If you selected "Portable Mode" during installation or downloaded the "Portable" zip version, the saves are not in your user folders. They are located directly inside the folder where you installed PCSX2.
The PCSX2 save game location is straightforward but varies by OS, installation method, and emulator version. Users should always verify the active path through the emulator’s Memory Card settings to avoid data loss. Backing up the memcards folder is the simplest way to preserve PS2 game progress.
Inside the memcards folder, you will typically see:
Do not open these files directly – they are binary images of a real PS2 memory card. You manage them inside PCSX2. pcsx2 save game location
For Mac users running PCSX2 via the native port or through CrossOver:
Memory Cards:
~/Library/Application Support/PCSX2/memcards/
Note: The ~ represents your Home folder. The Library is hidden by default. To access it, open Finder, click "Go" in the menu bar, hold the Option key, and select "Library." If you selected "Portable Mode" during installation or
Save States:
~/Library/Application Support/PCSX2/sstates/
Users can manually relocate save directories:
| Version UI | Navigation Path |
|------------|----------------|
| wxWidgets (v1.6) | Config → Memory Cards / Folders |
| Qt (v1.7+) | Settings → Memory Card / Folders | The PCSX2 save game location is straightforward but
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
This is a complete guide to finding, managing, and backing up your PCSX2 save files.
The location of your saves depends on two things: which version of PCSX2 you are using (the modern 1.6.0 stable build or the newer 1.7/2.0 Nightly builds) and your operating system.