PCSX4 is an open-source multi-platform experimental PS4 emulator project written in C++ for Windows, macOS, Android and iOS.
The first and the only PS4 emulator which allows you to play Play Station 4 games on both PC & Mobile devices.
It uses Vulkan, OpenGL, and DirectX 12 as its back-end API renderers and runs most of the PS4 exclusive titles on high-end systems with some bugs/glitches as it is still in beta.
This guide explains how to install PCSX4 emulator on PC compatibles with Windows OS.
Index
- Software requirements
- System requirements
- Install emulator
- Install firmware
- Install games
- Control layout
- Emulator update
- Games update
- License
- FAQ
Software requirements
You can find all required data for your device from the link buttons below:
The software requirements for running this application must be met in order for the software to function at all.
System requirements
The hardware requirements for running the application vary depending on your current configuration.
Recommended requirements
| OS | Windows 10 (or higher) |
| CPU | x64 Octa core (or higher) |
| RAM | 12 GB (or more) |
| GPU | Vulcan 1.0 (or newer) |
| Storage | SSD or HDD 5 GB (or more) |
For the best experience, users should be running within the recommended requirements.
Minimum requirements
| OS | Windows 7 (or higher) |
| CPU | x86 Quad core (or higher) |
| RAM | 8 GB (or more) |
| GPU | Vulcan 1.0 (or newer) |
| Storage | SSD or HDD 5 GB (or more) |
We cannot guarantee the performance of system specifications lower the recommended requirements but you’re always welcome to experiment.
Install emulator
- Download the .7z archive
- Extract the .7z archive on a folder
- Select the folder containing the extracted file
- Open the file .exe as administrator
- Press install button
- Launch the software
Some DirectX files may be missing in your system.
Make sure you have DirectX 11.1 platform update KB2670838-x64 installed in your system.
Install firmware
Due to legal reasons, we cannot distribute official Play Station 4 firmware files; you must download the latest Play Station 4 firmware update file from the link above for use with PCSX4 emulator.
Once downloaded, you must install the firmware using PCSX4’s built in firmware installer found under File > Install Firmware.
Install games
.pkg files must be extracted using PCSX4’s built-in package installer found under File > Install .pkg (or simply drag and drop .pkg to the main emulator window)
.pkg files will be automatically installed to \dev_hdd0\game\
Blu-ray disc title data can be placed in \dev_hdd0\disc\ or anywhere else except for \dev_hdd0\game\ and can be booted from File > Boot Game if not present on the game list.
PSN title data must be placed in \dev_hdd0\game\
PSN .rap files must be placed in \dev_hdd0\home\00000001\exdata\ (or simply drag and drop them to the main emulator window)
Save data files can be managed in \dev_hdd0\home\00000001\savedata\
PCSX4 emulator is capable of running most commercial games at full speed, provided you meet the necessary hardware requirements.
Control layout
| PS4 Gamepad button | Keyboard button |
|---|---|
| Left Stick Up | W |
| Left Stick Left | A |
| Left Stick Down | S |
| Left Stick Right | D |
| Right Stick Up | I |
| Right Stick Left | J |
| Right Stick Down | K |
| Right Stick Right | L |
| OPTIONS | Enter |
| Dpad Up | Arrow Up |
| Dpad Left | Arrow Left |
| Dpad Down | Arrow Down |
| Dpad Right | Arrow Right |
| Triangle | Numpad 8 |
| Square | Numpad 4 |
| Cross | Numpad 2 |
| Circle | Numpad 6 |
| L1 | Q |
| L2 | TAB |
| L3 | Z |
| R1 | E |
| R2 | R |
| R3 | C |
Emulator update
PCSX4 emulator features an auto-updater which will prompt you if you want to update after loading the emulator.
You can either accept, deny or disable updates all together if you wish, though it is not recommended due to the volume of fixes that roll out each day.
In the instance that you need to update this application manually, you can follow the following instructions:
- Download the latest build of PCSX4
- Drag and drop all files into the PCSX4 root directory
- Replacing all files when prompted
Games update
Title updates are handled the same as PSN .pkg files.
The. pkg update file must be installed using PCSX4’s built-in package installer found under File > Install .pkg
The update will be placed in the title folder that corresponds to the correct region ID.
Please note that title updates must be the same region in order to work.
Cross-mixing title regions may create irreversible damage to the title.
License
- Play Station is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation
PCSX4 (PS4 Emulator) is not meant for illegal activities, and we have a strict policy about piracy.
All resources are obtained via reverse engineering of legally owned devices, games, and information present on the internet.
The main objective of this project is to enhance the gaming experience, research, and provide education about the core concepts of device emulation.
FAQ
This guide/tutorial answers the following questions:
- How to install PCSX4 emulator on PC?
- How do I install PCSX4 emulator on Windows 10?
- Can I run PS4 emulator on PC?
- How do I download PCSX4 emulator?
- How can I play PS4 games on Windows?