Open-source PS1 memory card editor since 2007

MemcardRex – PlayStation Memory Card Save Editor

MemcardRex provides a convenient way to manage PlayStation memory card files and game saves. The utility supports compatible formats and offers useful options for handling saved data, including importing, exporting, editing, and organizing files.

Download MemcardRex Read the user guide

Licence GPL-3.0 Developer Shendo Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux beta GitHub 560+ stars Updated 3 October 2026

MemcardRex - epsxe000.mcr

epsxe000.mcrcard2.gmepsp.VMP

#	Title	Product code	Region	Blocks
01	Dungeon Quest Ch.4 34:12	SLUS-0X101	NTSC-U	1
02	Rally Cup Season data	SLES-0X244	PAL	1
03	Monster Ranch Day 212	SLPS-0X318	NTSC-J	2
05	Sky Racer Ghost lap	SLUS-0X502	NTSC-U	1
06	Tactics Saga Turn 18	SCES-0X077	PAL	3
09	Puzzle Tower Lv 40	SLUS-0X660	NTSC-U	1

9 of 15 blocks used

Exported Rally Cup.mcsSingle save ready for another card

Trusted by users560+ GitHub stars
In development since2007
Memory card formats16 supported
Hardware interfaces5 card readers
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux beta

What is MemcardRex?

A desktop editor for PlayStation 1 memory cards. It reads the card image an emulator or adapter produces, shows every save with its icon, and lets you move saves between cards and formats.

Start with the user guide

History

Shendo released the first version of MemcardRex in 2007 and published the source on GitHub in 2014 so the community could keep improving it. Contributors added PSP and PS3 virtual card support and the PS3 Memory Card Adaptor, and later macOS and Linux versions arrived. In July 2026 the developer archived the repository, which means the code and releases stay online but no further updates are planned.

Purpose

A PS1 memory card holds 128 KB split into 15 save blocks. Emulators, PSP, PS3 and USB readers all store that same data in slightly different file formats. MemcardRex sits between them: open any supported card, then copy saves out, import saves in, or save the whole card in another format.

Who should use it

Retro gamers moving progress between emulators, collectors backing up original cards, PSP and PS3 owners managing virtual cards, and preservationists archiving save data. Developers and modders use its plugin system and export formats when working with save editors.

Why it was created

Older tools each supported only one or two formats, and many stopped working on modern Windows. MemcardRex was written to handle the common formats in one place, with a clear interface and real hardware support so physical cards are not left behind.

Expert opinion

For PS1 save management on a PC, MemcardRex is still the most complete free option. The archive status does not change what it can do today: the latest builds run on .NET 8, and the card formats it handles are not going to change. Keep a copy of the release you use, and back up every card before editing.

Key features of MemcardRex

Nine reasons it remains the go-to PS1 memory card manager, and what each one does for you.

Tabbed interface for many cards

Open several memory cards side by side, each in its own tab, then copy saves between them.

Merge two emulator cards in under a minute.

Undo and redo with history

Every change is recorded in a history list you can step back through, not just a single undo.

Experiment without fear of losing a save.

16 memory card formats

From ePSXe .mcr and DexDrive .gme to PSP .VMP, PS3 .VM1, RetroArch .srm and MiSTer .sav.

One tool for every emulator and device.

Import and export single saves

Export a save as .mcs, .psx, .ps1, .mcb, .mcx, .psv or raw, and import them back.

Share one save without the whole card.

Real memory card hardware

Read and write physical cards through DexDrive, MemCARDuino, PS1CardLink, Unirom or the PS3 adaptor.

Back up original cards before they fail.

PocketStation tools

Read the PocketStation serial, dump its BIOS and push the PC time to the device.

Keep a PocketStation clock in sync.

Plugin support

Third-party save editors plug in directly, so you can edit game-specific data from the same window.

Extend it without waiting for updates.

Edit, restore and format

Copy, delete, restore deleted saves and format slots or whole cards.

Recover saves deleted by mistake.

