Changes

<div style="maxoverflow-x:auto;width:100%; overflow:auto;">{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"

! scope="col"|<small>[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=586&gid=944 <abbr title="KONAMI Python 1/2">Python</abbr>[#PSX|PSX DVR]]</small>! scope="col"|<small>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namco_System_246[#List_of_System_246_/_System_256_/_System_Super_256_/_System_147_games Arcade_Hardware_variations|<abbr title="namco System 246/256/Super System 256"small>SystemArcade Hardware<br/>2x6variations</abbrsmall>]</small>]! scope="col"|[[#PSX|<abbr title="Sony digital video recorder with a fully integrated PS2 console">PSX</abbr>]]! scope="col"|[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_PlayStation_games_incompatible_with_PlayStation_2 <abbr title="PlayStation 1 Backwards Compatibility">PS1</abbr>]! scope="col"Hardware_features_and_accessories|<small>SystemHardware features<br/>Linkand accessories</small>]]! scope="col"|[https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Texture_Packs[#Texture_Replacement_.283D.29 <small>Texture<br/>enhancement</small>Enhancements|Enhancements]]! scope="col"|<small>[https://retroachievements.org/download.php Retro<br/>Achievements]</small>Compatibility

! colspan="1311"|Desktop

| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}<br/>{{Icon|Libretro}}| [https://pcsx2.net/downloads/ Nightly]<ref group=N>The stable versions are years out-of-date and missing countless features and bug fixes. '''Nightly versions are a better choice for almost all users'''; the stable versions should only be used if you have a specific need for them.</ref><br/><abbr title="Hard fork of PCSX2 for RetroArch.">[https://docs.libretro.com/library/pcsx2/ LRPS2]</abbr><ref group=Nname=LRPS2>This is a complete hard fork of PCSX2 and its own separate emulator at this point, so there is no point in chasing after any kind of upstream. LRPS2 , though it is still under development, use standalone [https://pcsx2.net/downloads/ PCSX2-nightly] or XBSX2 builds recommended instead. If you really want to use instead.</ref>| {{~}}<ref group=N>a libretro core for PlayStation 2 emulation; [https://githubforums.com/987123879113/pcsx2/wiki#builds Possible with this build], [https://githublibretro.com/987123879113t/new-pcsx2-core/wiki41170/Setup#required-setup Guide22 use this libretro core]. '''This fork only applies for Python 2 games. This does not and will never support Python 1''' (entirely separate from Python 2) or System 246/256 games as those would require much more work than a simple USB device to make work. The MagicGate code being used in this fork also does not support memory card MagicGate encryption stuff properly (the memory card dongles used for Python 1 and System 246/256) so those platforms aren't really any closer to working compared to before.</ref>| {{✗}}<ref group=Nbr/>[https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pullreleases/tag/4274 MagicGate PR]v1.7.3771 <abbr title="Latest build version supports wxWidgets.">wxWidgets-latest</refabbr>]

| {{✓~}}<ref group=N>[https://www.teamxlink.co.uk/wiki/PCSX2_XLink_Kai_Setup PCSX2 XLink Kai Setup]</ref>| {{✓}}<ref group=N name=TE>|''[https://gbatemppcsx2.net/forumscompat/pcsx2-hd-texture-pack-group.54999%<br/ ><abbr title="This group is to collect HD texture packs for the PCSX2 emulator, since there's no centralized location for them right now."small>PCSX2 HD texture pack group2667 out of 2690 reported titles</abbrsmall>]</ref>| {{✓}}''<ref group=Nname=SX2Compatibility>Only for standalone versionPlayable state in the PCSX2 compatibility list purposely doesn't include '''minor''' performance and graphical issues both with SW and HW renderers. '''While the compatibility list categorizes majority games as playable, some users may encounter issues that impact their individual experience and consider them unplayable'''.</ref>

| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|Web}}<br/>{{Icon|Libretro}}

| {{✓}}<ref group=N name=Play2x6>[https://github.com/jpd002/Play-#namco-system-2x6-arcade-support Play!: Namco System 2x6 Arcade Support]</ref>| {{✗}}| {{✗}}[https://github.com/jpd002/Play-/issues/327 *]| {{✗}}| {{✗~}}

| {{✓~}}| {{✓}}[https://aethersx2-community.fandom.com/wiki/Community_maintained_Compatibility_List 74%<br/><ref group=N name=TEsmall>451 out of 609 reported titles</refsmall>| {{✓}} ]

| [httphttps://wwwsourceforge.emucr.comnet/projects/searchhpsx64/labelfiles/hpsx64?&max-results=16 Source {{hpsx64VerHpsx64Ver}}]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}

| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kPLMTBSB2xZ8Rar140jiLWNRqsLX9vlCx12PJS2H5aw/edit#gid=0 1%<br/><small>6 out of 1212 reported titles</small>]

| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}N/A

| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}N/A

| {{✗}}| {{✗}} | {{✗}}N/A

! colspan="1311"|Mobile / ARM

| [https://github.com/Trixarian/NetherSX2-patch NetherSX2 Patch]<br/>[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=xyz.aethersx2.android {{AetherSX2Ver}}] <br/>[https://www.aethersx2.com/archive Alpha/Beta?dir=android latest/alpha]| {{✗}}<br/>[https://github.com/AetherSX2-backup/AetherSX2-builds 1.5-3668] (no ads)

