PS1 Emulator for Mac OS X Snow Leopard

Okay then everyone, this is how to install and get up and running with a PS1 emulator for your Mac running Snow Leopard.

Without any hesitation, let's get started!
You will need:
*Mac with Snow Leopard (Other versions are untested)
*Internet access (Already got)

Step 1: Downloads

First off, you're going to want to download these files.

Off external sites:
PCSX-test3.dmg
Playstation Bios Files.zip

OR

Off Instructables:
-Click the file links below-

Comments

[lpinney]

OK, tried most of my PS1 games, and the only one that worked was Oddworld - and that didn't really work. There were just a few opening images hitching on the screen. I couldn't get to the point of actually playing a game, and if I did, it looks like the performance would have been far, far too poor to actually play it. The 'screen' is just a smallish wind in the center of the actual screen. Good thing a still have a PS 1 floating around here, somewhere. It not the large grey one - it's the little white one with a detachable screen.

So, it could be safe to say that a MacBook Air (13') with a SuperDrive, running OS X 10.6.8 it not an ideal setup for this PS1 Emulator.

[lpinney]

Well, I did all that, and things seemed to have gone well. I installed everything according to the instructions provided and found all the instructions said I should, blah blah, blah, blah...

But I have not yet tested any PS1 CDs yet because I am using a 2011 Macbook Air. I bought the Superdrive with it, but am too lazy just now to get up out of bed, find it, plug it in... Dig out my PS1 collection... Which is pretty good, by the way. I sort of collect video games - until there were just too many to store\manage. I just traded 131 PS2 games for a WMD Warbeast BC Rich and a Bronze Bich. I still have about two hundred games left...

Say, I remember a PS1 Emulator that was commercially availably for a short time - until they got a Cease & Desists order from Sony. This was back in the mid-90s, so I may be remembering the name wrong... Was it, BLEEN? I passed on the chance to buy a copy, (had no PC then; my new(ish) Gateway was in storage). Later, I found a copy of it on the Internet - a trial copy with no sound. The image was tiny, and I was no so certain about how the controls worked.

[lpinney]

Well, I got out my drive and PS1 games. I have a Macbook Air 2011 with OS X 10.6.8. I tried two titles thus far, and both did not work. MK Trilogy did nothing at all, and MoH brought up a window that was blank.

Anyway, thank for your help - maybe there's something about the MBA that will not allow it to work.

It was a great idea, though, and thanks again for your effort.

[InvaderDig]

This is fantastic. Now I just have to figure out how to do the same with PS2! :) Cheers!

[znathoo1]

Thanks so much. I've been trying to get something like this installed for months now, and end up getting so much garbage on the net that I end up giving up. But your instructions were clear, and very very helpful.
Would you consider doing the same thing with a PS2 emulator? That would be AWESOME!!!

[redsolo]

had to reinstall on an older mac after i had some issues with mine, its 10.4.11 and i get the same "PeopsSoftGL Display" thing mentioned before, but when i try to download the pscx reloaded it says the system doesnt support it. is there any way to fix or get rid of the "PeopsSoftGL Display" screen

[cdoors]

I found a version of PCSX which is an Universal Binary, so it should work much faster on any Intel-based Mac (it does on mine!). You can find it on http://pcsx.gpost.dk/files/Pcsx-1.6pre.zip . I can confirm it works on Leopard, but I'm not sure if it works on Snow leopard.

[ecrosara]

I've any problems to play Gran Turismo 2 CD1: the music has not perfect and ; When careless with my machine, it bounces up to when I can not stop

[gshilux]

Hi i wanted to ask i downloaded rom files but they are in rar format theres 20 rar files. so when i want to burn to i have to extract them all or just burn in all in rar format? please help

[fhartmann1]

great help! does this work with ps2 to?

[srobbins7]

hi, i pretty much did everything to the letter, and it still won't play any spyro games, final fantasy, etc. it says the cdrom can't load it. any suggestions, or give up?

[spikemp]

Does it work with any other games?

[abuie]

Thanks! Been trying to do this forever. Mainly couldn't find a good copy of the BIOS files. Greatly appreciate it, very helpful.

[mddinsmore85]

Thanks for the great tutorial, very easy.
I am running mac 10.5.x and I was wondering if anyone out there has tested it successfully. I can run disk and a black screen appears titled "PeopsSoftGL Display" which changes to PCSX after a few seconds. Other than that, nothing.

