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
| Popular series | |
|---|---|
 | The largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions. |
 | Hundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information. |
 | The Big List of Active Linux Distros is a large compilation of actively developed Linux distributions. |
 | Replace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS. |
 | Awesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series. |
 | Machine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source. |
 | New to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux. |
 | Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities. |
 | Essential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users. |
 | Linux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine. |
 | Surveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal. |
 | Saving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux. |
 | Home computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum. |
 | Now and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride. |
 | Linux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged. |
 | Linux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery. |
 | Getting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers. |
 | Best Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series. |
 | These best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today! |
 | These free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series. |
 | Linux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts. |
 | Stars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA. |