| ?| {{✓~}}|[https://aethersx2-community.fandom.com/wiki/Community_maintained_Compatibility_List 74%<ref group=N name=TEbr/><small>451 out of 609 reported titles</refsmall>| {{✓}}]

| align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}<br/>{{Icon|Libretro}}

| {{✓~}}| {{✗}}| {{~}}|[https://github.com/jpd002/Play-Compatibility/issues 42%<ref group=N name=Play2x6br/><small>1076 out of 2571 reported titles</refsmall>]| {{✓}}| {{✓}}| {{~}}|-|Cosmic|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}|[https://github.com/mythrilorg/cosmic-station git]

| {{~✗}}(WIP)

| [[DamonPS2]] (呆萌PS2模拟器)

| {{~}}| {{~}}|''[https://pcsx2.net/compat/ 99%<br/><small>2667 out of 2690 reported titles</small>]''<ref group=N name=SX2Compatibility></ref>| {{✓}}| {{✓}}| {{✓}}|-| [[Official_emulators#Sony|Official Sony emulators]]| align=left|{{Icon|PS3}}| FW 4.78| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{~}}| {{~}}| [https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/PS2_Classics_Emulator_Compatibility_List 84%<br/><small>2250 out of 2682 reported titles</small>]| {{✗}}

| [[Play! colspan="13"|Console|-| XBSX2]]| align=left|{{Icon|XB1Switch|XboxSXSVita}}| [https://github.com/TheRhysWyrillxerpi/play-switch git]<small> (Switch)</small><br/>[https:/XBSX2/releases gitgitlab.com/xerpi/play#building-for-psvita 2020]<small>(Vita Port)</small><br/>

| ?| ?| ?[https://github.com/jpd002/Play-Compatibility/issues 42%<br/><small>1076 out of 2571 reported titles</small>]

| ?{{~}}| ?| ? [https://aethersx2-community.fandom.com/wiki/Community_maintained_Compatibility_List 74%<br/><small>451 out of 609 reported titles</small>]

