MemcardRex FAQ

Download it from the developer's GitHub page at github.com/ShendoXT/memcardrex, which has separate Windows and macOS releases. MemcardRex.com links directly to those releases and does not host or mirror any files. Avoid re-upload sites, because they can serve outdated builds or bundle other software with the archive.

Yes. MemcardRex is free and open source under the GPL-3.0 licence. There are no paid editions, adverts, subscriptions or accounts. The developer has asked for voluntary support in the past, but every feature is available to everyone at no cost, on Windows and macOS alike.

The Windows build is distributed as an archive that you extract and run, so it already behaves like a portable app. It does need the .NET 8 Desktop Runtime installed on the PC. Keep it in a folder you own so its settings can be saved properly.

On Windows you need a 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 system and the .NET 8 Desktop Runtime from Microsoft. On macOS you use the separate macOS build. On Linux you need the .NET 8 SDK to build from source. A free USB or COM port is only needed if you want to read real cards.

Almost always because the .NET 8 Desktop Runtime is missing, or because the wrong architecture was installed. Install the x64 Desktop Runtime from Microsoft's website and launch MemcardRex.exe again. If Windows SmartScreen blocks it, confirm the file came from GitHub before choosing Run anyway.

No. MemcardRex is a desktop program for Windows, macOS and Linux. To manage saves for a mobile emulator, edit the card file on a computer, then copy the resulting .mcr, .mcd or .srm file into your emulator's memory card folder on the phone.

The official MemcardRex build is open source, has been public on GitHub since 2014 and is widely used by the retro community. As with any download, take it only from the developer's GitHub page, scan the archive with your antivirus, and back up memory cards before editing them.

MemcardRex works with local card files and connected readers and does not require an account. We are not aware of any data collection. Because the source code is public under GPL-3.0, anyone can review exactly what it does. Your saves never need to leave your computer.

MemcardRex is released under the GNU General Public License version 3. You can use it for free, study the source, and share or modify it, provided modified versions you distribute are also released under GPL-3.0 with their source. The licence text is included in the GitHub repository.

Yes. The GPL-3.0 licence allows use for any purpose, including in a retro game shop that backs up or formats cards for customers. If you distribute a modified version of MemcardRex itself, you must share its source code under the same licence. This is general information, not legal advice.

No new versions are planned. The developer archived the GitHub repository in July 2026, which makes it read-only. Existing releases remain available and continue to work on .NET 8. Keep a copy of the release archive you rely on in case links change in future.

Download the newer release from GitHub, extract it to a new folder, and copy across any plugins you added. Your memory card files are separate from the program, so updating never touches them. Keep the previous version until you have confirmed that the new one works with your cards.

Check that the right COM port is selected in Options, then Preferences, and that the DexDrive has its power cord connected, since some cards are not detected without it. If it still fails, unplug its power and cable, reconnect everything, and try again. USB-serial adapters also work.

PS1 games look for saves with their own product code, which differs between regions such as NTSC-U, PAL and NTSC-J. A save from another region or game version will not appear. Use a save that matches your disc, and make sure the card has enough free blocks.

DuckStation includes its own memory card editor, which suits people who only use that emulator. PSXGameEdit is an older Windows tool. Apollo Save Tool manages virtual card saves directly on PSP and PS3 homebrew. For broad format and hardware support, MemcardRex remains the most complete free option.

They solve different problems. DuckStation's editor is convenient for that emulator's own cards. MemcardRex supports 16 card formats, exports single saves, reads real cards through five interfaces and handles PSP and PS3 virtual cards, so it is the better choice for moving saves between platforms.