Changes

|release = November 2013

Emulation {{for|other emulators that run on PS4 hardware|Emulators on PS4}}  The '''PlayStation 4''' (PS4) is an eighth-generation console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment on November 15, 2013, and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|399.99|2013}}. It is the first PlayStation console to use the [[wikipedia:x86|x86]] architecture, a semi-custom 8-core AMD Jaguar CPU at 1.6 GHz. One of the cores is utilized separately only for low-power background tasks. The CPU shares its place on an APU chip alongside a semi-custom AMD GCN Radeon GPU supported by 8 GBs of GDDR5 RAM at 2.75 GHz, while 256 MBs of DDR3 RAM is used only for background tasks. The '''PlayStation 4 Pro''' (codenamed Neo, model number CUH-7000) console produced by Sony Computer Entertainment on November 10, 2016, and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|399.99|2016}}. It is an upgraded version of the PlayStation 4 with improved hardware to enable 4K rendering and improved [[#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|PlayStation VR]] performance, including an upgraded GPU with 4.198 teraflops of processing power and hardware support for checkerboard rendering, and a higher CPU clock. As with PS4 "Slim", this model also features support for USB 3.1, Bluetooth 4.0 and 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi. The PS4 Pro also includes 1 GB of DDR3 memory that is used to swap out non-gaming applications that run in the background, allowing games to utilize an additional 512 MB of the console's GDDR5 memory. Although capable of streaming 4K video, '''the PS4 Pro does not support Ultra HD Blu-ray'''. Games marketed by Sony as PS4 Pro Enhanced have specific optimizations when played on this model, such as 4K resolution graphics and/or higher performance. For games not specifically optimized, an option known as "Boost Mode" was added on system software 4.5, which can be enabled to force higher CPU and GPU clock rates on existing games to possibly improve performance.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_4#PlayStation_4_Pro] Emulating the PlayStation 4 (Pro) will prove to be a monumental task owing to the complexity of x86_64 and the Radeon-based GPU. Most projects will inevitably end up going the route of [[Wine]].

<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"! scope="col"|Name! scope="col"|Platform(s)! scope="col"|Latest Version! scope="col"|[[#Dissidia_Final_Fantasy_Arcade_variant|Arcade<br/>variant]]! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|Hardware features<br/>and peripherals]]! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]! scope="col"|Compatibility! scope="col"|<abbr title="Free/Libre and Open-Source Software">FLOSS</abbr>! scope="col"|Active! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]|-! colspan="12"|PC / x86|-| [[RPCSX]]| align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}| [https://github.com/RPCSX/rpcsx git]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1f02oterEI_mcX680ZYzxMSM2Yg4C2FICqooKZ8NVqF0/edit#gid=0 0%<br/><small>0 out of 76 reported titles</small>]| {{✓}}| {{✓}}| {{✗}}|-| [[Orbital]]| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}| [https://github.com/AlexAltea/orbital git] | {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| N/A| {{✓}}| {{✓}}| {{✗}}|-| psuv| align=left|{{Icon|}}| {{na}} <small>(WIP)</small>| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| N/A| ?| {{✓}}| {{✗}}|-| RPCS4| align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}| {{na}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| N/A| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{✗}} |-| [[Spine]]| align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}| [https://github.com/devofspine/spine/releases 2022-05-17]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vebgZawcNhdZnGPaSuWrC6wo9OpR1miz/edit#gid=438411959 1%<br/><small>4 out of 360 reported titles</small>]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}|}</div> ==Compatibility layers [[Compatibility layers|(...)]]==<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"

! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]|-! colspan="12"|PC / x86|-| [https://github.com/red-prig/fpPS4/ fpPS4]| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}} | [https://github.com/KimieStar/TL_Installer_Prototype/releases/tag/FINAL GUI] <br/>[https://nightly.link/red-prig/fpPS4/workflows/main/trunk/fpPS4.zip Nightly] | {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| [https://fpps4.net/compatibility/ 6%<br/><small>106 out of 1780 reported titles</small>]| {{✓}}| {{✓}} | {{~}}|-| [[Obliteration]]| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}| [https://github.com/obhq/obliteration/actions git]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| N/A| {{✓}}| {{✓}}| {{✗}}|-| [https://shadps4.net/ shadPS4]| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}| [https://github.com/shadps4-emu/shadPS4 {{shadPS4Ver}}]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| N/A| {{✓}}| {{✓}}| {{✗}}|-| [https://github.com/SysRay/psOff_public psOff]| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}| [https://github.com/SysRay/psOff_public/releases {{psOffVer}}]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| ?| {{✓}}| {{✓}}| {{✗}}|-| [[GPCS4]]| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}| [https://github.com/Inori/GPCS4 {{GPCS4Ver}}]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| <small>[[GPCS4|2 playable titles]]</small>| {{✓}}| {{?}}| {{✗}}|-| [[Kyty]]| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}| [https://github.com/InoriRus/Kyty/releases {{KytyVer}}]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| <small>[[Kyty|2 playable titles]]</small>| {{✓}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}|-| PS4Delta| align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}| [https://github.com/Force67/ps4delta git]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| N/A| {{✓}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}|}</div> ==Native==<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"! scope="col"|Name! scope="col"|Latest Version! scope="col"|[[#Dissidia_Final_Fantasy_Arcade_variant|Arcade<br/>variant]]! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|Hardware features<br/>and peripherals]]! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]! scope="col"|Compatibility! scope="col"|<abbr title="Free/Libre and Open-Source Software">FLOSS</abbr>! scope="col"|Active! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]|-! colspan="11"|Console|-| PlayStation 5| Patch based| {{?}}| {{✓}}| {{~}}| [https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/support/games/ps5-backward-compatibility-games/ <small>4,000+ games are playable</small>]| {{✗}}| {{✓}}| {{✓}}|}</div> ==Comparisons==;Emulators:; RPCS4:: A private project being worked on by one of the original developers of [[RPCS3]], DH. Little is known about the project at this time, but we do know that it's expected to run on Unix-likes and can boot PS4 games without graphics.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/pcgaming/comments/cxx5h3/we_are_team_rpcs3_the_playstation_3_emulator_we/eyoqzes/ DH] on Reddit. "If you have Unix-like OS, I can send you binary and you will able to run any game for PS4 and see many different errors for each (without graphics of course)"</ref> It is still being worked on, although it is in the early stages.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/ppffdy/rpcs4_ps4_emulation_preview_of_current_progress/ RPCS4 progress update] on Reddit. "DH, RPCS3's founder, has permitted to share this quick progress update of his PlayStation 4 emulator."</ref> ::; RPCSX::: An upcoming FLOSS emulator created by one of the original developers of [[RPCS3]], DH, along [[RPCS3]] current main developers Nekotekina and kd-11. It's in early stages although it can already [https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F1RZYjTWwAMieSr?format=png&name=900x900 boot the commercial game] ''We Are Doomed'' and ''Sonic Mania''. According to DH, [https://imgur.com/a/x98Ylhx the emulator uses code from RPCS4 and RPCS3]. There's no available ETA of when it'll be released. :; [[Orbital]]:: An open-source low-level emulator based on [[QEMU]] by Alexandro Sanchez (AKA 'AlexAltea', [https://youtu.be/4joCMfTPP4M?t=30 who is also one of the developers of the RPCS3 and Nucleus projects]), Orbital uses Intel HAXM to speed up performance. A surprising amount of progress has been made for an emulator of its kind, having to emulate the kernel used by the PS4; It's stuck at the console's Safe Mode<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBBHisNM74o</ref> and, thus, can't boot any games. :; psuv:: Znullptr, a widely known PS4 and PS5 jailbreak/exploit developer and reverse engineer is [https://twitter.com/Znullptr/status/1508195432475807745?s=20 working on his own PS4 emulator project called PSUV]. :; [[Spine]]:: In stark contrast to other closed-source emulators, Spine is Linux-exclusive; the creator has opted not to release the source code out of caution for a Windows-exclusive variant emerging from his work,<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/pkc8oe/spine_ps4_emulator_v20210901_released_with/hc3coog/ devofspine] on Reddit. "I wouldn't mind open-sourcing it at some point in time, but there are several things that stop me from doing this in the near future: a) there are some parts in the code that are a mess and I wouldn't feel comfortable releasing them for public consumption, b) I enjoy the freedom to develop it in the way I want to, c) I would be a bit afraid of losing control, open source brings with it a risk of forks for example and I wouldn't like to see my work used to do for example a Windows exclusive variant, and d) PS4 is still a current-gen console." (Edited)</ref> despite the fact that there is already interest in getting it working through WSLg.<ref>[https://github.com/microsoft/wslg/issues/445#issuecomment-921119545 Spine PlayStation 4 emulator does not work in WSLg with GPU enabled] issue at the WSLg repository (#445). GitHub. "no need to close the issue, we will use this to track the GPU acceleration issue. Unfortunately, I don't have access to PlayStation firmware and thus am not able to repro, but we will see what we can do to investigate this, thanks!"