| <abbr title="Hard fork of PCSX2 for RetroArch.">[https://docs.libretro.com/library/pcsx2/ LRPS2_libretro]</abbr><ref group=N name=LRPS2></ref>| align=left|{{Icon|XB1|XboxSXS}}| [https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{~}}| {{~}}|?| {{✓}}| {{✓}}| {{✗}}|}</div> <references group=N /> ===Comparisons===;[[PCSX2]]:[[History_of_emulation#PlayStation_2|Started sometime in mid 2001]], with its first release on March 23, 2002. It was the first PS2 emulator to boot games on Dec 19, 2002. Succeeding their earlier PCSX [[PlayStation_emulators|PlayStation emulator]], PCSX2 dedicated its development to faithfully replicating the PS2 experience. The years haven't dimmed its shine thanks to the continuous improvements in accuracy, compatibility, and performance. In the last years, PCSX2 nightly builds boast a sleek, modern QT GUI and a pluginless design, eliminating the headaches of plugin configuration and making all features readily available. Just grab the original system firmware and you're ready to relive your PS2 memories. PCSX2 also has lots of new modern [[#Enhancements|enhancements]] built-in (one of the best emulators when it comes to enhancement capabilities, similar to Dolphin, Flycast, BigPEmu, PPSSPP and DuckStation) and supports some of the [[#Hardware_features_and_accessories|hardware features, peripherals]] of the PlayStation 2. :PCSX2 has great compatibility, and it is capable of playing most titles without any major glitches however [https://wiki.pcsx2.net/Category:Software_rendering_only_games some titles still need software rendering] to run without any major graphical issues. For checking if your games work and any fixes, tweaks, or settings, check these sources;::*[https://raw.githubusercontent.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/master/bin/resources/GameIndex.yaml PCSX2 GameDB] (GameIndex)::*[http://wiki.pcsx2.net/index.php/Main_Page PCSX2 Wiki] (Note that the wiki can contain outdated information. It is encouraged to do personal testing and contribute to the wiki)::*[https://pcsx2.net/compat/ Official Compatibility List]::*[https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/issues PCSX2 github issues] :;[[AetherSX2]]:A closed-source freeware emulator partially forked from PCSX2. It's designed to be optimal for ARM-based platforms, primarily those running Android. ::It has multiple versions; The latest google play version which contains ads while an ad free Alpha version can be downloaded directly from the AetherSX2 website. Development was stopped due to various dramas. Using NetherSX2 patches heavily recommended. ;[[Play!]]:Development is almost all done by the single maintainer jpd002. Also, unlike PCSX2 it's supports [https://www.youtube.com/@emugamer2610/search?query=246%2F256 Namco System 2x6] variations and it has a playable Android and iOS port. ;[https://github.com/PSI-Rockin/DobieStation/ DobieStation]:Many titles can go ingame, focused on [[Emulation_accuracy|accuracy]], and therefore inherently slower than Play! or PCSX2. ;[[sourceforge:projects/hpsx64/|HPS2x64]]:Can also run quite a few commercial games, but probably less so, and at slower speeds than Play!. It also emulates and focuses more on [[PlayStation emulators|PlayStation]] emulation. There is also a [https://github.com/Zero3K/hpsx64 mirror] that has fixes done to it. ;[[DamonPS2]]:Closed-source payware/malware emulator only for Android, illegally based on [[PCSX2]], [[Play!]] and [[PPSSPP]]. '''It can hardly run any games''' and behaves very much like virus software. '''It is the worst PS2 emulator and as such, it is NOT recommended under any circumstance'''. DamonPS2 uses unnecessary DRM, making the emulator useless without an internet connection. ==Enhancements==''Side note: Please don't bump/spam GitHub threads/issues and feature request pages.'' <div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"|- style="font-weight:bold;"! colspan=2 | Name! PCSX2! Play!! AetherSX2<br/>XBSX2.0! [[Official_emulators#PlayStation_2Sony|<abbr title="ps2_emufor PlayStation 3.">Official Sony emulators</abbr>]]| align-| rowspan=left6 | Graphics| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]| {{✓}}| {{✓}}| {{✓}}| ?|-| [[Texture_Packs#PlayStation_2|Texture Replacement]]| {{Y}}| {{N}}|{{IconY}}|{{~}}<ref group=N3 name=HDports>[https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/927750-playstation-3/69863918 No PS2 game has trophy support or enhancements for PS3backwards compatibility] but [[Wikipedia:High-definition_remasters_for_PlayStation_consoles#PlayStation_3|PS2 games that received HD ports]], do.</ref>|-| [[Widescreen_hacks#PlayStation_2|Widescreen hack]]| {{Y}}| {{✗}}| {{Y}}| {{✗}}|-| Pre-rendering AA<br/><small>(MSAA, SSAA)</small>| {{N}}[https://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Future-anti-aliasing-implementation *]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{?}}|-| Ray-tracing<br/><small>([https://devblogs.microsoft.com/directx/announcing-microsoft-directx-raytracing/ DXR], [https://www.khronos.org/blog/ray-tracing-in-vulkan VRT] and [https://developer.apple.com/documentation/metal/metal_sample_code_library/accelerating_ray_tracing_using_metal MRT])</small>| colspan=4 | <small>Implementing ray-tracing in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.<br/>However you can try "[[Shaders_and_filters#Notable_ReShade_shaders|Screen-Space Ray Traced Global Illumination]]" shader using ReShade.[https://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Release-SSAO-and-raytracing-support-in-PCSX2][https://reshade.me/forum/general-discussion/5442-release-misc-emulators-with-depth-buffer-access#34388]</small>|-| [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/rtx-remix/wiki RTX Remix]| colspan=4 | <small>Implementing RTX Remix technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future[https://discord.com/channels/309643527816609793/350645867876712449/1211429722857148417].<br/>Besides, PCSX2 already supports most of RTX Remix features such as texture replacement etc.<br/>On top of that you can use ReShade for post-processing effects.</small>|-| rowspan=5 | Performance| [[Overclocking#PS2|Overclock]]| {{Y}}| {{N}}| {{Y}}| {{N}}|-| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes#PlayStation_2|Internal Framerate Hack]]| {{Y}}| {{?}}| {{Y}}| {{N}}|-| Preload [[Wikipedia:Template:Disk_images|optical disc image]] to RAM<br/><small>For users with sluggish multi-platter HDDs or plagued by horrible seek times, this enhancement '''might''' offer smoother experience, potentially reduced power consumption; it also shines when disc images reside on a network drive.<br/>Although keep in mind that preloading image would take some time, and it will require additional amount of RAM capacity.</small>| {{N}}[https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/issues/10137 *]| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{✗}}| FW -| [https://blurbusters.com/frame-generation-essentials-interpolation-extrapolation-and-reprojection/ Frame generation technologies]<br/><small>([https://store.steampowered.com/app/993090/Lossless_Scaling/ LSFG], [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS_G.md DLSS-G], [https://www.techpowerup.com/316835/extrass-framework-paper-details-intels-take-on-frame-generation ExtraSS] and [https://community.amd.com/t5/gaming/amd-fluid-motion-frames-is-out-now-on-amd-radeon-rx-7000-series/ba-p/634372 AFMF])</small>| colspan=4| <small>Implementing frame generation technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future, however post-processing techniques such as [[Wikipedia:Motion_interpolation|motion interpolation]] is quite possible. [[Input_lag|Input latency]] will be a crucial factor, but its impact likely varies depending on the specific technique employed, it's recommended to use '''after applying the "Internal Framerate Hack"'''.<br/>While '''[https://youtu.be/vyFYt2Ym7nU?t=553 AFMF]''' or '''[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMxnhXsFnyM LSFG]''' can be used with PCSX2, please be aware that some visual glitches and artifacts may occur at this time.|-| Rendering latency reduction technologies<br/><small>([https://github.com/ishitatsuyuki/LatencyFleX LatencyFleX], [https://developer.nvidia.com/performance-rendering-tools/reflex Reflex] and [https://www.amd.com/en/products/software/adrenalin/radeon-software-anti-lag.html Anti-Lag'''+'''])| colspan=4 | <small>While most emulators offer frame pacing or framebuffer latency control options, implementing rendering latency reduction technologies isn't currently feasible. This is '''likely''' doesn't offer enough benefit to justify the development effort.78</small>|-| rowspan=6 | Post-Processing| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering AA]]<br/><small>(FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)</small>| {{Y}}| {{?}}| {{Y}}| {{?}}|-| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]]<br/><small>(Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])</small>| {{Y}}| {{?}}| {{Y}}| {{?}}|-| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]| {{Y}}| {{N}}| {{Y}}| {{N}}|-|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]]<br/><small>([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])</small>| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}|-|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]| {{Y}}| {{N}}| ?| {{N}}|-| Rewind| {{N}}[https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/issues/3698 *]| {{N}}| {{N}}[https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/issues/3698 *]| {{N}}|-| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed| {{Y}}| ?| {{Y}}| {{N}}|-| Savestates| {{Y}}| ?| {{N}}| {{N}}|-| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]| {{Y}}| {{N}}| {{?}}| {{N}}|-| rowspan=3 | Controls| [[Controllers#True.2Fdual_analog_control|True/dual analog control]]| {{Y}}[https://github.com/VanLaser/analog-controls-for-armored-core-ps2#qol-enhancements-analog-controls-for-armored-core-ps2-series-ac2-ac2-another-age-ac3-ac-silent-line *]| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{?}}|-| [[Controllers#Mouse_Injectors_for_Emulators|Mouse Injector Compatible]]| {{Y}}[https://github.com/garungorp/MouseInjectorDolphinDuck *]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}|-| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}|-| rowspan=9 | Quality of life| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in_graphics_mod_editor.2Fmanager_for_emulators|Graphics mod editor/manager]]

