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! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_variationsPSX|PSX DVR]]! scope="col"|[[#Arcade_Hardware_variations|<small>Arcade Hardware<br/>variations</small>]]

! colspan="1011"|Desktop

|''[https://pcsx2.net/compat/ 99%<br/><small>2667 out of 2690 reported titles</small>]''<ref group=N name=SX2Compatibility>Playable 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>

|[https://github.com/jpd002/Play-Compatibility/issues 4142%<br/><small>1055 1083 out of 2566 2575 reported titles</small>]

! colspan="1011"|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/?dir=android latest/alpha]<br/>[https://github.com/AetherSX2-backup/AetherSX2-builds 1.5-3668] (no ads)<br/>[https://github.com/Trixarian/NetherSX2-patch NetherSX2 Patch]| {{✗}}

|[https://github.com/jpd002/Play-Compatibility/issues 4142%<br/><small>1054 1076 out of 2566 2571 reported titles</small>]

|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|{{✗}}|?{{✗}}| Progression: 14%|{{✓}}|{{✓}}|{{✗}} (WIP)

! colspan="1011"|Console

|''[https://pcsx2.net/compat/ 99%<br/><small>2667 out of 2690 reported titles</small>]''<ref group=N name=SX2Compatibility></ref>

|[https://github.com/jpd002/Play-Compatibility/issues 4142%<br/><small>1054 1076 out of 2566 2571 reported titles</small>]

| [https://buildbotwww.libretroretroarch.com/stable/1.15.0/windows-msvc2019-uwp/x64/RetroArch-msvc2019-UWP_x64.msixbundle UWP ?page=platforms libretro core]| {{✗}}

;[[PCSX2]]:[[History_of_emulation#PlayStation_2|The Started sometime in mid 2001]], with its first release on March 23, 2002. It was the first Playstation 2 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_peripheralsHardware_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 you should know beforehand. For more information regarding playability , check these sources;

::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.

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| rowspan=4 6 | Graphics

| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=HDports>[https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/927750-playstation-3/69863918 No PS2 game has trophy support or enhancements for PS3 backwards compatibility] but [https[Wikipedia://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-definition_remasters_for_PlayStation_consoles#PlayStation_3 |PS2 games that received HD ports]], do.</ref>

| 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=4 5 | Performance

| 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.</small>|-| rowspan=4 6 | Post-Processing

| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]]<br/><small>(Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])</small>

| rowspan=8 9 | Quality of life

| [[Wikipedia:Variable_refresh_rate|Variable Refresh Rate compatible]]| {{Y}}[https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/issues/312#issuecomment-1264483185 *]| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=Libretro>Exclusive to libretro core version.</ref>| {{?}}| {{N}}|-| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29| Big Picture Mode]]

| rowspan=3 4 | Misc

| ?{{Y}}

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| Motion sensor control (Tiltsensor)<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>| {{✗}}

| rowspan=9 11 | Controller

PS2's DVD player was a versatile and powerful feature for its time, it supports PlayStation2 format DVD-ROM, PlayStation 2 and [https://www.steamgifts.com/discussion/91HAP/what-disc-types-are-compactible-with-ps2 PlayStation 1 format CD-ROM] and offering great playback compatibility for the most common disc formats. While it lacked official support for DVD Audio and VCD, its ability to play DVD Video and Audio CDs, along with additional options like progressive scan and upscaling, made it a compelling choice for entertainment and multimedia playback. Also [[Home_Media_Player#Interactive_media|Interactive film/movie]] formats 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.[https://old.reddit.com/r/ps2/comments/xc04yl/can_the_fat_ps2_play_dvd9_discs/].

*PCSX2 has CD-ROM and DVD-ROM support so you can boot your game directly from your physical discs ([https://youtu.be/DJkl4FrDgLw demonstration]), however there are no official 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 page] pages for more information.:*The DVD player-Video, including [[Home_Media_Player#Interactive_media|DVDi]] and even FreeDVDBoot, works in PCSX2's [[#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]'''.

::*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 (2022-07 to 2023-02).

==Arcade Hardware variations== ===[https://www.system16.com/base.php#1 Arcadevariations]===

====[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]====

====[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=976 Konami Python 2]/[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=831 Konami Benami Python 2]====

====[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=802 Namco System 246 #1]/[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=543 Namco System 246 #2]/[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=676 Namco System 246 #3]====

====O.R.B.S (Over Reality Booster System)====----Placeholder text for a VR cabinet that never made it pass testing. ===[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=546 Namco System 256 #1]/[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=922 Namco System 256 #2]====

====[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=872 Namco System Super 256]====

====[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=981 Namco System 147]====

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

Twitter user @DiscoStarslayer claims to be [https://nittertwitter.netcom/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://nittertwitter.netcom/DiscoStarslayer/status/1592187362947526657 guide] made by a PCSX2 contributor called [https://nittertwitter.netcom/_987123879113 987123879113] See [[Home_Media_Player]].

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 Vulkan and OpenGL hardware renderer backends on PCSX2] greatly improved on many of these issues, [https://wiki.pcsx2.net/Category:Software_rendering_only_games lots 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. Always try Vulkan or OpenGL backends first because D3D backends blending levels is quite problematic compared to other backends.<ref>[https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2/pull/9952 PCSX2 devs comment about HW backends]</ref>

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]].

* [https://archive.fosdem.org/2021/schedule/event/pcsx2/ FOSDEM 2021 - The PlayStation 2: From Emotion to Emulation - , Celebrating 20 Years of Reverse Engineering]

[[Category:Very early emulation (MAME)Driver Status: Preliminary]]