PCSX2 is an open source PlayStation 2 emulator.
The emulator contains highly optimized dynamic translators for the PS2’s MIPS and VU chips. Performance is greatly boosted by multi-core CPUs.
PCSX2, like its predecessor PCSX, is based on a plugin architecture, separating several functions from the core emulator. These are the graphics, controls, CD/DVD drive, USB, sound, and FireWire (i. Link) ports.
PS2 Emulation is a complex task, simply due to the CPU power required to get ‘playable’ speeds from a PS2 game under emulation. While speed can be improved via various ‘recompilers’, you will still need a powerful machine to obtain smooth gameplay.
Features include:
- Very good emulation speed.
- Dual core support allows PCSX2 to use up to 2 CPU cores speeding up the emulator significantly.
- SPU2 emulation helps reproduce PS2 audio or even enhanced audio on the P.
- PS2 Save states – save a snapshot of the emulator as it’s running, to reload later.
- Full gamepad support makes it possible to emulate every Dual Shock 2 feature.
- Full sound support.
- JPG and BMP screenshot capture.
- Memory card support.
- Fully working IPU support responsible for FMV – video cutscenes should mostly run correctly.
- Patch system to create cheats easily. It can also be used to skip code where emulation is still broken (which ultimately can make the game playable). This feature is quite user-friendly and easy to use.
- Recompilers for Emotion Engine (EE), Vector Unit 0 (VU0) and Vector Unit 1 (VU1.
- Plugin architecture.
- Keyboard shortcuts.
- Multi-language.
- Cross-platform support – runs under Linux, Mac, and Windows.
Website: pcsx2.net
Support: Configuration Guide, Developer Blog
Developer: arcum42, avih, gregory, psuedonym, rama, Refraction and many others
License: GNU General Public License v3.0
PCSX2 is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Return to Video Console Game Emulators
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