I recommend trying to find your game(s) in CHD or BIN/CUE format. If the PSX game you downloaded came in a weird format such as NRG, UIF, DAA, CDI, XBX, B51, BWI, etc. Here's a visual example of how they look like (the icons will look differently):
DuckStation only supports ISO files that are in BIN (BIN/CUE), IMG, ISO, CHD, MDS, PBP, or ECM format. Once the ISO is extracted, now take notice of the file format of the ISO.
Just right-click the RAR or 7Z file and go to 7-Zip > Extract Here, as shown here. I recommend it, though, because the game loads faster when it's extracted. Although DuckStation supports ECM files so you don't have to extract it if you don't want to. To extract an ECM file watch this video.To extract a RAR or 7Z file you can use 7-Zip (it's free). Downloaded PlayStation 1 ISO's typically come in a ZIP, RAR, 7Z, or ECM file.But first, I need to walk you through extracting PlayStation 1 games: You can (1) load games by manually selecting them, just as you would with most video game emulators, or (2) you can tell DuckStation where your PlayStation 1 games are stored and have it populate a game list within DuckStation. ĭuckStation has two ways to load PlayStation 1 games. With File Explorer open, click Documents. If a folder icon isn't present, you can also do this: in the “ Type here to search” area type “ file” and you'll see a File Explorer app appear at the top of the search results - as shown here.
The easiest way to open it is to click the folder icon in your home row of apps.
Don't know how to access Documents? First, open Windows File Explorer.After opening up DuckStation for the first time, it will create its directories in Documents.Extract “ Scph1001.bin” from the above zip file.With the BIOS in hand, let's proceed with setting it up: I also made this GIF animation to show you how to change the file extension.
If you don't see the file extension, try showing them. When saving, rename the “ _ip” file extension to “ zip”. Download by right-clicking the download link and go to Save Link As. Of which, you can download it right here: This is a separate download after you've downloaded DuckStation. The PlayStation 1 BIOS is required to boot games. You may want to right-click it and create a shortcut to this exe for your desktop or something, to remind you which of the three exe's you need to use. To open DuckStation can be slightly confusing since there are a couple exe's in its folder. It doesn't matter where you decide to place DuckStation on your computer, whether in Documents, Downloads, a folder on your desktop, or somewhere else. Not sure how to extract zip files? Here's a video tutorial showing you how: how to unzip files on Windows. Installation is simple: just extract DuckStation from its zip file.
If you're on a newer Windows tablet, you may need “ duckstation-windows-arm64-release.zip” (if you're unsure, it would mention 'ARM-powered' all over its technical specs & packaging).ĭuckStation is a standalone program so it does not have an install wizard. If you're on a regular PC, you should download “ duckstation-windows-圆4-release.zip”.