Secondly, if this is not possible, is there a way to run .iso or .ROM files?

[spikemp]

You can run .iso files and roms with the new version PCSX-Reloaded, I have an 'ible for that too - http://www.instructables.com/id/Mac-OS-X-Snow-Leopard-Emulator-PCSX-Reloaded/

[wakkax9]

Hey man, really helpful. But Im trying to run my ff9 disc and it works for a second or two but then I get this screen, what can I do about it? and Im runnin 10.6 snowLep

[Tinyhands]

Does this thing run roms to?

[spikemp]

This version doesn't, but if you install PCSX-R it can, I also have an 'ible for that - http://www.instructables.com/id/Mac-OS-X-Snow-Leopard-Emulator-PCSX-Reloaded/

[pwilks]

i'd love to try this out but the bios links don't work, i have the ps1
can anyone help?

Paul

[spikemp]

Hi Paul,
you might've missed the links to the files on instructables, the Playstation Bios FIles.zip can be found here: http://www.instructables.com/files/orig/F1G/T4U4/G51GRK14/F1GT4U4G51GRK14.zip

[pwilks]

some tinkering around and voila, its playing spikemp you rule!!

[dflynn1]

alright man what can i do if i am downloading a rom file as i haven't got the ps1 disk to play the game (final fantasy 9) i've got the file for disk1 downloaded but dont know how to make it work with the emulator! cheers man

[spikemp]

Hi, unless you can mount the rom as a virtual disc (Can only really be done if its an iso) then this version of PCSX won't run it. You can follow my other instructable on installing PCSX-Reloaded, which should be able to run the rom.

[neverknowingwhy]

woo ps1 on mac, thanks. v good instractable

[spikemp]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[zharrold]

hi, listen im a complete noob with this. My friends are saying that if i put a PS1 disk into a iMac then i could break the mac. Is this true because i love my mac and google wont help.

[spikemp]

It seems your friends are pulling your leg here, putting a PS1 disk into your iMac won't break it (Aslong as it is actually a ps1 disk, the same size as normal discs)

[QuirkyBird]

Hi, I've tried doing research on my own but i haven't had a whole lot of luck. What is this "BIOS" thing? why do I need it? what does it do?

Like i said, ive looked for an answer on my own but haven't had luck. If someone could answer this question before i download this stuff, it would be much appreciated. If i didnt catch it in the text here, kindly direct me to it so i can read it. Than kyou.

[spikemp]

Hi QuirkyBird,
The BIOS are the files and code inside the original PS1 that told it what to do, they were what made it play a game when you put a disc in and turned it on. You can run this emulator without the BIOS, but if you use the BIOS you often get better results. I recommend using it, because some games need the correct original BIOS (Supplied here as download) to run correctly.

Thanks
Spike

[nveloso]

someone know a ps1 emulator to run roms games?

[QuirkyBird]

i dont claim to be an expert but i was under the impression that all emulators ran roms...

[Metajake]

has anyone tried any USB playstation controllers with PCSX on their Mac? I want to invest in a controller but not sure if it will work. Thanks!

[soccer1223335]

Yes, you have to download the ps3 drivers, these can be downloaded from here http://tattiebogle.net/index.php/ProjectRoot/Ps3Controller
i have mine connected to my bluetooth so i can play all my games via my controller. Its awesome.

[steven-026]

I don't have a pcsx app support folder.

[uselessparadigm]

What he doesn't say about the application folder is this: For the application folder to show up in Application Support you need to open the PCSX file. Yes he says not to open it just yet because the BIOS haven't been uploaded but it is the only way for your computer to recognize it as an application. Once you open PCSX, a pop up should come up saying it is missing BIOS. Close PCSX and then check the Application Support folder again.

[spikemp]

Hi there,
I have updated the instructable to include the revised instructions there.
Thanks for pointing it out!

Spike

[Metajake]

by the way, thank you to the Instructables for this great installation tutorial. Gaming enjoyment... Hoooo!

[adailey14]

Hey everyone I struggled with PCSX for a while before finding PCSX-reloaded which works much much better on my intel-based mac with snow leopard. Just google for it. It is apparently a totally revamped project.

[mschlam]

looks great cant wait to try it but will this run any roms because i dont have any ps1 games

[makieh]

 omg! thank you so much! this was very very helpful! so clear and easy to follow - thank you for doing this!

[funnyfoo0]

very good instructable this will save me loads of time