If you’re diving into the world of PlayStation emulation, one of the first hurdles you’ll encounter is the BIOS file requirement. Whether you’re planning to play classics on PCSX2, DuckStation, or RetroArch, BIOS files are essential to boot up games accurately. But there’s a catch—getting those files legally used to mean owning a modded console or navigating sketchy websites.
Thankfully, that’s no longer the case. With the help of a powerful new tool and Sony’s official PS3 firmware, you can extract your own PS1 and PS2 BIOS files directly from a trusted source. This guide walks you through every step of the process—from downloading the tools to verifying your BIOS—so you can emulate safely, legally, and with peace of mind.
Contents
Why Extract BIOS Files Legally?
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a core component of any PlayStation emulator. It allows the emulator to mimic the behavior of the actual console. However, downloading BIOS files from unverified sources is both illegal and risky. By extracting them yourself from Sony’s official update, you’re staying compliant with copyright laws, enhancing emulator accuracy, and avoiding malware-laden downloads.
What You’ll Need: Required software
The BIOS files need to be extracted using three tools. Also, I recommend installing 7zip on your desktop if you haven’t already. This will help you extract these files. The BIOS Claim Tool linked below has a Linux README file that explains how to use it with Linux machines.
PS BIOS Claim Tool — extracts the BIOS files for PS2 and PS1 from the official PS3 firmware update file. Download the file by clicking on the link that says “ZIP” on the right side of the page. Afterwards, extract the file, and you’ll find the files you’re looking for under the Windows folder:
firmware_bios_claim.bat
firmware_bios_claim.ps1
RPCS3 — this is a PS3 emulator. The program must be run once on your PC and the official PS3 firmware must be installed (more on that below). Files in 7z format are zipped, so you’ll have to use a tool like 7zip to extract them.
PS3 System Software Update file — On Sony’s website, you can download the latest PS3 system software for a flash drive, which can be plugged into the PS3 to update. There are also many retail discs for the PS3 that contain this file. The two tools we downloaded earlier will be used to extract our BIOS files from the update file. Click “Download PS3 Update” and then choose “Save File As…” to download the file, which is named PS3UPDAT.PUP.
Step-by-Step: How to Extract PS2 and PS1 BIOS
Step 1: Prepare Your Tools
- Download the PS BIOS Claim Tool and extract it.
- Download and extract RPCS3.
- Download the PS3UPDAT.PUP file from Sony’s official firmware page.
Step 2: Install the PS3 Firmware via RPCS3
- Launch RPCS3.
- Navigate to File > Install Firmware.
- Select the PS3UPDAT.PUP file and allow RPCS3 to install and compile the firmware modules.
- Once done, close RPCS3.
Step 3: Run the BIOS Claim Tool
- Move the files firmware_bios_claim.bat and firmware_bios_claim.ps1 into the main RPCS3 directory.
- Double-click the .bat file to start the extraction process.
- If prompted by Windows, click “More Info > Run Anyway.”
Once completed, you’ll see two new files in your folder:
- ps3_ps1_bios.bin — your PS1 BIOS
- ps3_ps2_emu_bios.bin — your PS2 BIOS
Emulator Compatibility Notes
Most standalone emulators support these BIOS files right away:
- PCSX2 (PS2) and DuckStation (PS1): Fully compatible—no renaming required.
- AetherSX2 (Android, PS2): Works instantly with the extracted BIOS.
- ePSXe (PS1): Compatible as long as BIOS is correctly named in settings.
Also, read BIOS ROM for PS2
RetroArch Compatibility
Some RetroArch cores need extra setup:
- SwanStation Core: Accepts ps3_ps1_bios.bin as-is.
- Beetle PSX Core: Rename the file to PS1_rom.bin. Then:
- Open Quick Menu > Core Options > Emulation Hacks.
- Enable “Override BIOS (Restart Required)” and select the PS3 BIOS.
- Turn off “Skip BIOS.”
- PCSX2 Core: As of now, PS2 BIOS is not compatible with RetroArch’s core. Use the standalone PCSX2 emulator instead.
Next Steps: Rip and Compress Your Games
Now that you have valid BIOS files, it’s time to digitize your physical library:
How to Rip ISO Files
- Use ImgBurn or DiscImageCreator to convert your PS1/PS2 discs into ISO format.
Shrink File Sizes with CHD Compression
- Tools like chdman help convert large ISO files into CHD format, reducing storage by 40–60% without losing quality.
Final Tips and Legal Reminder
- These BIOS files are for personal use only. Do not share, upload, or distribute them online.
- Keep your extracted BIOS files backed up in a secure location.
- Always download software from official sources to avoid malware.
By extracting your BIOS from the official PS3 firmware, you’re not just staying safe—you’re doing it right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this method legal?
Yes—assuming you own a PS3 and the firmware is freely distributed by Sony. You’re using it to extract files for personal use, which aligns with fair use.
Q: Can I use these BIOS files on Android?
Yes. Emulators like AetherSX2 or DuckStation Mobile support these BIOS files.
Q: Will this work for PS3 emulation?
No. These BIOS files are only for PS1 and PS2 emulation. PS3 emulators use their own setup.
Jaiden Smith
Hi, I’m Jaiden Smith — the owner of PSBIOS.us. I’ve built this platform to make it easy and safe for users to access PlayStation BIOS files for emulators. Whether you're looking to enhance your retro gaming setup or just need a reliable BIOS source, I personally ensure everything here is clean, secure, and up-to-date.