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 .
1. The Quickest Method (All Versions) If you can open PCSX2, this is the easiest way to find the folder.
Open PCSX2. Look at the top menu bar. Click System . Click Open BIOS Folder .
Note: The BIOS folder is located inside the main "PCSX2 Settings" folder. Your saves are located in the sstates (savestates) and memcards folders right next to it. pcsx2 save game location
A window will pop up. Click the "Up" arrow or navigate one folder up in the directory path. You are now in the root PCSX2 folder containing all your user data.
2. PCSX2 "Stable" Version (v1.6.0 and older) This is the most common version downloaded from the main website. By default, it stores saves in your Documents folder. Windows: C:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\Documents\PCSX2\ Linux: ~/.config/PCSX2/ macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/PCSX2/ Inside this folder, look for:
memcards folder: This contains your Memory Cards ( .ps2 files). These are the "official" saves you make through the game's menu (like saving at a save point in Final Fantasy). sstates folder: This contains your Save States ( .p2s files). These are the "snapshots" you take using the F1 key (Save) and F3 key (Load). This is a complete guide to finding, managing,
3. PCSX2 "Nightly" / v2.0+ (Modern Builds) The newer versions of PCSX2 changed the file structure to be cleaner. It places files in the AppData folder to prevent cluttering your Documents. Windows: C:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\PCSX2\ Linux: ~/.config/PCSX2/ (Usually the same, or ~/.var/app/net.pcsx2.PCSX2/ if using Flatpak). Inside this folder, look for:
memcards folder: Contains your Memory Card files. sstates folder: Contains your Save State files.
4. Portable Mode (Install on USB Stick) 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 Quickest Method (All Versions) If you can
Location: :\PCSX2\ Look for the memcards and sstates folders inside the main installation directory.
5. Understanding Save Types (Crucial for Backups) When backing up or transferring saves, it is vital to know the difference between the two types. | Feature | Memory Cards | Save States | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | How to Save | Use the in-game menu (e.g., "Save Game"). | Press F1 (or System > Save State). | | File Extension | .ps2 | .p2s | | Folder Name | \memcards | \sstates | | Portability | High. Can be used on different PCSX2 versions or real PS2 hardware (with conversion tools). | Low. Only works on the specific PCSX2 version that created it. Often breaks if you update the emulator. | | Safety | Safe. If the emulator crashes, the file usually survives. | Risky. If the save state is corrupted, you lose that progress entirely. | 6. Troubleshooting & Tips "I can't see the AppData folder!" (Windows) The AppData folder is hidden by default.