</ref> Its authenticity has been verified by lead Orbital developer AlexAltea.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/bz4ikp/orbital_a_playstation_4_emulator_that_is/eqq6lxt/ AlexAltea] on Reddit. "I've analyzed the Spine demo in IDA Pro (reverse engineering tool), and everything checks out. It's a very early release, with lots of unimplemented parts, but it's real. More importantly, we have tested it locally and it works."</ref> [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4PD8cV5ypNAn-4DuWPx0RgNLOxPu5LPn It was truly a promising emulator project], even though it was abandoned in its early days. ;Compatibility layers:; fpPS4 :: A PlayStation 4 compatibility layer made with Free Pascal. It currently offers the best game compatibility. :; Obliteration:: A compatibility layer for Windows based on Kyty that's in early development. Promising work has been done on this emulator, however it's unable to boot any commercial games. :; shadPS4:: An PS4 compatibility layer. It can only run a simple graphics demo at the moment. :; psOff:: Yet another compatibility layer. Developer solely focused on the rendering part and recently started to implement the system functions to run some binaries. It renders decently fast, the planned changes will make it almost perfect. It currently doesn't support: multiple command buffer submits, for loops in shader, missing opcodes.[https://github.com/SysRay/psOff_public?tab=readme-ov-file#description] :; [[Kyty]]:: A compatibility layer for the PS4 and PS5 made by InoriRus, the creator of Short Waves. It's in the early stages of development. It can boot commercial games such as ''Blackhole'', ''Worms W.M.D'', and some PS5 homebrews with 0.2.0. This is also the first-ever PlayStation 4 emulator with a GUI, and like GPCS4, the emulator is Windows-exclusive. :; [[GPCS4]]:: A compatibility layer for the PlayStation 4. It can show the logos in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nier:_Automata ''Nier: Automata''] and ran its first commercial games, ''We Are Doomed'' and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonic_Mania ''Sonic Mania''], in February 2020. It can only run homebrew tests as of June 2022. Furthermore, it appears to be only a side project to test 3D graphics and may or may not become anything serious, but this is unknown as the project's development has halted. As of June 2022, GPCS4 is now a one-person project. :; PS4Delta:: A compatibility layer for the PlayStation 4. It's unable to boot any commercial games and appears to do almost nothing than load some firmware modules. Development has stopped, and the project is archived on GitHub. ;Native:; PlayStation 5:: The PlayStation 5 boasts extensive backwards compatibility with a vast library of PlayStation 4 titles. [[PlayStation_5_emulators#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|This functionality]] allows users to play the overwhelming majority of physical PS4 discs and digital games downloaded through the PlayStation Store directly on their PS5 console. Additionally, some PS4 games may benefit from [[#Enhancements|enhancements]] on the PS5 hardware (similar to PlayStation 4 Pro) if it supports "Game Boost" option, such as experiencing higher or more stable frame rates. ==Enhancements==<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! RPCSX! fpPS4! PlayStation 5|-| rowspan=7 | Graphics| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{~}}<ref group=N2 name=GameBoostPS5>Possible if game supports "[https://www.backwards-compatible.com/ Game Boost]" option.</ref>|-| [[Texture_packs#Texture_Replacement_.283D.29|Texture Replacement]]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}|-| [[Widescreen_hacks|Ultrawide hack]]<br/><small>Widescreen already supported on PlayStation 4 system.<br/>But there is no support by system for render games in other ratios such as ultrawide 21:9 or super ultrawide 32:9.</small>| {{N}}| {{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=3 | <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.</small>|-| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Pre-rendering AA]]<br/><small>(MSAA, SSAA)</small>| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{?}}|-| Super-resolution techniques<br/><small>([https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS.md DLSS], XeSS and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 2+]])</small>| colspan=3 | <small>Requires access to the depth buffer and temporal data like motion-vectors so it's quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.</small>|-| [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/rtx-remix/wiki RTX Remix]| colspan=9 | <small>Implementing RTX Remix technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.</small>|-| rowspan=4 | Performance| [[Overclocking|RecommendedOverclock]]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}|-| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal Framerate Hack]]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{~}}<ref group=N2 name=GameBoostPS5></ref>|-| [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"'''.|-| 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=6 | Post-Processing| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering AA]]<br/><small>(FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)</small>| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{?}}|-| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]]<br/><small>(Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])</small>| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{?}}|-| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{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>| {{?}}| {{?}}| {{N}}|-| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}|-|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]| colspan=3 | <small>PlayStation 4 (Pro) system already supports HDR in some games.</small>|-| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}|-| Rewind| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}

