How to set up ePSXe on Android: from BIOS to perfect gameplay

The emulator ePSXe remains one of the best ways to run classic games PlayStation 1 on modern Android devices. Despite the emergence of alternatives like DuckStation or RetroArch, many gamers choose it for its stability, support for plug-ins and accurate emulation of the hardware of the original console. However, proper setup ePSXe on Android requires attention to detail: from choosing the BIOS version to fine-tuning graphics and controls.

In this article you will find up-to-date instructions for installing and optimizing the emulator taking into account the features of Android 14/15, as well as solutions to typical problems - from a “black screen” at startup to stuttering in 3D games. We'll cover how to connect a gamepad, set up touch controls, and even improve graphics with anti-aliasing and upscaling. And if you have never encountered emulators before, don’t worry: each step is accompanied by screenshots and explanations.

Important: ePSXe does not include games or BIOS - they must be downloaded separately. We do not distribute pirated content and recommend using only legal copies of games that you own.

1. Preparation: system requirements and ePSXe version selection

Before installing the emulator, make sure that your device meets the minimum requirements. Although ePSXe works even on budget smartphones, for comfortable gameplay in games with 3D graphics (for example, Metal Gear Solid or Crash Bandicoot 3), you will need more powerful hardware.

Minimum requirements to run most games:

• 📱 Processor: 4-core with a clock frequency of 1.5 GHz (recommended Snapdragon 6xx or higher).
• 🎮 RAM: 2 GB (for high-demand games - 3 GB and more).
• 🖥️ Android: version 6.0 and higher (on Android 14/15 there may be problems with permissions - see section 3).
• 💾 Memory: 500 MB of free space (for BIOS, games and saves).

There are two main versions ePSXe for Android:

Version	Advantages	Disadvantages	Cost
ePSXe Free	Free, basic functionality	Advertising, limited graphics settings	0 ₽
ePSXe Premium	No unnecessary water, OpenGL HD support, advanced plugins	Paid (about 300–500 ₽)	~370 ₽
ePSXe for Android TV	Optimized for gamepads and large screens	Only for Android TV, limited support for touch controls	~450 ₽

For most users, ePSXe Premium will be the optimal choice - it offers better performance and flexibility of settings. If you want to test the emulator first, start with the free version, but be prepared for ads and limitations.

⚠️ Attention: Some devices with processors Mediatek (especially budget ones) may experience problems with graphics in OpenGL mode. In this case, try using the plugin P.E.Op.S. (see section 4).

2. Installing ePSXe and loading BIOS

After selecting the emulator version, let's proceed with the installation. Download the APK file from ePSXe official website or from Google Play (only paid version available). Make sure that the Android settings allow installation of applications from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).

After installation on the first launch ePSXe you will be prompted for a BIOS file. This is required a component without which the emulator will not work. The BIOS is responsible for initializing the “virtual set-top box” and emulating its hardware capabilities.

Where to get the BIOS legally:

• 💾 Own set-top box: If you have PlayStation 1, you can extract the BIOS using special utilities (for example, PSX BIOS Dump Tool) and transfer it to your smartphone.
• 🌍 Legal archives). dumps: Some sites offer BIOS extracted from the original consoles (for example SCPH-1001.bin for the Japanese version, make sure the source is reliable.
• 🛒 Purchase: On eBay or specialized forums they sometimes sell memory cards with a pre-recorded BIOS (legality depends on the jurisdiction).

The BIOS file must have one of the following names (depending on the region of the set-top box):

SCPH1001.BIN (Japan, NTSC)
SCPH1002.BIN (USA, NTSC)
SCPH1003.BIN (Europe, PAL)
SCPH5501.BIN (PSone, NTSC)
SCPH5502.BIN (PSone, PAL)

Place the BIOS file in the folder /sdcard/ePSXe/bios/ (if there is no folder, create it manually). After this, restart the emulator and select the desired BIOS in the settings menu.

⚠️ Attention: Using BIOS from unlicensed sources may violate copyright Sony. We recommend extracting the BIOS only from your own set-top box.

3. Setting permissions and optimizing performance

On Android 10 and higher ePSXe requires several permissions to work correctly. Without them, the emulator may not see game files or BIOS, and may also slow down due to background restrictions. Here's what you need to do:

1. File permission: When you first start, give ePSXe access to the device memory. If the permission was not requested, check it manually in Android Settings → Applications → ePSXe → Permissions.
2. Ignoring battery optimization: Android may limit the performance of the emulator in the background. To avoid this, go to and select "Don't optimize." without a gamepad, enable the "Display on top of other windows" permission in the application settings. Settings → Applications → ePSXe → Battery → Battery optimization and select "Don't optimize."
3. Overlay resolution (for touch elements): If you plan to play without a gamepad, enable the "Display on top of other windows" permission in the application settings.

