How to Install and Set Up PSX/PS1 BIOS in RetroArch (Android / PC / iOS)

To install and set up the PS1 BIOS in RetroArch on Android, PC, or iOS quickly and without errors, start by dumping or legally obtaining your BIOS, then verify its checksum to ensure it’s valid. Next, copy the correct BIOS files into RetroArch’s system folder, and set that folder path under Settings > Directories > System/BIOS. Finally, load a PS1 core such as Beetle PSX HW or PCSX ReARMed to complete the setup.

Following these steps first helps you avoid common issues like missing BIOS errors, black screens, or save problems. Keep reading this full guide below to learn the detailed, step-by-step setup for Android, PC, and iOS so your PS1 games run fast, smooth, and error-free in RetroArch.

Why You Need the PS1 BIOS in RetroArch

The PS1 BIOS is essential in RetroArch because it acts like the PlayStation’s operating system, enabling accurate game loading, memory card management, and sound. Without it, many games won’t boot or will have audio and performance issues.

Having the right BIOS ensures smooth gameplay, proper saves, and fewer crashes. Simply put, the BIOS unlocks a stable and authentic PlayStation experience in RetroArch.

Requirements

Before setting up Retroarch , here’s what you will need:

• RetroArch installed on your PC, Mac, Linux, or Android device
• A PS1-compatible core like Beetle PSX HW (accurate) or PCSX ReARMed (lightweight)
• A legally obtained PS1 BIOS file from your console
• Basic tools like a file manager or a checksum tool to verify the BIOS

Once you’ve got these ready, you’re all set for a flawless setup.

Supported PS1 BIOS Files in Retroarch

RetroArch supports multiple PS1 BIOS files depending on the game’s region. Using the correct BIOS ensures smoother gameplay and better compatibility across all titles.

Region	File Name	Notes
Japan	scph5500.bin	Works best for NTSC-J games
USA	scph5501.bin	Recommended for NTSC-U games
Europe	scph5502.bin	Ideal for PAL games
Worldwide	scph7003.bin	Universal BIOS that supports multiple regions

Tip: Always use lowercase filenames (for example, scph5501.bin) on Linux or Android, since those systems are case-sensitive.

The Beetle PSX HW core in RetroArch also supports alternative BIOS files like PSXONPSP660.bin and ps1_rom.bin, which can serve as backups or region-free options if your main BIOS isn’t recognized.

Installation and Set Up of PS1 BIOS in RetroArch

Setting up the PS1 BIOS in RetroArch is the key to unlocking smooth and accurate PlayStation emulation across all your devices. Whether you’re gaming on Android, Windows, or iOS, the process follows the same core idea; placing the right BIOS files in the correct folder and letting RetroArch detect them automatically.

If you prefer another emulator, check out our guide on DuckStation on Android. Below, you’ll find detailed setup instructions for each platform to ensure a fast, clean, and error-free installation.

How to install and Setup PS1 Bios on Android

Installing the PS1 BIOS on Android using RetroArch is simple and quick. You just need to place the right BIOS files in the system folder and connect them to the PlayStation core for smooth gaming.

Step 1: Download or Dump Your BIOS Files

Get your legally obtained BIOS files ideally scph5500.bin, scph5501.bin, scph5502.bin, and scph7003.bin and store them in your Android’s “Downloads” folder for easy access.

Step 2: Locate the RetroArch System Folder

Open RetroArch, go to Settings > Directory > System/BIOS, and note the exact folder path. This is where the BIOS files must go.

Step 3: Move BIOS Files to the System Folder

Use a file manager app to copy your BIOS files into that folder. Avoid subfolders place them directly inside the system directory.

Step 4: Load the PS1 Core

Go back to the RetroArch main menu and select Load Core > Download a Core > Sony – PlayStation (Beetle PSX HW) or PCSX ReARMed if you’re using a lower-end device.

Step 5: Test the Setup

Open Load Content, choose a PS1 game file (.bin/.cue/.iso), and launch it. If the PlayStation boot logo appears, your BIOS setup is correct.