| {{~?}}| {{Y}}<ref group|-| colspan=N name=HDPorts>2 | [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/927750-playstation-3/69863918 No PS2 game has trophy support or enhancements for PS3 backwards compatibility] but [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-definition_remasters_for_PlayStation_consoles#PlayStation_3 PS2 games that received HD portsPlayStation_Backwards_Compatibility|PlayStation Backwards Compatibility]], do.</ref>| {{~}}<ref group=N name=HDPorts></ref>

| [[Play!#i.LINK|i.LINK]]| align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Libretro✗}}| [https://github.com/xerpiPCSX2/pcsx2/issues/play-switch git4472 *]

| {{✗}}|-| rowspan=3 | Inputs| [[#Pressure_Sensitive_Buttons|Pressure Sensitive Buttons]]| {{~}}<ref group=N2>'''DualShock 2''' can be used only with adaptes emulating DualShock 3. [https://bliss-box.net/integration/ Bliss-Box API] is not supported. '''DualShock 3''' can be used only with [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Controller:DualShock_3#Wired_connection_-_unofficial_drivers DsHidMini community driver] and [https://github.com/jpd002PCSX2/Playpcsx2/wiki/Pressure-sensitive-buttons-with-DS3 a custom XInput proxy DLL]. Support for [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Controller:DualShock_3#Wired_connection_-_official_drivers official Sony driver] has been [https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/issues/327 *4918#issuecomment-1422483345 dropped] after moving from Wx to Qt environment. Althrough old [https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/releases/tag/v1.7.3771 v1.7.3771 Wx build] still allows to run games with Official Sony driver support or you can wait for this pull request: [https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/9138 native DualShock 3 support for Qt builds in Windows using official Sony driver]. Other controllers with pressure-sensitive buttons like '''Xbox controller''' are not supported. [https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/8480 This pull request] completely replaces all pad code for Qt.</ref>| {{✗}}| ?| {{✓}}|-| Rumble| {{✓}}| {{✓}}| {{✓}}| {{✓}}|- | Motion control (Tilt sensor)<ref group=N2>[https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Controller:DualShock_2#SplitFish_Motion_FX_Adapter SplitFish Motion FX Adapter] attached to DualShock 2 and [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Controller:Fanatec_Zero_G_Controller#Games_with_motion_control_support Fanatec Zero G Controller] are controllers with implemented accelerometer support. They are allowing remap motion controls to right or left stick helping with camera control or steering vehicles by tilting controller left or right.</ref>

<references group=N Most PS2 games do not require this feature, instead preferring to use the triggers and/>or joysticks for pressure-sensitive actions (e.g., sneaking past the sleeping dog in ''Chulip''), but a select few do. Some examples include:* All three attack buttons in ''The Bouncer'' precipitate different attacks based on whether the press is light, medium, or strong. The same goes for the musical game ''Mad Maestro''.* ''Star Ocean 3'' has a musical item that plays different melodies depending on pressure, and they're required for progressing.

===Comparisons===;[[PCSX2]] <small class="plainlinks" style="font-weight:normal;">([https://pcsx2.net/compat/ compatibility]) ([https://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-PSX-Mode-Unofficial-Compatibility-List PS1 Mode compatibility]) ([https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bbxOGm4dPxZ4Vbzyu3XxBnZmuPx3Ue-cPqBeTxtnvkQ/edit#gid=0 servers])</small>:The first Playstation 2 emulator. Accuracy has continuously improved during dev builds. The emulator Games requiring variable trigger pressure need physical controllers with analog sticks, which is capable fortunately a standard feature of playing most titles without any major glitcheshalf-decent controllers on the market. Check Pressure-sensitive ''face buttons'', on the [[Game problems FAQ#PS2|Game Problems FAQ]] or other hand, haven't appeared on any standard PlayStation controllers since the [https://pcsx2.net/compat/ Official Compatibility List] DualShock 3 (DualShock 4 removed this feature), and it's very rare for information regarding playabilitya third-party controller to feature them either.