To improve performance, it is recommended:

• 🔋 Close background applications: Use the task manager to free up RAM before starting the game.
• ⚡ Activate performance mode: Some devices (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi) have special modes for games. Enable them in the battery settings.
• 📉 Disable animation: In Developer settings (how to enable: click on "Build number" 7 times in the phone information) set the animation scale to 0.5x or turn it off completely.

If the game is slow, try reducing the render resolution in the graphics settings (see section 5) or changing the plugin. On weak devices, it is better to use P.E.Op.S. Soft GPU instead of OpenGL.

4. Selecting and configuring plugins for graphics and sound

One ​​of the key features ePSXe is support for plugins that are responsible for graphics rendering and sound processing. Choosing the right plugins can significantly improve performance or image quality. There are more options available in the Premium version, but even the free version has everything you need for a comfortable game.

Main graphics plugins:

Plugin	Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
P.E.Op.S. OpenGL	Hardware	High performance, support for HD resolutions	Artifacts in some games
P.E.Op.S. Soft GPU	Software	Stable operation, fewer glitches	Low resolution, slowdowns on weak devices
ePSXe GPU (built-in)	Hybrid	Balance between speed and compatibility	Limited settings

For most modern smartphones, P.E.Op.S. OpenGLwill be the optimal choice. To configure it:

1. Go to Settings → Video.
2. Select P.E.Op.S. OpenGL Driver 1.78 (or a newer version).
3. Enable options:
   • 🔹 Enable Hi-Res Textures (for improved graphics, if supported by the game).
   • 🔹 Texture Filtering (texture smoothing).
   • 🔹 Offset Hack (eliminates problems with polygons in some games).

Set the render resolution to 2x or 3x (leave on weak devices 1x).

For sound, use the plugin ePSXe SPU (built-in) or P.E.Op.S. SPU. In the sound settings, disable Sync Audioif stuttering is observed, and set the sampling rate to 44100 Hz for better quality.

How to eliminate the "striped" screen in games?

This artifact occurs due to incorrect operation of the plugin P.E.Op.S. OpenGL with some games (for example, Castlevania: Symphony of the NightSolutions:

1. Switch to P.E.Op.S. Soft GPU.

2. Enable the Frame Skipping option in the video settings.

3. Try a different BIOS (for example, SCPH5502.BIN instead of SCPH1002.BIN).

5. Graphics optimization: from blur to 4K

One of the main reasons to use an emulator is the ability to improve the graphics of old games. ePSXe allows you to render games at a resolution higher than the original (320x240), add anti-aliasing and filters. However, not all games tolerate such changes well, so it is important to find a balance between quality and stability.

Basic graphics settings:

• 🎨 Render resolution: Increases texture resolution. Optimal values:
  • 1x —original resolution (for weak devices).
  • 2x–3x —a good balance for most smartphones.
  • 4x–6x —only for flagships (may cause lags).
• 🔄 Texture Filtering: Smoothes pixels on 3D models. Recommended modes:
  • Nearest Neighbor —original “pixel” look.
  • Bilinear —light anti-aliasing.
  • Bicubic —strong anti-aliasing (can blur textures).
• 🖼️ Hi-Res Textures: Replaces original textures with high-quality ones (requires separate packs textures).

Critical setting for games with 2D graphics (for example, Final Fantasy VII or Chrono Cross): disable Texture Filtering and set Internal Resolution to 1x, otherwise the interface and fonts will become blurry.

Examples of optimal settings for popular games:

Game	Resolution	Filtering	Plugin	Notes
Metal Gear Solid	2x	Bilinear	OpenGL	Enable Offset Hack to correct polygons
Crash Bandicoot 3	3x	Nearest Neighbor	OpenGL	Disable Texture Filtering for a clear image
Final Fantasy IX	1x	Disabled	Soft GPU	Otherwise fonts and menus are blurred
Tekken 3	4x	Bicubic	OpenGL	Requires a powerful processor

Set render resolution|Select texture filtering|Check plugin compatibility with the game|Disable unnecessary effects (for example, anti-aliasing for 2D games)|Save settings to profile-->

6. Control setup: gamepad, touch buttons and keyboard

Controls in games on PlayStation 1 were initially designed for a gamepad, so playing on a touch screen can be inconvenient. Fortunately, ePSXe supports several control methods, including connecting external controllers via Bluetooth or USB.

Control methods in ePSXe:

• 🎮 Gamepad: The best option for a comfortable game. Controllers are supported Xbox, DualShock 4, 8BitDo and others with support HID.
• 👆 Touch buttons: Virtual gamepad on the screen. You can adjust the size and transparency of the buttons.
• ⌨️ Keyboard: Suitable for games with simple controls (for example RPG). Assign keys in the menu Settings → Controls.

To connect a gamepad:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and put the controller in pairing mode (usually hold down the button Share + PS on DualShock 4).
2. Connect the gamepad in the Android Bluetooth settings.
3. In ePSXe go to Settings → Controls → Gamepad and select your controller.
4. Assign buttons (by default ePSXe automatically recognizes most gamepads).