Free and open source

Released under GPL-3.0 with public source code on GitHub. No ads, accounts or paid tiers.

Inspect exactly what the program does.

System requirements

MemcardRex is light. The main requirement is the .NET 8 runtime that current builds are built on.

Component	Minimum	Recommended
Operating system	Windows 10 (64-bit) or a macOS version supported by .NET 8	Windows 11 or a current macOS release
Runtime	.NET 8 Desktop Runtime	Latest .NET 8 update from Microsoft
CPU	Any 64-bit processor	Any modern dual-core
RAM	2 GB	4 GB or more
GPU	Not required	Not required
Storage	A few MB plus the .NET runtime	Extra space for card backups (128 KB each)
Internet	Only to download	Not needed to run
Hardware (optional)	Free COM or USB port	Powered DexDrive or USB-serial reader

Before you install

Install the .NET 8 Desktop Runtime from Microsoft
Keep a backup copy of every card you plan to edit
For the PS3 adaptor, have a WinUSB driver ready
On Linux, plan to build from source

RAM and CPU figures are practical guidance from this site, not official numbers. The .NET 8 requirement comes from the project README.

Download MemcardRex

MemcardRex is free. Official builds are published on the developer's GitHub page, the only source we link to.

Download for Windows Download for macOS

Linux: build from source with the official instructions. We do not host, mirror or modify files, and we do not publish our own scan results or hashes. Scan the archive with your antivirus and compare it with the GitHub release. More on the download page.

Latest Windows build: 9909f69
Latest macOS build: e85f601
Developer: Shendo and contributors
Licence: GPL-3.0, free
Operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux beta
Requires: .NET 8
Release date and file size: Shown on the release page
Official source: github.com/ShendoXT

How to install MemcardRex

Pick your system. Windows takes about five minutes, including the .NET runtime.

Full installation guide

Install

Install the .NET 8 Desktop Runtime (x64).
Download the Windows build from GitHub.
Extract the archive to a folder such as Documents\MemcardRex.
Run MemcardRex.exe, and allow it through SmartScreen if asked.

First run

Use File, then Open to load a card such as epsxe000.mcr, or start an empty card. For hardware, choose your reader and COM port in Options, then Preferences.

Build

Install the .NET 8 SDK for your distribution.
Clone the repository from GitHub.
Follow the readme in the MemcardRex.Linux folder to build and run.

Serial access

To use a DexDrive or MemCARDuino without root, add your user to the dialout group, then log out and back in.

Not available

There is no Android or iOS version of MemcardRex. Edit cards on a computer, then copy the card file to your phone.

Mobile workflow

Most mobile PS1 emulators use raw .mcr/.mcd or .srm cards, which MemcardRex creates on desktop.

How to use MemcardRex

The basics first, then the habits that keep your saves safe.

Beginner guide

Open a cardFile, then Open, and pick your emulator's card file.
Copy a saveSelect it, copy, switch tab, paste into a free slot.
Export a saveSave it as a single .mcs file to share or keep.
Save the cardUse Save As to keep the original untouched.

Advanced guide

Convert formatsSave As and choose .VMP, .VM1, .srm, .VMC or .sav.
Read real cardsSet the reader and COM port, then read the card.
Restore deleted savesDeleted slots can often be restored.
Use pluginsOpen supported saves in third-party editors.

Best practice

Back up first

Copy the card file before every editing session. A 128 KB backup costs nothing.

Tips and tricks

Match the region

A PAL save will not load in an NTSC-U game. Check the product code before importing.

Keyboard shortcuts

Check the menus

Each menu shows the shortcut next to its command, including undo and redo.

How MemcardRex works

Every card goes through the same six steps.

Open a card
File, emulator or real card
Read the directory
Slot, title, region, blocks
Show saves
Icons and product codes
Edit
Copy, import, export, delete
Save the card
In the format you need
Play
Load it in your emulator

Compatibility

What MemcardRex runs on and what it can talk to.

