Below is a reference chart for the most popular systems, their exact required filenames, and where they belong inside the system directory. Required Filename(s) Notes / Region scph5501.bin scph5500.bin scph5502.bin USA regionJapan regionEurope region PlayStation 2 (LRPS2 / PCSX2) scph39001.bin (and accompanying files) Must be placed inside a subfolder named pcsx2/bios/ Sega Dreamcast (Flycast) dc_boot.bin dc_flash.bin Must be placed inside a subfolder named dc/ Sega CD / Mega CD (Genesis Plus GX) bios_CD_U.bin bios_CD_E.bin bios_CD_J.bin US regionEurope regionJapan region Game Boy Advance (mGBA) gba_bios.bin Optional for some games, mandatory for link-cable features. Nintendo DS (MelonDS) bios7.bin bios9.bin firmware.bin Required for internal layout boot. Sega Saturn (Beetle Saturn) saturn_bios.bin Rename your regional BIOS to this exact string. How to Verify Your BIOS Files inside RetroArch
Both require specific system files to boot.
If you choose to look for a pre-packaged "RetroArch BIOS Pack" online, exercise extreme caution. Sketchy ROM websites often bundle malware, adware, or corrupted files into their downloads. Never download .exe files disguised as BIOS packs. Legitimate BIOS files use specific extensions like .bin , .rom , .vms , or .sys . Essential BIOS Files by System retroarch bios pack
You can check if RetroArch recognizes your files before even booting a game: Go to > Load Core .
While RetroArch is open-source and legal, the BIOS files required to run certain consoles are intellectual property of the original manufacturers (Sony, Sega, Nintendo, etc.). Below is a reference chart for the most
Not every system in RetroArch requires a BIOS. For example, the Super Nintendo (SNES) and Sega Genesis generally do not need them. However, disc-based systems almost always do. 1. Sony PlayStation (Core: Beetle PSX HW / PCSX ReARMed) (Required for US games) scph5500.bin (Required for Japanese games) scph5502.bin (Required for European games) 2. PlayStation 2 (Core: LRPS2 / PCSX2)
RetroArch cores require the exact original BIOS files to accurately replicate the hardware environment. Without these files, the core cannot decipher the game's boot code, resulting in a failed launch. RetroArch BIOS Pack: Essential Files Checklist Sega Saturn (Beetle Saturn) saturn_bios
Note: RetroArch’s information panel within the app can display the exact filename and required hash for each core.