This is the most important section of this article. PCSX2 itself is 100% legal open-source software. However, the BIOS is copyrighted by Sony.
You cannot legally download a BIOS file from a website. The only legal way to obtain a BIOS for PCSX2 1.7.0 is to dump it from your own personal, physical PlayStation 2 console. Transferring the BIOS to your PC requires a homebrew-enabled PS2 (using tools like uLaunchELF) and a USB drive.
Disclaimer: This article does not condone or provide links to copyrighted BIOS downloads. We strongly advise users to dump their own BIOS to comply with international copyright laws.
The short answer is no. PCSX2 1.7.0 is compatible with virtually any PS2 BIOS version. However, community testing shows that some versions offer better stability, fewer glitches, and faster boot times. The most commonly recommended BIOS files for PCSX2 1.7.0 are:
Note on the "170" in the keyword: This refers to PCSX2 version 1.7.0 (the emulator), not a BIOS version number. There is no “BIOS 170.” The correct format is “pcsx2 1.7.0 bios.”
Fix: You haven’t set a BIOS. Follow the setup steps above. Ensure the bios folder contains files and that you refreshed the list.
Once you have a legitimate BIOS dump (a folder containing files like SCPH-70004.bin), follow these steps for PCSX2 1.7.0.
Avoid them. They are illegal and often contain malicious code.
If you have spent any time in the emulation community over the last year, you have likely seen the chatter: "PCSX2 1.7.0 removes the BIOS requirement!" or "Where do I get the 1.7.0 BIOS?"
Let’s clear the air immediately. There is no such thing as a "PCSX2 1.7.0 BIOS."
That phrase is a technical misunderstanding that has spiraled into one of the most common search queries for the emulator. Today, we are going to break down what the BIOS actually is, why version 1.7.0 of PCSX2 changed the rules, and how you should legally approach this critical piece of software.