Area	Item	Status	Notes
Operating systems	Windows / macOS	Supported	Official builds, need .NET 8
Operating systems	Linux	Beta	Build from source
Operating systems	Android, iOS	Not available	Edit on desktop, copy files over
Browsers	Any	Not applicable	MemcardRex is a desktop app
Emulators	ePSXe, DuckStation, PCSX ReARMed / RetroArch, pSX, Bleem!	Supported	Through their card file formats
Devices	PSP, PS3, PS Vita PocketStation, MiSTer, POPStarter	Supported	.VMP, .VM1, .BIN, .sav, .VMC
Card readers	DexDrive, MemCARDuino, PS1CardLink, Unirom, PS3 adaptor	Supported	Set in Options, then Preferences
Framework	.NET 8	Required	Desktop Runtime on Windows
Integration	Save editor plugins	Plugins	Third-party editors

Pros and cons

A fair view before you download.

Pros

Many formats in one tool16 card formats and 7 single-save formats.
Real hardware supportFive ways to read physical cards.
Free and open sourceGPL-3.0, no ads or accounts.
Safe editingFull undo and redo history.
Multi-card tabsCopy saves between cards quickly.

Cons

Archived projectNo new features or fixes after July 2026.
Needs .NET 8An extra runtime to install on Windows.
Linux is betaYou have to build it yourself.
No mobile versionDesktop only.

Who uses MemcardRex

Six common use cases, each with a real-world scenario.

Students

Learn how save data and file formats work.

Scenario: A computing student compares .mcr and .gme files to understand card headers.

Gamers

Move progress between emulators and devices.

Scenario: A player continues an ePSXe save in DuckStation on a new PC.

Developers

Test homebrew saves and save editor plugins.

Scenario: A homebrew developer checks that a game writes valid save data.

Business users

Retro shops back up and wipe used cards.

Scenario: A store formats traded-in cards after archiving the original saves.

Researchers

Preserve original save data for archives.

Scenario: An archivist dumps a collection of cards with a MemCARDuino.

Content creators

Load prepared saves for videos and streams.

Scenario: A YouTuber jumps to the final chapter for a review segment.

MemcardRex screenshots gallery

Illustrated views of the main workflows, recreated for this guide. Official screenshots are on the project's GitHub page.

MemcardRex main window: saves listed with icons, codes and regions — **Main window**Saves listed with icons, codes and regions

MemcardRex multiple cards in tabs: four card formats open at once — **Multiple cards in tabs**Four card formats open at once

MemcardRex save information: details and the blocks a save uses — **Save information**Details and the blocks a save uses

MemcardRex export a single save: single-save formats — **Export a single save**Single-save formats

MemcardRex reading a real card: progress while dumping through a reader — **Reading a real card**Progress while dumping through a reader

MemcardRex card block map: 15 blocks of 8 kb — **Card block map**15 blocks of 8 KB

MemcardRex undo history: step back through every change — **Undo history**Step back through every change

MemcardRex hardware interfaces: five supported card readers — **Hardware interfaces**Five supported card readers

Troubleshooting

Common errors and fixes. Known issue: the Linux build is still beta, and no fixes are planned now that the project is archived.

MemcardRex will not start

Likely cause: The .NET 8 Desktop Runtime is missing.
Fix: Install the x64 .NET 8 Desktop Runtime from Microsoft and start the app again.
Verify: The main window opens.

Card reader not detected

Likely cause: Wrong COM port, no power, or a loose card.
Fix: Pick the right port in Preferences, power the DexDrive, reseat the card.
Verify: Reading starts and shows progress.

Saves look empty or garbled

Likely cause: The file was opened as the wrong format.
Fix: Open it with the matching extension; 128 KB files are usually raw .mcr.
Verify: Icons and titles appear.

Imported save does not load in game

Likely cause: Region or product code mismatch.
Fix: Use a save from the same game version and region.
Verify: The game lists the save.

