Region – USA, PAL, NTSC, NTSC-J
Each BIOS file is provided in .bin format and is compatible with all major PS1 emulators.
SCPH1001.BIN – (USA)
SCPH7502.BIN – PA
SCPH5500.BIN – Japan
SCPH7003.BIN – Worldwide
Some Other BIOS file versions Dumped by Gamers
How to Use and setup PS1 BIOS on PC and Mobile
If you want to enjoy classic PlayStation 1 (PS1) games on your computer or mobile device, you’ll need a PS1 BIOS file to get your emulator working properly. The BIOS is essential because it helps your emulator replicate the original console’s hardware, making the games run smoothly and accurately.
Let’s walk through the steps.
How to Use PS1 BIOS on PC
There are many popular PS1 emulators for PC like DuckStation, ePSXe, and RetroArch. Below is the step-by-step guide to set up the BIOS.
Step 1: Download a PS1 BIOS File
You need to download the correct BIOS file (commonly named SCPH1001.bin for the USA version). Make sure you get the BIOS from a reliable and safe source.
Step 2: Place the BIOS in the Correct Folder
- For DuckStation:
Place the BIOS in the Documents/DuckStation/bios folder. - For ePSXe:
Place the BIOS in the epsxe/bios folder where you installed the emulator. - For RetroArch:
Place the BIOS in the system folder inside your RetroArch directory.
Step 3: Select BIOS in Emulator Setting
• Open your emulator.
• Go to Settings > BIOS or Configuration > BIOS (depends on the emulator).
• Locate and select the BIOS file you just added.
• Save settings.
Step 4: Start Playing Games
Now you can load your PS1 games (ISO files) and the emulator will use the BIOS to run them properly.
How to Use PS1 BIOS on Mobile (Android & iOS)
Step 1: Download a PS1 Emulator
For Android: Popular options include DuckStation Mobile, ePSXe for Android, and RetroArch.
For iOS: You can try RetroArch or other emulators that support sideloading.
Step 2: Download the BIOS File
Just like on PC, get a compatible PS1 BIOS file.
Step 3: Add the BIOS to Your Device
For DuckStation Mobile:
Place the BIOS in the DuckStation/bios folder (you can find this through the app’s file browser).
For ePSXe on Android:
Place the BIOS in epsxe/bios on your phone storage.
RetroArch Mobile:
- Place the BIOS in the RetroArch/system folder.
- You can move the BIOS file using a file manager app.
Step 4: Select BIOS in Settings
- Open the emulator.
- Go to Settings > BIOS and select the BIOS file.
Step 5: Load and Play Games
Once the BIOS is selected, you can start loading PS1 games directly from your phone.
How to Use PS1 BIOS with Multi-System Frontends (Like RetroArch)
What is a Multi-System Frontend?
A multi-system frontend is an all-in-one emulator interface that organizes different console emulators (called “cores”) under one platform.
Popular multi-system frontends include:
Multi-system frontends, such as RetroArch and LaunchBox, allow you to manage and play games from multiple consoles, including the PlayStation 1, all in one place. To run PS1 games smoothly on these platforms, you must properly configure the PS1 BIOS. This guide will help you understand, install, and use PS1 BIOS with multi-system frontends step by step.
- RetroArch (most widely used
- LaunchBox/BigBox
- EmulationStation
- Batocera (for retro gaming consoles)
These frontends allow you to switch between consoles like PS1, NES, SNES, Sega, and more without changing apps.
Why You Need PS1 BIOS for Multi-System Frontends
When using a multi-system frontend:
- The PS1 BIOS is required for accurate emulation.
- It ensures compatibility and smooth gameplay for most PS1 games.
- Some PS1 emulator cores (like Beetle PSX in RetroArch) will not run games without the BIOS.
How to Use PS1 BIOS with RetroArch (Step-by-Step)
RetroArch is the most popular multi-system frontend and is available on PC, Android, iOS, Mac, and Linux.
Step 1: Download the BIOS File
- Common BIOS files:
- SCPH1001.bin (USA)
- SCPH5500.bin (Japan)
- SCPH5502.bin (Europe)
- Download the BIOS from a reliable source.
Step 2: Place the BIOS in the Correct Folder
On PC:
Go to the RetroArch installation folder → Open the system folder → Paste the BIOS files here.
On Mobile:
Go to RetroArch/system → Paste the BIOS files.
Tip: You can check RetroArch’s directory settings under Settings > Directory > System/BIOS to confirm the correct path.
Step 3: Load a PS1 Core
- Open RetroArch.
- Go to Load Core → Download or select a PS1 emulator core like Beetle PSX HW or DuckStation.
Step 4: Verify BIOS Detection
- Go to Main Menu > Information > BIOS to see if the BIOS files are recognized.
- If the BIOS files show as “missing,” double-check the folder path and file names.
Step 5: Load Your PS1 Game
- Go to Load Content → Select your PS1 game file (.cue, .bin, or .iso).
- The game should now load correctly using the selected BIOS.
PS1 BIOS vs. HLE (High-Level Emulation)
HLE stands for High-Level Emulation. Instead of using the original PS1 BIOS, HLE tries to mimic the behavior of the BIOS through custom emulator code. It doesn’t use the actual BIOS file. Here is the comparison table these two:
| Feature | PS1 BIOS (Real BIOS File) | HLE (High-Level Emulation) |
| Setup | Requires external BIOS file | No BIOS file needed – built into emulator |
| Game Compatibility | Works with almost all games | Some games may not boot or may crash |
| Stability | Very stable, reliable | Can cause glitches or memory card issues |
| Performance | Fast and accurate | Often faster loading but less precise |
| Disc Swapping | Fully supported | Limited or unstable |
| Boot Animation | Includes original PS1 startup screen | No boot animation |
| Save File Support | Full memory card support | Sometimes limited or buggy |
| Region Support | Can load different regional BIOS files | Region-free, but some region-locked games may fail |