Pro Tip: If you get a black screen, check your BIOS file names they must match exactly and be lowercase.

How to install and Setup PS1 Bios on Windows / PC

Setting up the PS1 BIOS in RetroArch on PC gives you full console-level performance. Once you add the correct BIOS files and load the PS1 core, your games will boot instantly with accurate sound and visuals.

Step 1: Prepare Your BIOS Files

Place your BIOS files (scph5500.bin, scph5501.bin, scph5502.bin, scph7003.bin) in a dedicated folder on your PC, like Documents\PS1_BIOS.

Step 2: Find RetroArch’s System Directory

Launch RetroArch and navigate to Settings > Directory > System/BIOS. Note the full directory path (e.g., C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Roaming\RetroArch\system).

Step 3: Copy BIOS Files to the System Folder

Move all your BIOS files into this system folder. Keep the original filenames unchanged — even one typo can cause the BIOS to go undetected.

Step 4: Install a PlayStation Core

Go to Main Menu > Load Core > Download a Core, and select Sony – PlayStation (Beetle PSX HW). This core offers the most accurate emulation.

Step 5: Verify BIOS Detection

From Main Menu > Information > Core Information, scroll to the “Firmware” section. If the BIOS files show as “Present,” your setup is perfect.

Step 6: Launch a Game

Load any PS1 game. If you see the original PlayStation logo before the game starts, the BIOS installation worked flawlessly.

How to install and Setup PS1 Bios on iOS (iPhone/iPad)

RetroArch works well on iOS too you just need to copy the BIOS files into the app’s system directory. With the right setup, your iPhone or iPad can emulate PS1 games with console-like smoothness and stability.

Step 1: Install RetroArch

Install RetroArch from the App Store or sideload it using AltStore for full feature access.

Step 2: Transfer BIOS Files to RetroArch

Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer. Open iTunes (or iMazing) and navigate to File Sharing > RetroArch. Create or open a system folder inside and transfer your BIOS files (scph5500.bin, scph5501.bin, scph5502.bin, scph7003.bin).

Step 3: Confirm the Directory in RetroArch

Open RetroArch on your iOS device and go to Settings > Directory > System/BIOS. Make sure it points to the same folder where you uploaded your BIOS files.

Step 4: Load the PS1 Core

Download and load the Sony – PlayStation (Beetle PSX HW) core. This core runs smoothly on iOS devices and offers high compatibility.

Step 5: Test Your Setup

Load a PS1 game through Load Content. If the game boots with the PlayStation logo and sound, your BIOS is installed and working properly.

Tip: If your BIOS isn’t detected, double-check filenames and ensure you’ve granted RetroArch permission to read files via iTunes file sharing.

Common Errors and Fixes

Sometimes you might hit issues like missing BIOS or a black screen during setup don’t worry, these are easy to fix. See below for quick solutions.

Advanced Tips (For Power Users)

If you’ve got your setup running smoothly, these tweaks can take your PS1 emulation to the next level. Learn how to set up PS1 BIOS on Batocera Linux for even better performance.

Best Practices and Backup

• Keep all BIOS files in one folder and back that folder up.
• Use lowercase filenames for compatibility.
• Keep a small text file with checksums for each BIOS dump.
• Save RetroArch configuration after setup.

Conclusion

Installing and setting up the PS1 BIOS in RetroArch gives you an authentic PlayStation experience on Android, PC, and iOS. Legally dump your BIOS from your console, verify files, and place them (like scph5500.bin) into RetroArch’s system folder. Then, set the BIOS path in Settings → Directories → System/BIOS, load a PS1 core (Beetle PSX HW or PCSX ReARMed), and test games from different regions.

If errors occur, check filenames, permissions, and RetroArch logs for missing BIOS. Keep filenames lowercase, back up your BIOS, and update cores regularly. This ensures stable boots, proper saves, and accurate audio; giving you a smooth, reliable PS1 gaming experience on any device.

Frequently Asked Questions