::;* [[AetherSX2]]https:A closed//www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/List_of_games_that_support_Pressure-source freeware emulator partially forked from PCSX2. It's designed to be optimal for ARMSensitive_Face_Buttons#PlayStation_2_Emulation List of games that support Pressure-based platforms, primarily those running Android.Sensitive Face Buttons on PlayStation 2]

;[[Play!]] <small class=::PCSX2 wxWidgets builds guide::::To know if your controller supports it, open the LilyPad plugin settings by going to the PCSX2 menu and selecting "Config", "plainlinksControllers (PAD)" style=, and "font-weight:normal;Plugin Settings">([https://github.com/jpd002/Play-Compatibility/issues compatibility]At the LilyPad plugin popup, select your gamepad from the list of detected controllers in the "Device Diagnostics" box in the lower left, [https://pureithen click the "Test Device" button.org/ compatibility#2])</A small>:Development is almost popup window will appear, showing a list of all done the gamepad's buttons and their current state. 0.000 = indicates unpressed, 1.000 = indicates fully depressed. Roll either analog stick around. See how the values change from 0.000 to 0.xyz, with the .xyz values shifting incrementally. These changing .xyz values show how the plugin detects different changes in angle as you move the analog stick around. Now press any of the buttons normally used by games, i.e., the single maintainer jpd002. [https:triangle/square/cross/githubcircle buttons. See how the values immediately shift from 0.000 (unpressed) directly to 1.000 (pressed) If your gamepad really has pressure-sensitive buttons, you'll see gradual 0.xyz changes as you slowly press each button, just like the different changes in angle as you move the analog sticks around.com/jpd002/PlayIf the buttons change from 0.000 directly to 1.000, that proves your gamepad buttons aren't pressure-Compatibilitysensitive and are merely tracking the pressed/issues?q=unpressed state. The solution would be to either buy an official DualShock 2 or 3 controller (The Original Xbox Controller is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+label%3Astate-playable 838 (35%not supported) out of 2420 tested titles are reported playable] and unlike use an appropriate 3rd party driver such as [[PCSX2SCP Driver Package]] [https://www.youtube.com/@emugamer2610/search?query=246%2F256 namco System 2x6 supported]. Also has a playable Android and iOS port.

:::Also you can map the button to a rarely used trigger/stick in LilyPad;[https://github.com/PSI:::Open the gamepad plugin configuration and choosing a rarely used key -Rockin/DobieStation/ DobieStation]:Many titles can go ingame, focused on accuracyfor example, the lower shoulder button L2 - and remapping it to the circle button and therefore inherently slower than Play! setting the sensitivity to 0.500 or PCSX2thereabouts. A compatibility list is provided [https:In the game, merely use the remapped L2@circle button to deliver "light" tap/hold tunes, while the regular circle button can be used normally to deliver "hard" tap/docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kPLMTBSB2xZ8Rar140jiLWNRqsLX9vlCx12PJS2H5aw/edit#gid=0 here]hold tunes.

;===DVD player===[[sourceforgeFile:projects/hpsx64/PCSX2_MagicGate_fork_-_DVD-Video_menu_demonstration.jpeg|thumb|298px|HPS2x64PCSX2 MagicGate fork - DVD-Video menu demonstration]] <small class="plainlinks" style="fontPS2's DVD player was a versatile and powerful feature for its time, it supports PlayStation2 format DVD-weight:normal;">(ROM, PlayStation 2 and [https://docswww.googlesteamgifts.com/spreadsheetsdiscussion/d/18OtsWyo9pTJ7swAhUXa8c_J3qX0G_b4px24dFXeLPlw91HAP/ what-disc-types-are-compactible-with-ps2 PlayStation 1 format CD-ROM] and offering great playback compatibility])</small>:Can also run quite a few commercial gamesfor the most common disc formats. While it lacked official support for DVD Audio and VCD, its ability to play DVD Video and Audio CDs, but probably less soalong with additional options like progressive scan and upscaling, made it a compelling choice for entertainment and at slower speeds than Play!multimedia playback. It also emulates and focuses more on Also [[PlayStation emulatorsHome_Media_Player#Interactive_media|PlayStationInteractive film/movie]] emulationformats like DVDi and DVDPG supported. Lastly, PlayStation 2 supports both DVD5 (single-layer, 4.7 GB) and DVD9 (dual-layer, 8.5 GB) DVD-ROM discs. However, some users report encountering issues with DVD9 discs, particularly on older PS2 FAT models. There is also a [https://githubold.reddit.com/Zero3Kr/ps2/comments/xc04yl/can_the_fat_ps2_play_dvd9_discs/hpsx64 mirror] that has fixes done to it.