! colspan="10"|PC Fast-Forward/ x86Turbo Speed| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}

|[[Spine]]|align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}|[https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IGA5vfllApyS65b8uameKzyisWUVPWZ5/view 2022-01-17]Savestates|{{✗N}}|{{naN}}|{{✓N}}

|[[Orbital]]|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}|[https://githubtasvideos.comorg/AlexAlteaMovies Movie recording/orbital gitplayback] |{{✓N}}|{{✗N}}|{{✗N}}

|GPCS4|alignrowspan=left|{{Icon2 |Windows}}Controls|[https://github.com/Inori/GPCS4 git[Controllers#Mouse_Injectors_for_Emulators|Mouse Injector Compatible]]|{{✓N}}|{{✓N}} ✓|{{✗N}}

|PS4Delta[[Input_lag|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}|[https://github.com/Force67/ps4delta gitInput lag-mitigating technique]]|{{✓N}}|{{✗N}}|{{✗N}}

|RPCS4|alignrowspan=left6 |{{IconQuality of life|Linux}}[[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|{{na}}Streamable compression format]]|{{✗N}}|{{✓N}}|{{✗N}}

! colspan| Built-in [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes]<br/><small>For using this on Windows OS you need [http://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver].<br/>Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "10Custom Resolution Utility".</small>| colspan=3 |ConsoleN/A<br/><small>Eighth gen home consoles and beyond only have digital video output anyway.</small>

|PlayStation 5Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in_graphics_mod_editor.2Fmanager_for_emulators|Graphics mod editor/manager]]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}|-| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}|-| Per-Game Profiles|align{{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}|-| Command Line Options| {{N}}| {{N}}| {{N}}|-| rowspan=left4 | Misc| RetroAchievements|{{IconN}}|PS5{{N}}|Patch based{{N}}|-| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]| colspan=3 | <small>Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores]. So there is no support at the moment.</small>|-| Free Look<br/><small>Free Look is a enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera.</small>| colspan=3 | <small>While freecam would be technically possible, it will require per-game patches.<br/>Said patches would require a significant amount of time to reverse the game's engine, which means that only someone talented with enough dedication to a single game could do it.|-| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug Features]]|{{✗N}}|{{✓N}}|{{✓N}}

