How to Add PS1 BIOS to EmuDeck (2025 Updated Guide)

Adding a PS1 BIOS to EmuDeck is a simple process that allows PlayStation 1 games to run smoothly without errors or black screens. You only need to copy the correct BIOS file, such as scph5501.bin, into the EmuDeck BIOS folder and confirm that it’s detected by the emulator. Once installed, games load faster, visuals appear sharper, and performance stays consistent. This setup works perfectly on both Steam Deck and Windows, giving you a complete PlayStation experience on modern devices.

What Is EmuDeck and Why It Needs a BIOS?

EmuDeck is a complete retro gaming setup tool that simplifies emulation for both beginners and advanced players. It installs, configures, and connects multiple emulators into one clean system. You don’t need to handle each emulator separately. EmuDeck automatically manages their folders, settings, and controller configurations.

It supports many platforms, including PlayStation, Nintendo, Sega, and Atari. For PlayStation 1 games, it uses emulators like DuckStation or RetroArch’s Beetle PSX core, both of which need a BIOS file to function properly.

Why You Need the Correct PS1 BIOS?

The PS1 BIOS is what makes your PlayStation games run the same way they did on the original console. It’s like the brain of the PlayStation, starting the system, loading games, and making sure everything works smoothly.

When you use the correct PS1 BIOS, your emulator performs better and avoids common problems. The right BIOS file helps your PS1 emulator:

Here are the most common PS1 BIOS files you might need:

Preparation Checklist Before Adding BIOS

Before installing the PS1 BIOS, make sure you’re ready with a few essentials. This ensures your setup goes smoothly the first time. You’ll need:

Once you have confirmed these, you are ready to add the BIOS and unlock the full PS1 gaming experience.

How to Add PS1 BIOS to EmuDeck?

Adding a PS1 BIOS to EmuDeck is a quick and simple process. By following these steps carefully, you can make sure your setup works correctly and your PlayStation games run smoothly from the start.

Step 1: Get the Correct PS1 BIOS File

The most common BIOS for PS1 emulation is scph5501.bin, but you can also use scph1001.bin or a full regional set for better compatibility. Here are the main BIOS files you can choose from:

Keep the original filenames the same. Emulators like DuckStation and RetroArch will detect them automatically when placed in the correct folder.

Step 2: Locate the BIOS Folder in EmuDeck

Once your BIOS files are ready, you need to find the correct folder to place them in. EmuDeck uses a single BIOS directory for all its emulators, so you only have to copy your PS1 BIOS once.

On Steam Deck (SteamOS):

• Switch to Desktop Mode from the main Steam menu.
• Open the File Manager on your Steam Deck.
• Navigate to this location: /home/deck/Emulation/bios

On Windows PC:

• Open File Explorer from your taskbar.
• Go to this directory: C:\Emulation\bios

This is the folder where EmuDeck looks for BIOS files.

Step 3: Move the BIOS File to the Folder

Copy your PS1 BIOS file (for example, scph5501.bin) into the BIOS folder.

Avoid placing it inside another subfolder or compressed file. Keep the name in lowercase, as Steam Deck’s Linux file system is case-sensitive (scph5501.bin ≠ SCPH5501.BIN).

Once copied, double-check that the BIOS is visible inside the folder.

Step 4: Configure EmuDeck to Recognize the BIOS

In most cases, EmuDeck detects BIOS files automatically. However, it’s good practice to confirm.

1. Launch EmuDeck on your Steam Deck or PC.
2. Open RetroArch or DuckStation.
3. Go to Settings → Directory → System/BIOS.
4. Ensure the directory matches your BIOS path.

If the directory points to the same folder you placed the BIOS in, EmuDeck will load it every time you start a PS1 game.

Step 5: Test the BIOS Installation

To confirm your setup works:

1. Open your PS1 game library in EmuDeck.
2. Launch any game (for example, Crash Bandicoot or Tekken 3).
3. If the game boots normally and shows the PlayStation logo, your BIOS is correctly installed.

If you see a “Missing BIOS” message, recheck the file name, folder location, or restart EmuDeck and try again.

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How to Add PS1 Games to Steam via EmuDeck?

Once your BIOS is installed, you can make PS1 games appear directly inside Steam. This allows you to launch them in Game Mode with your controller and custom artwork. Here’s how:

1. Open Steam ROM Manager in the EmuDeck tools section.
2. Enable the PlayStation (PSX) parser and choose your emulator (DuckStation or RetroArch).
3. Click Preview, then Generate App List, and finally Save App List.

Your PS1 games will now appear in your Steam Library just like any other game.

Optional: Check BIOS File Integrity (For Advanced Users)

If your BIOS isn’t working even after following all steps, it might be corrupted. You can verify its integrity by checking its MD5 hash value.

For example, a correct scph5501.bin file has this MD5 hash: 8dd7d5296a650fac7319bce665a6a53c

Use free tools like WinMD5 (Windows) or online MD5 checkers to confirm. If your file doesn’t match, download a verified one and replace it.

Tips for Smooth PS1 Emulation on EmuDeck

To enjoy the best PS1 gaming experience on EmuDeck, a few simple tweaks can make a big difference. These tips help improve game speed, performance, and stability so your setup runs just like the real console.

Conclusion

Adding the PS1 BIOS to EmuDeck is a quick setup that makes your PlayStation 1 emulation stable and error-free. By simply placing the correct BIOS file (like scph5501.bin) into the /Emulation/bios/ folder and confirming it’s detected, you unlock full PS1 compatibility on your Steam Deck or PC.

Once configured, EmuDeck automatically handles everything, from launching your games to optimizing visuals. Now you can revisit your favorite PlayStation classics without crashes or setup errors, just pure gaming nostalgia at its best.

Frequently Asked Questions