PS2 USA BIOS (NTSC-U)
The USA PS2 BIOS runs the large majority of PS2 games and is the safest single file to use. The two models are SCPH-39001 (fat) and SCPH-70012 (slim). Either one works, so use whichever you have.
If you play English games, this is the BIOS you want. It behaves the same across PCSX2, NetherSX2, and RetroArch, because they all read the same file. Below is where to get the USA PS2 BIOS, which model to pick, and how to add it.
Why the USA BIOS is the default choice
It covers most of the library and avoids region trouble for English games.
NTSC-U is the North American standard, and most widely played games were released for it. That is why the USA BIOS is the one to keep if you only keep one. It runs at 60 Hz, so games play at their intended speed, unlike PAL versions that run slower.
USA compared to other regions
The USA BIOS is one of four regional versions. Here is how they line up.
| Region | Standard | Models | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | NTSC-U | SCPH-39001, SCPH-70012 | English and North American games |
| Japan | NTSC-J | SCPH-10000, SCPH-18000 | Japan-only titles |
| Europe | PAL | SCPH-50003, slim PAL | UK, European, Australian games |
| China | NTSC-C | SCPH-70000 China | China-region games |
For most players the USA row is all they need.
What the USA BIOS runs
Almost the entire mainstream PS2 library.
Most of the best-known PS2 games were released for North America, so the USA BIOS boots them with no region trouble. Whether it is a big action series, a sports title, or a long RPG, if the game is the US release, the USA BIOS runs it. Only region-locked Japanese or European editions need their own regional file.
Download the USA PS2 BIOS
Get SCPH-39001 or SCPH-70012. Both are NTSC-U, and both work.
You can dump your own from a US console, or use a verified file from the PS2 BIOS download hub. Every file is matched to a known-good checksum, so the ps2 usa bios you download is the same, complete file you would get from your own console.
SCPH-39001 or SCPH-70012: which USA model?
Either one. Both are USA (NTSC-U), and the difference barely matters for emulation.
SCPH-39001 is the classic fat-console BIOS. SCPH-70012 is the later slim-console version. In an emulator they run the same games just as well, so pick whichever you dumped or downloaded. If you have no reason to prefer one, SCPH-70012 is a fine default.
How to add the USA BIOS
Put it in your emulator's bios folder, then select it.
On Windows that folder is Documents\PCSX2\bios. Copy the file in, open Settings > BIOS, click Refresh List, and choose it. The install guide has the exact steps for macOS, Linux, Android, and Steam Deck. On PS2 BIOS for Android, you import the same file through the app.
Make sure the file is genuine
A correct USA BIOS matches a known-good checksum.
Compare the file's SHA-256 or MD5 against a known-good value before you trust it, the way the PS2 BIOS files explained page shows. A file from your own console will match, and so will every file we host.
When you need more than the USA BIOS
Only for region-locked Japanese or PAL games.
The USA PS2 BIOS runs most of the library, but a handful of region-locked titles need a matching regional file. Keep the USA one as your default and add Japan or PAL only if a specific game asks for it. The which PS2 BIOS to use guide explains when that happens.
Does the USA BIOS work on Android and RetroArch?
Yes. It is the same file everywhere.
The USA BIOS works in PCSX2 on desktop, in NetherSX2 and PCSX2 on Android, and in the RetroArch PS2 core. There is no separate USA file per emulator. Dump or download it once, and it works across all of them.
What files you get
A main .bin named after the model, plus small companion files.
A USA dump or download gives you a file like SCPH-70012.bin, sometimes with .nvm, .mec, and .erom alongside. Keep them together in the bios folder. The PS2 BIOS files explained page describes what each one does.
USA BIOS not showing up?
It is almost always still zipped, nested in a subfolder, or renamed.
Extract the file, put it directly in the bios folder, keep its original name, and refresh the list in your emulator. If it still does not appear, the BIOS not found fix page covers every cause.
Frequently asked questions
What is the USA PS2 BIOS?
SCPH-39001 (fat) and SCPH-70012 (slim), and both run the large majority of games.
Which USA BIOS is best, SCPH-39001 or SCPH-70012?
SCPH-70012 is the later slim version and SCPH-39001 is the classic fat one. For emulation the difference is minimal.