===ComparisonsHardware features and peripherals==<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">;[[Spine]] <small {|class="plainlinkswikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"|- style="font-weight:normalbold;">(! colspan=2 | Name! RPCSX! fpPS4! PlayStation 5|-|rowspan=2 | [https://docswww.googlepsdevwiki.com/spreadsheetsps4/d/1vebgZawcNhdZnGPaSuWrC6wo9OpR1miz/editSystem_Software System Software]|[[#PlayStation_Dynamic_Menu_and_apps|PlayStation Dynamic Menu and apps]]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}|-|[[#gidTrophies|Trophies]]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✗}}|-|rowspan=438411959 3 | Backwards<br/>compatibility])|[[Wikipedia:List_of_PlayStation_2_games_for_PlayStation_4|PlayStation 2 emulation <br/small>(incl. PS2 Classics)]]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✓}}|-|[[Wikipedia:A compatibility layer that can run 360 games ingame; of the lot, only 4 are considered playable according to the compatibility list.Lists_of_PS_one_Classics|PlayStation emulation <refbr/>(incl. PSOne Classics)]]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✓}}|-|[[Official_emulators#Emulators_on_PS4|PSP emulation]] for [[Wikipedia:List_of_downloadable_PlayStation_Portable_games#PSP_games|Digital PSP titles]]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✓}}|-|rowspan=2 | Input|[[Wikipedia:PlayStation_Camera#Compatible_games|PlayStation Camera]]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}[https://docs.googlegithub.com/spreadsheetsred-prig/fpPS4/blob/dtrunk/1vebgZawcNhdZnGPaSuWrC6wo9OpR1mizsrc/edit#gid=438411959 Community Maintained Spine Compatibility Listps4_libscecamera.pas *] from latest Spine release</ref> In a stark contrast from other closed| {{✓}}|-source emulators, Spine is Linux-exclusive; the creator has opted not to release the source code out of caution for a Windows-exclusive variant emerging out of his work,<ref>|[https://www.redditpushsquare.com/rgames/browse?title=controller%3Aplaystation_move&system=ps4 PlayStation Move]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}[https://github.com/emulationred-prig/commentsfpPS4/pkc8oeblob/spine_ps4_emulator_v20210901_released_withtrunk/hc3coogsrc/ devofspineps4_libscemove.pas *]| {{✓}}|-|colspan=2 | [[PlayStation_Network|PlayStation Network]]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✓}}|-|colspan=2 | [[#Blu-ray_drive|Blu-ray drive]] on Reddit| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{✓}}|-|colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:List_of_PlayStation_VR_games|PlayStation VR]]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}[https://github. "I wouldn't mind open sourcing it at some point in time but there are several things that stop me from doing this in the near futurecom/red-prig/fpPS4/pull/174 *]| {{~}}[https: a) there are some parts in the code that are a mess and I wouldn't feel comfortable releasing them for public consumption, b) I enjoy the freedom to develop it in the way I want to, c) I would be a bit afraid of losing control, open source brings with it a risk of forks for example and I wouldn't like to see my //www.lifewire.com/does-psvr-work used to do for example a Windows exclusive variant, and d) -on-ps5-7567134 *]|-|colspan=2 |[[#PS4 Pro Enhanced games|PS4 is still a current gen console." (Edited)Pro Enhanced games]]| {{✗}}| {{✗}}| {{Y}}|}</ref> despite the fact that there is already interest in getting it working through WSLg.<refdiv> ===PlayStation Dynamic Menu and apps===:[https://githubwww.psdevwiki.com/microsoftps4/wslg/issues/445#issuecomment-921119545 Spine Interface psdevwiki: PlayStation Dynamic Menu]:[[Wikipedia:List_of_PlayStation_applications|Wikipedia: List of PlayStation 4 emulator does not work in WSLg with GPU enabledapplications]] issue at the WSLg repository (#445)PlayStation Dynamuc Menu is a graphical user interface developed by Sony Computer Entertainment. GitHubYou can launch various applications from this interface as well. "no need to close the issue, we will use  *No emulator supports this to track at the GPU acceleration issue. Unfortunatelymoment, I don't have access to PlayStation firmware thus not able to repro, but we will see what we can do to investigate this, thanks!"</ref> Its authenticity was verified by lead Orbital developer AlexAltea.<ref>although there are various reports on RPCSX discord channel that RPCSX booting VSH [https://www.redditdiscord.com/rchannels/252023769500090368/1133492361180233728/1173714720558166108 without any graphics] or [https:/emulation/commentsdiscord.com/bz4ikpchannels/orbital_a_playstation_4_emulator_that_is252023769500090368/eqq6lxt1124815779230122096/ AlexAltea1193992662743781396 2d elements with safe mode] on Reddit. "I've analyzed the Spine demo in IDA Pro (reverse engineering tool), and everything checks out. It's obviously a very early release, lots of unimplemented parts, but it's real. More importantly, we have tested it locally and it works."</ref>

;[[Orbital]]===Trophies===:An open-source low-level emulator based on [[QEMUhttps://psnprofiles.com/trophies?platform=ps4 PSNProfiles: PlayStation 4 Trophies]], Orbital uses existing hypervisors like Intel HAXM Trophies are PlayStation Network awards presented to speed up performanceplayers for completing specific tasks in a game. A surprising amount of progress has been made for an emulator of its kindThe feature is present in most PlayStation 3 games, and all PlayStation Vita, having to emulate the kernel used by the PS4; It's stuck at the console's Safe Mode<ref>PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 games.[https://wwwplaystation.youtubefandom.com/watch?v=IBBHisNM74o<wiki/ref> and, thus, canTrophies] Trophies shouldn't boot any gamesbe confused with [[#Enhancements|RetroAchievements]].

;GPCS4===Blu-ray drive===:A compatibility layer for the PlayStation 4and PlayStation 5 consoles supports Blu-ray Disc Video and DVD-Video. Currently, However it can show does not have the logos in Nier: Automata and ran its first commercial game called capability to play VCDs or <abbr title="Needs 'Ultra HD Blu-ray drive'We are Doomed'' in February 2020. Appears to be only a side project to test 3D graphics and may or may ">4K Ultra HD</abbr>, additionally, the VCD format is not become anything serious. Reasons to follow this project are supported by the growing pool of contributors; and that it works on Windows, unlike Spineconsoles system software.