PS3 adaptor not found

Likely cause: No WinUSB driver installed.
Fix: Install WinUSB for USB ID 054C 02EA, then restart MemcardRex.
Verify: The adaptor reads the card.

Is MemcardRex safe?

The official MemcardRex build from GitHub is open source with a long public history, which makes it one of the more transparent tools in this niche.

Privacy summary: MemcardRex works on local files and connected readers and does not need an account. Permissions: access to the card files you open, plus serial or USB access when you use a reader. Data collection: none that we are aware of; the source code is public if you want to check.

Download only from the developer's GitHub page. Copies on re-upload sites can be outdated or bundled with other software.

Security checklist

Download only from github.com/ShendoXT
Scan the archive with your own antivirus
Install .NET only from Microsoft
Back up every card before editing
Use plugins from sources you trust
Keep the release archive you rely on

MemcardRex alternatives

Other tools that manage PS1 saves, and where each fits.

Full comparison

Software	Price	Licence	OS support	Features	Best for	Pros	Cons
MemcardRex	Free	GPL-3.0	Windows, macOS, Linux beta	16 card formats, hardware, plugins	Most users	Most complete	Archived
DuckStation editor	Free	Source available	Windows, macOS, Linux	Built-in card editor	DuckStation users	No extra install	Tied to DuckStation
PSXGameEdit	Free	Freeware	Windows (legacy)	Classic card editing	Older setups	Familiar	Not maintained
Apollo Save Tool	Free	GPL-3.0	PSP, PS3 homebrew	Virtual card saves on device	Console users	No PC needed	Needs homebrew

No star ratings on purpose: we compare what each tool does instead of inventing scores.

What users do with MemcardRex

Six typical experiences, based on the workflows our guides cover.

Backed up 30 original cards

I dumped my old memory cards through a MemCARDuino over a weekend. Every save showed up with its icon, and each card is now archived as a .mcr file.

Retro collectorExample user profile

Moved saves to DuckStation

My ePSXe card had years of saves. I opened it next to a new DuckStation card and copied the ones I wanted across in a few minutes.

Emulator playerExample user profile

Manages .VMP cards

Converting a PC card to .VMP for my PSP was the part I dreaded. Save As with the PSP format did it in one step.

PSP ownerExample user profile

Keeps practice saves

I export practice saves as .mcs and import the one I need before a session. The undo history saved me more than once.

SpeedrunnerExample user profile

Tests save edits

Plugin support lets me open game-specific editors from the same window, then check the result in an emulator.

ModderExample user profile

Formats traded-in cards

We archive what is on a traded-in card, then format it before resale. A powered DexDrive made reading reliable.

Retro shop ownerExample user profile

These are illustrative profiles, not verified customer reviews. We do not publish fake ratings or reviews.

MemcardRex FAQ

Quick answers. The full FAQ covers downloads, installation, security, licensing, updates and alternatives.

All questions

Is MemcardRex free?

Yes. MemcardRex is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 licence. Official builds are on the developer's GitHub page, with no paid versions, ads or accounts.

Is MemcardRex safe to download?

The official build from github.com/ShendoXT is open source and widely used. Avoid re-upload sites, scan the archive with your antivirus, and install .NET only from Microsoft.

Does MemcardRex work on Windows 11?

Yes. Install the .NET 8 Desktop Runtime first, then run the Windows build. It also works on 64-bit Windows 10.

Which file formats does MemcardRex support?

It opens 16 card formats including .mcr, .gme, .mcd, .bin, .VMP, .VM1, .srm, .VMC and MiSTer .sav, plus single saves such as .mcs, .psx and .psv.

Is MemcardRex still updated?

The repository was archived in July 2026, so no new versions are planned. Existing releases remain available and keep working on .NET 8.

Can MemcardRex read real PS1 memory cards?

Yes, through a DexDrive, MemCARDuino, PS1CardLink, Unirom, or the official PS3 Memory Card Adaptor with a WinUSB driver.

Latest MemcardRex guides

Step-by-step articles for converting, transferring and backing up PS1 saves.

All articles

Getting started