To configure touch buttons:

1. Go in Settings → Controls → Touchscreen.
2. Select a preliminary template (for example, DualShock or Classic).
3. Adjust the size and transparency of the buttons using the sliders.
4. Enable the option Always Showif you want to see the buttons on top of the game.

If the buttons on the screen are in the way, you can use the "Swipe control" mode (turned on in the sensor settings). In this mode, the left side of the screen is responsible for the joystick, and the right side is for the action buttons.

⚠️ Attention: Some devices with Android 14 may experience delays when using Bluetooth gamepads. In this case, try connecting the controller via USB via an OTG cable.

7. Saves, cheat codes and additional functions

ePSXe supports several types of saves: original game saves (via cartridge memory or memory card PlayStation) and emulator states (savestates). The latter allow you to save the game at any time, even if the original game does not support it.

How to work with saves:

• 💾 Original saves: Files are used .mcr (for a memory card) or .gme (for built-in memory). They are compatible with the original console.
• 🔄 Savestates: Files .eps, save the full state of the emulator (including position in the game, character health, etc.).
• 📂 Save folder: By default, located in /sdcard/ePSXe/saves/. You can change the path in the settings.

To use cheat codes:

1. Download a file with cheats in the format .cht (for example, from the website GameHacking.org).
2. Place it in folder /sdcard/ePSXe/cheats/.
3. In the emulator menu, select Cheats → Load Cheats and activate the necessary codes.

Additional functions ePSXe:

• ⏱️ Turbo mode: Speeds up the game (useful for skipping long cutscenes). data-i="282">Turbo mode: Settings → Emulation → Turbo Mode.
• 🔊 Recording video: You can record gameplay in the format .mp4 (Premium version required).
• 🎵 Replacing music: Custom soundtracks are supported in the format .ogg.

If the game does not save, check:

• Write permissions for the folder /ePSXe/saves/.
• Save file format (some games require .mcr, others - .gme).
• Memory emulation settings in Settings → BIOS → Memory Card.

8. Troubleshooting common problems

Even with correct settings, ePSXe errors may occur. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

Problem	Cause	Solution
Black screen when starting the game	Incompatible BIOS or plugin	Try a different BIOS (for example SCPH1001.BIN) or change the graphics plugin to Soft GPU.
The game slows down or stutters	Weak processor or high resolution	Reduce Internal Resolution to 1x, disable Texture Filtering.
No sound	Incorrect SPU settings or conflict with Bluetooth	Change the plugin to ePSXe SPU, check the connection gamepad.
Graphics artifacts (strips, flickering)	Rendering error in OpenGL	Enable Offset Hack or switch to Soft GPU.
Do not work save	No write permissions or incorrect format	Check folder permissions /ePSXe/saves/, try a different save type.

If the game crashes at a certain point, try:

• Disable Frame Skipping.
• Use a different BIOS.
• Change the plugin to P.E.Op.S. Soft GPU.

For games with compatibility issues (for example, Vagrant Story or Einhänder), you may need to manually configure CPU emulation. In the menu Settings → Emulation try enabling CPU Overclocking (will increase performance, but may cause glitches).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices with processors Exynos (for example, Samsung Galaxy S21) plugin P.E.Op.S. OpenGL may cause overheating. In this case, limit FPS to 30 in the emulation settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about ePSXe on Android

🔹 How to transfer saves from the PC version of ePSXe to Android?

Saves in the format .eps (savestates) and .mcr/.gme (original) are compatible between PC and Android. Copy the files to the folder /sdcard/ePSXe/saves/ on your smartphone. Make sure that the save file names match the names of the games (for example, Final Fantasy VII.mcr).

🔹 Why are some games slow animation?

This may be due to a setting Frame Skipping or FPS limit. Try:

1. Disable Frame Skipping to Settings → Video.
2. Set FPS Limit to Auto or 60.
3. Enable CPU Overclocking (can help, but increases the load).

If the problem persists, check the game's compatibility with the selected plugin.

🔹 Is it possible to play multiplayer games via Bluetooth?

Technically yes, but with reservations:

• Connect two gamepads to one device.
• In the control settings, assign buttons to the second player.
• Please note that Bluetooth delays can make the game uncomfortable.

For the best experience, use Android TV and gamepads connected via USB.

🔹 How to improve sound quality?

In the sound settings (Settings → Sound) set:

• Sample Rate: 44100 Hz (or 48000 for better quality).
• Latency: 100–150 ms (smaller value means less delay, but jumps are possible).
• Volume Boost: turn on if the sound is too quiet.

If the sound is interrupted, turn off Sync Audio.

🔹 Where to download games for ePSXe legally?

Legal ways to get games for PlayStation 1:

• Buy original discs and make a dump using ImgBurn or Alcohol 120%.
• Purchase digital versions on PlayStation Store (some games are available for PS3/PSP/PS Vita and can be transferred to Android).
• Use services like GOG.comwhere classic games are sometimes sold without DRM.

Remember that distributing and downloading pirated games copies of games violate copyright.