AetherSX2
| |
| Developer(s) | Tahlreth |
|---|---|
| Latest version | 1.5-4248 |
| Active | No |
| Platform(s) | Android Linux macOS Xbox One |
| Architecture(s) | ARM |
| Emulates | PlayStation 2 |
| Compatibility | Community maintained Compatibility List (AetherSX2 Fandom) |
| Website | AetherSX2.com (archive link) |
| Programmed in | Java[1] |
| License | Proprietary |
| BIOS/Keys | Required |
AetherSX2 is a closed-source PlayStation 2 emulator for Android, Linux, macOS and Xbox One.
Overview
editAetherSX2 is essentially a closed-source Android port of PCSX2, adding an ARM JIT. However, alike the incredibly shady DamonPS2, it uses the current version of PCSX2, which is licensed under the GPL, without making the source code available to the public.
- Supported image formats: .iso, .chd, .cso, .bin, .gzip, .elf
- System requirements: At least a Snapdragon 845 or equivalent. Mali and PowerVR GPUs are limited by the lack of dual-source blending in their Android drivers, and will perform worse than Adreno GPUs.[2]
Tahlreth suspended development and bowed out from the emulation scene altogether in January 2023, citing the unacceptable behaviour of multiple people towards himself. [3] In later revisions of Aethersx2 after version 13930-v1.5-3668, Tahlreth would add ads and software trackers to the app. A number of fans have either archived old APK versions, or in the case of one hacker, came up with a reverse-engineered build based on a very old LGPL source code release. There’s a fork of AetherSX2 called NetherSX2, created by the community to continue development after the original emulator was discontinued. It removes ads, improves stability, adds quality-of-life features, and enhances game compatibility. After previously requiring manual patching, NetherSX2 now offers its first full standalone APK with version 2.0, making it easier than ever to install and use.
Downloads
editNetherSX2
edit
| |
| Developer(s) | Trixarian |
|---|---|
| Latest version | |
| Active | Yes |
| Platform(s) | Android |
| Architecture(s) | ARM |
| Emulates | PlayStation 2 |
| Compatibility | Community maintained Compatibility List (AetherSX2 Fandom) |
| Website | NetherSX2 (NetherSX2-patch) GitHub NetherSX2 Classic GitHub |
| Programmed in | Java[1] |
| License | Unlicense |
| BIOS/Keys | Required |
Overview
editA quality-of-life patch for AetherSX2 created by Trixarian that removes AetherSX2's ads and implements new features for AetherSX2. There are two versions: The main version is a patch for AetherSX2 v1.5-4248, and there is a "Classic" version for patching AetherSX2 v1.5-3668. For licensing reasons, Trixarian originally released NetherSX2 as a patch for AetherSX2 with a tool to build and patch AetherSX2 v1.5-4248 (main) or v1.5-3668 (classic).[4] By v2.0, NetherSX2 and NetherSX2 Classic are released as full APKs, so users will no longer have to build an APK. However, Trixarian eventually plans on creating a proper successor to AetherSX2 and NetherSX2 called EtherealSX2 that can keep up with the latest features and updates of PCSX2.[5] Also NetherSX2-Turnip with Adreno Turnip Driver support.
Downloads
editRecommended stable and development versions on the GitHub project page:
Version-specific known-issues and recommendations on the GitHub releases page for the corresponding version:
References
edit- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Tahlreth on Reddit. November 23, 2021. "No Java source code will ever be public [...]"
- ↑ Tahlreth. AetherSX2 FAQ. § What are the requirements?
- ↑ Tahlreth. Page Unavailable. § AetherSX2 development is indefinitely suspended.
- ↑ https://github.com/Trixarian/NetherSX2-patch/blob/d849a1cd6f85c208bc51444ed9cbdb87efb4360a/README.md#downloads
- ↑ https://github.com/Trixarian/EtherealSX2/blob/a60ea82acb6bf730c5f80a498906b15d610834be/README.md