;[*PCSX2 has CD-ROM and DVD-ROM support so you can boot your game directly from your physical discs ([DamonPS2]]https:Closed-source payware/malware emulator only for Android/youtu.be/DJkl4FrDgLw demonstration]), illegally based on however there are no DVD-Video and Audio CD support at the moment. See [https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/issues/1981 DVD-Video compatibility] and [https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/issues/4880 CDRWIN's BIN/CUE format, Audio CD support]]feature request pages for more information.:*DVD-Video, [[Play!Home_Media_Player#Interactive_media|DVDi]] and even FreeDVDBoot works in PCSX2's [[PPSSPP#Konami_Python_2.2FKonami_Benami_Python_2|987123879113]]fork but only with it's '''[https://github.com/987123879113/pcsx2/issues/13#issuecomment-1752939271 MagicGate branch]'''. ::*[https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/6719 Requires a complete BIOS dump] ('''It can hardly run any games4MB''' and behaves very much like virus software. ROM0 + '''It is best NOT to use this emulator4MB'''ROM1 + NVRAM), use [https://github. DamonPS2 uses unnecessary DRMcom/F0bes/biosdrain this dumper tool] for ROM0, making the emulator useless without an internet connectionROM1, ROM2, NVM and MEC files.::*Requires MagicGate key files (civ.bin, cks.bin, eks.bin, and kek.bin).::*Keep in mind that [https://github.com/987123879113/pcsx2/issues/13#issuecomment-2016567467 there will be no audio during DVD-Video playback]. Some remaining issues are described in https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/issues/1981*PlayStation 3 has no PlayStation 2 DVD player interface support because: no emulation process needed to handle DVD-Video. PlayStation 3 already features a slot-loading 2× speed Blu-ray Disc drive for BD-ROM, PlayStation2 format DVD-ROM, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 1 format CD-ROM, Blu-ray Disc Video, DVD-Video, and Audio CDs. Having said that there is no support for VCDs for PlayStation 3 just like PlayStation 2.*See [[Home_Media_Player#Emulators|this dedicated page]] for more information about home media playback support for emulation softwares.*See [[Ripping_games]].

==Emulation issues=LAN tunelling===Despite :Offline multiplayer gaming on the PS2 home console over a large interest in PS2 emulation due to its sizable collection of LAN (local area network) multiplayer games, it is still one of the harder consoles just like System Link for [[Microsoft|XBOX systems]]. Over time, most [[Preservation_projects#Private_Game_Servers|game servers have been shut down]]. However, [[Preservation_projects#LAN_Tunneling_Programs|computer programs such as XBSlink, SVDL and XLink Kai]] allow users to emulate play multiplayer for several reasonsLAN supported PS2 games by using a network configuration that simulates a worldwide LAN.:*[https://www.teamxlink.co.uk/wiki/PCSX2_XLink_Kai_Setup PCSX2 XLink Kai Setup].::*[https://www.teamxlink.co.uk/wiki/Supported_Games#Sony_Playstation_2 XLink Kai: PlayStation 2 supported games]::*[[Wikipedia:List_of_PlayStation_2_online_games#LAN_Games|PlayStation 2 LAN titles can be played online using the XLink Kai service. Some games only had LAN play available in specific regions]].::*[[Online PS2 games|LAN tunelling compatible PS2 games]]

Another big problem is the emulation of PS2’s floating====Hard Disk Drive====:[[Wikipedia:PlayStation_2_Expansion_Bay#Hard_Disk_Drive|Wikipedia -point unit (FPU) because it doesn’t follow PlayStation 2 Hard Disk Drive and compatible titles]]The PS2 Hard Disk Drive was an official peripheral released by Sony for the IEEE standardPlayStation 2 console. To keep it simple, just changing a couple of numbers will cause glitches to occur to the game’s graphic (VU) It launched in July 2001 in Japan and logic (EE), resulting March 2004 in things like broken AI, odd behaviors, and/or graphical bugsNorth America. While PCSX2 allows for either clamping/rounding on both VU and EE as a solution The HDD required the Network Adapter to fix these glitchesfunction, because of this it remains by far 's important to know that not all PS2 models supported the HDD. Only the fat models (SCPH-30000 to SCPH-50000 series) had the most accurate way Expansion Bay needed to emulate connect the PS2's FPU.<ref>https://wiki.pcsx2Network Adapter for Hard Drive.net/PCSX2_Documentation/Nightmare_on_Floating-Point_Street</ref><ref>https://github.com/PSI-Rockin/DobieStation/issues/51</ref>

To conclude the problems with PS2 emulation, we come PlayStation 2 Hard Drive offered;*Ability to hardware rendering. The PS2’s graphics pipeline acts very differently from modern GPU cardsinstall and run Linux using [[Wikipedia:Linux_for_PlayStation_2|Linux for PlayStation 2 disc]]*Extra network functionalities, such as: accessing online content (game demos and emulating it in HW mode with any degree of accuracy is difficult. This is due in part to the versatility of the PS2, the fact that it doesn’t use fixed shaders, or that even the games themselves do not use a consistent formula to achieve different graphical effects. Various emulation enhancements updates etc) from platforms like display resolution scaling lead to the typical “black lines glitch” because of the use of a non-integer resolution[[Preservation_projects#Private_Platform_Servers|PlayStation Broadband Navigator]] and [[Preservation_projects#Private_Platform_Servers|PlayOnline Viewer]]. While the OpenGL backend on PCSX2 greatly improved on many Also [[Wikipedia:PlayStation_2_Expansion_Bay#North_American_releases_with_HDD_support|some of these issues, most games still require “software rendering” to fix many common glitches, which in turn slows down the emulation. Although Games using mipmapping (titles]] such as: [https://en.wikipediaremywiki.org/wikicom/Ratchet_%26_Clank_(2002_video_game) ''Ratchet & Clank'CS_pnm_Puzzle_Dama Pop'n Music Puzzle-dama Online]requires an installation to the PS2 HDD in order to play, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ace_Combat#Games ''Ace Combat'']as the game boots from the PlayStation Broadband Navigator or HDD Utility Disc, etc...) and games running on does not require the Snowblind Engine are playable in OGL HW mode with minimal problems on high-end PCsgame disc or a registration code.

