Browser play guide
PS1 memory card saves in your browser: back up, restore and import
By RetroHours · Updated
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Every PS1 game in RetroHours has its own memory card in slot 1. The game saves to it as it would on a console, and the card stays in this browser. On Saves you can download it, restore an older backup or bring in a card from another emulator.
How saving works
- Save in the game the usual way. RetroHours writes the card moments after the game finishes saving.
- Each game starts with its own empty, formatted card with all 15 blocks free.
- Slot 2 is empty. If a game asks which slot to use, choose slot 1.
- Stop the session with the player’s controls before closing the tab, so the card is saved and a backup is made.
- Save states aren’t available for PS1 games, so use the game’s own saves.
Clearing this site’s browser data deletes local saves, so download a copy first.
Download a backup
- Stop the game, open Saves and select the game.
- Choose Download current saves for the card as it is now, or Download beside one of the backups.
- Keep the ZIP somewhere safe. Your card is inside it as
memory-card-1.mcd, in thedatafolder.
RetroHours keeps the three newest automatic backups. Paid plans also back up your saves to the cloud automatically, so they follow you to your other devices.
Restore a backup or move to another device
- On Saves, find the backup in the list. On another browser or device, add the same game first, then choose Import backup and pick your downloaded ZIP.
- Choose Restore beside the backup and confirm.
Restoring replaces the current card. RetroHours keeps the replaced card as a copy in the same list, so you can switch back.
Import a memory card from another emulator
Already playing on another emulator? Bring your card along and carry on where you left off.
- Find your emulator’s memory card file. It’s a 128 KB file, usually ending in
.mcd,.mcr,.mcor.srm. - Add the game to RetroHours if you haven’t yet, then open Saves and select it.
- Choose Import backup and pick the card file. Your current card isn’t changed yet.
- Choose Restore beside the imported card.
- Choose Play Now and load your save in the game.
| Emulator | Card file |
|---|---|
| DuckStation | .mcd, in its memcards folder |
| ePSXe | .mcr, in its memcards folder |
| RetroArch | .srm, in its saves folder |
Files with an extra header or a single save, such as DexDrive .gme, .mcs or PSP .vmp files, can’t be imported directly. Convert them to a full memory card with a memory card editor first.
Use your RetroHours card in an emulator
Download the card, open the ZIP and take memory-card-1.mcd from its data folder. Most emulators read this format. Rename it to match the card file it replaces, such as .mcr for ePSXe or .srm for RetroArch, and swap it in while the emulator is closed.
Common questions
- Where are my PS1 saves kept?
- In this browser on this device, on a memory card for each game. Paid plans also keep a copy in the cloud.
- Can I use my DuckStation or ePSXe memory card?
- Yes. Import the .mcd or .mcr file on the Saves page, then choose Restore.
- Do PS1 games have save states in RetroHours?
- No. Use the game’s own saves; they go to the memory card.
- What happens to my saves if I remove a game?
- They stay in this browser. Add the same game again and they come back.