Recommended BIOS Files

You will need BIOS files to imitate some systems successfully. Others do it primarily for nostalgia, to hear the jingle and opening music. Since I cannot legally give you the BIOS names, here is a list to aid in your search. (Try searching the filename on Google.)

BIOS files for RetroArch are stored in the RetroArch/System folder. This is true for all platforms, including Windows and Android.

The BIOS files listed below are all for the USA region; you will need BIOS files for the EU or other areas of your ROMs from those locations.

Nintendo DS – Required for certain emulators

  • File(s): firmware.bin, bios7.bin, bios9.bin

Nintendo Game Boy – Optional

  • File: gb_bios.bin

Nintendo Game Boy Advance – Optional

  • File: gba_bios.bin

Nintendo Game Boy Color – Optional

  • File: gbc_bios.bin

Sega CD – Required

  • File: bios_CD_U.bin

Sega Dreamcast – Required

  • File: dc_boot.bin
  • Note: If RetroArch is used, this BIOS file is placed in the RetroArch, System, dc subdirectory.

Sega Saturn – Required

  • File: mpg-17933.bin

Sony PlayStation – Required

  • File: PSXONPSP660.bin

Sony PlayStation 2 – Required

  • File: ps2-0230a-20080220.bin