In summaryAs stated in the [[Early_Online_Services#Network_Adaptor_.28PS2.29|Network Adapter]] section, it is impossible to achieve close-to-perfection PS2 emulation slim models comes with actual PC hardwareEthernet functionality of the Network Adaptor has been integrated onto the motherboard, and even if it were possible, the results would most likely be unplayable. The PS2 is a very complex machine that even game developers struggled to work withbecause of this slim models have no Hard Drive support.

====EyeToy====The [[wikipedia:EyeToy|EyeToy]] is a device similar to a camera or a webcam. It's an accessory developed by Sony and manufactured by Logitech. It is used in some PS2 games to interact physically through motion detection. The EyeToy device can be used on PC emulated with [https://web.archive.org/web/20070327192750/http://eyetoy8057.sourceforge.net/cms/ unofficial drivers[PCSX2]]. It also works natively with the [[PlayStation_3_emulators|PS3PlayStation 3]].

PCSX2 is ====DVD Remote Control====:[[Wikipedia:PlayStation_2_accessories#DVD_Remote_Control|Wikipedia: DVD Remote Control]]You can even play games with this remote controller other than multimedia functionalities, there's a setting in the only emulator System Config that can emulate EyeToy mechanics in says 'Remote Gameplay Function', set this to on for playing gameswith this peripheral.

===USB pluginfor wxWidgets builds===

While PCSX2 isn't benefiting from a working USB plugin in its original release, Jackun, a PCSX2 plugin author, made a [https://github.com/jackun/USBqemu-wheel USB plugin] that supports a microphone in most games and even a steering wheel for racing games. The plugin is still updated nowadays.:A compatibility list of the working titles with this plugin can be found [https://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Qemu-USB-Wheel-Storage-mod-Singstar-test?pid=320737#pid320737 here].

==Arcade Hardware [https://www.system16.com/base.php#1 variations]==Notice that [[Play!]] is still in relatively early stages so the gaming experience might not be perfect. Also there are pull requests and feature requests for implementing some of these variations or its features to these emulators, so it is being worked on actively.<ref>[https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/issues/3613 Feature request: support for Namco Arcade systems based on PS2 for PCSX2], [https://github.com/jpd002/Play-/pull/1301 2x6 touchscreen support for Play!]</ref> ===[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=586 Konami Python 1]/[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=977 Konami Benami Python 1]/[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=585 Konami Python Satellite Terminal]===:Currently, there is no emulator that supports this variation. ===[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=976 Konami Python 2]/[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=831 Konami Benami Python 2]===

A ===[https://githubwww.system16.com/987123879113/pcsx2/wiki#builds forkhardware.php?id=872 Namco System Super 256]===:[[Play!]] of PCSX2 supports the emulation of the Konami Python 2this hardware. This fork requires MagicGate key files into the bios folder (civ[https://github.bin, cks.bin, eks.bin, and kek.bin) and you must use <abbr title="SHAcom/jpd002/Play-#namco-system-1: 0ea98a25a32145dda514de2f0d4bfbbd806bd00c"> "ps22x6-0190jarcade-20030822.bin" BIOS</abbr>support Security dongle images and disc images have to be placed inside the arcaderoms subdirectory of Play! Data Files directory].

MAME romsets of Python 2 games won't work ===[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=981 Namco System 147]===:Currently, there is no emulator that supports this variation, however it is being worked on this fork as they are missing ILINK_ID filesin Play! at the moment.

==[[Wikipedia:PSX_(digital_video_recorder)|PSX]]==

Twitter user @DiscoStarslayer claims to be [https://nittertwitter.snopyta.orgcom/DiscoStarslayer/status/1570428063502012417 working on bypassing the HDD encryption of the PSX], which could result in this hardware being emulated, and it would allow for replacing the HDD in those consoles. This user also encourages dumping the content of the HDD of your PSX using a [https://nitter.snopytatwitter.orgcom/DiscoStarslayer/status/1592187362947526657 guide] made by a PCSX2 contributor called [https://nittertwitter.com/_987123879113 987123879113] See [[Home_Media_Player]]. ==Emulation issues==Despite a large interest in PlayStation 2 emulation due to its sizable collection of games, it is still one of the harder consoles to emulate for several reasons. First of all, many people believe that since the main CPU (Emotion Engine) runs at a clock speed of 294 Mhz (299 Mhz on later revisions), it would make emulation easy on recent hardware. But this isn't the case because the clock speed of the emulated CPU is not necessarily indicative of the ease of emulation (e.g. [[Sega_Saturn_emulators#Emulator_development|Sega Saturn emulation]]). Specifically, the PlayStation 2's CPU contains a multitude of custom sub-components and chips such as the FPU co-processor, 2 Vector Units, IOP, SPU2, Graphics Synthesizer, and SIF which together work asynchronously to comprise the 128-bit Emotion Engine. Emulating them perfectly with correct timing requires an enormous amount of power. Moreover, the PlayStation 2, just like PlayStation 1, uses the MIPS architecture instead of standard x86 code, thus making emulation slower.<ref>https://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Why-is-PCSX2-slow</ref> Another big problem is the emulation of PlayStation 2’s floating-point unit (FPU) because it doesn’t follow the IEEE standard. To keep it simple, just changing a couple of numbers will cause glitches to occur to the game’s graphic (VU) and logic (EE), resulting in things like broken AI, odd behaviors, and/or graphical bugs. While PCSX2 allows for either clamping/rounding on both VU and EE as a solution to fix these glitches, it remains by far not the most accurate way to emulate the PlayStation 2's FPU.<ref>https://wiki.pcsx2.net/PCSX2_Documentation/Nightmare_on_Floating-Point_Street</ref><ref>https://github.com/PSI-Rockin/DobieStation/issues/51</ref> To conclude the problems with PlayStation 2 emulation, we come to hardware rendering. The PlayStation 2’s graphics pipeline acts very differently from modern GPU cards, and emulating it in HW mode with any degree of accuracy is difficult. This is due in part to the versatility of the PlayStation 2, the fact that it doesn’t use fixed shaders, or that even the games themselves do not use a consistent formula to achieve different graphical effects. Various emulation enhancements like display resolution scaling lead to the typical “black lines glitch” because of the use of a non-integer resolution. While the [https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/tree/master/pcsx2/GS/Renderers hardware renderer backends on PCSX2] greatly improved on many of these issues, [https://wiki.pcsx2.net/Category:Software_rendering_only_games there are considerable amount of games still require “software rendering”] to fix many common glitches, which is [[PCSX2#System_requirements|significantly increases CPU ST performance requirement]] for the emulation and eliminating visual enhancement options. In summary, The PlayStation 2 is a very complex machine that even game developers struggled to work with. It is difficult to achieve close-to-perfection PlayStation 2 emulation with actual PC hardware but thanks to [https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/graphs/contributors PCSX2 team] it's now possible. ===MagicGate===:[[Wikipedia:MagicGate]]MagicGate, an encryption technology embedded within specific PlayStation 2 memory cards, relies on the [https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps2/MechaCon MechaCon] chip for security functionalities. MechaCon chip handles various tasks, including PlayStation 2 system security, game disc security, MagicGate, and KELF file decryption. Emulating MagicGate presents unique challenges because replicating its encryption process and hardware verification can be difficult and rightfully raising concerns about copyright situation [https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/4274#issuecomment-795316629][https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/10836#issuecomment-1954866179]. However there is a PCSX2 fork for this you can use, although you need MagicGate keys. See [[PlayStation_2_emulators#Konami_Python_2.2FKonami_Benami_Python_2|Konami Python 2]] or [[#DVD_player]] sections. Also see [[Legal Status of Emulation]]. For more information about PlayStation 2 hardware and reverse engineering;* [https://archive.fosdem.org/2021/schedule/event/pcsx2/ FOSDEM 2021 - The PlayStation 2: From Emotion to Emulation, Celebrating 20 Years of Reverse Engineering]* MVG: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRv_xKS4q7o Why was the Sony PlayStation 2 so hard to develop games for?], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGMR6FHey68 How the Sony Playstation 2 Security Was Defeated]* [https://www.snopytacopetti.org/_987123879113 987123879113writings/consoles/playstation-2/ Rodrigo Copetti's PlayStation 2 Architecture Practical Analysis]* [https://psi-rockin.github.io/ps2tek/ ps2tek: Documentation on PS2 internals]* [https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps2/ PSDevWiki: PlayStation 2]* [https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/110nzv8/eli5_why_do_ps2_emulation_be_like_that/ (Reddit Thread) ELI5: Why do PS2 emulation be like that?]* [https://www.implicitconversions.com/2023/08/01/implicit-conversions-the-origin-story/ Implicit Conversions: The Origin Story - From Self-Taught Developer to Emulation Expert]* PCSX2: [https://pcsx2.net/blog Blog], [https://discord.gg/K2AZqKJDB2 Discord] ==See also==* [[Controllers#DualShock_2|DualShock 2]]

* [http://wiki.pcsx2.net/index.php/Main_Page PCSX2 Wiki] - For checking if your games work and any fixes, tweaks, or settings you should know beforehand. Note that the wiki can contain outdated information. It is encouraged to do personal testing and contribute to the wiki.* [https://psxdatacenter.com/psx2/sitenews2.html PlayStation 2 DataCenter] - Tons of PS2-related things. Emulator files like plugins, game manuals, game configurations, and many tutorials are just some of the things you'll find here. * [https://wiki.arcadeotaku.com/w/Namco_System_246/256 arcadeotaku: Namco System 246/256]* [https://forum.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?78768-Master-List-of-PS2-CD-Based-Games digitpress forum - Master List of PS2 CD-Based Games]