;PS4Delta*See [[Home_Media_Player#Emulators|this dedicated page]] for more information about home media playback support for emulation softwares.*See [[Ripping_games]].*Also see [https:A compatibility layer for the PlayStation 4//www. It's unable to boot any commercial games. Development has stopped and the project is currently archived on Githubpsdevwiki.com/ps4/Backwards_Compatibility#multimedia psdevwiki: multimedia support]

;RPCS4===PS4 Pro Enhanced games===:A private project being worked on by one of the original developers of [[RPCS3Wikipedia:Category:PlayStation_4_Pro_enhanced_games|PlayStation 4 Pro enhanced games list]], DH. Little is known about the project at Games marketed by Sony as PS4 Pro Enhanced have specific optimizations when played on this time, but what we do know is that it's expected to run on Unix-likesmodel, such as 4K resolution graphics and can boot PS4 games without graphics.<ref>[https://wwwor higher performance.reddit.com/r/pcgaming/comments/cxx5h3/we_are_team_rpcs3_the_playstation_3_emulator_we/eyoqzes/ DH] For games not specifically optimized, an option known as "Boost Mode" was added on Redditsystem software 4. "If you have unix-like OS5, I which can send you binary and you will able be enabled to run any game for PS4 force higher CPU and see many different errors for each (without graphics of course)"</ref> The GitHub repo hasn't been updated since 2016, and it appears to only exist as a placeholder until the project is released. It is still being worked GPU clock rates on although it is in early stages.<ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/ppffdy/rpcs4_ps4_emulation_preview_of_current_progress/ RPCS4 progress update] on Reddit. "DH, RPCS3's founder, has given permission existing games to share this quick progress update of his PlayStation 4 emulatorpossibly improve performance."</ref>

==Overview=====Potential Roadblocks===Due to the PS4's x86 architecture Rendering games at 4K resolution is achieved through various rendering techniques and hardware features; PlayStation technical chief Mark Cerny explained that Sony could not "brute force" 4K without compromising form factor and FreeBSD-based operating systemcost, emulators for the device will by and large be very unconventional. Despite so the x86's instruction set being '''huge'''<ref>{{cite web | url= https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/x86_instruction_listings | title= x86 instruction listings | Wikipedia}}</ref>, a trait that would typically lead console was designed to years of development time by emulatorssupport "streamlined rendering techniques" using custom hardware, it opens the ability for pre"best-in-breed temporal and spatial anti-existing hypervisors to do the heavy liftingaliasing algorithms", eliminating and "many new features from the need for a recompilerAMD Polaris architecture as well as several even beyond it". There The most prominent technique used is alsocheckerboard rendering, as wherein the console only renders portions of writing thisa scene using a checkerboard pattern, little and then uses algorithms to no documentation on the GPU (a modified Radeon 7970M with disabled stream processors) used fill in the PS4's APU, and it will require a complete renon-implementation by emulator developersrendered segments. EndThe checkerboarded screen can then be smoothed using an anti-users may wish to perform a preliminary dump aliasing filter. Hermen Hulst of the required files from their Guerrilla Games explained that PS4 using Pro could render something "perceptively so close [to 4K] that you wouldn't be able to see the difference".[https://phien.nzwikipedia.org/orbitalwiki/tools/dumper/ Orbital DumperPlayStation_4#PlayStation_4_Pro].

==Dissidia Final Fantasy Arcade variant==Taito's Dissidia Final Fantasy Arcade is the only arcade game that runs on PS4-based hardware. This game runs on a PS4 kiosk demo unit, and the hardware is identical to regular retail PS4 and could be converted to regular retail mode. An extra I/O board is attached to the PS4 via a USB port. Despite the fact that the arcade game program itself could run on a regular PS4 without any issue, the USB I/O board is yet to be reverse-engineered, and judging from the current status of PS4 emulation, emulation support for this arcade game is very likely the last item on the to-do list. ==Emulation issues==Due to the PS4's [[POS_(Pong_Consoles)_CPUs_and_Other_Chips#x86_CPUs|x86 architecture]] and FreeBSD-based operating system, emulators for the device will, by and large, be very unconventional. Despite the x86's instruction set being huge<ref>{{cite web | url= https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/x86_instruction_listings | title= x86 instruction listings | Wikipedia}}</ref>, a trait that would typically lead to years of development time by emulators, it opens the ability for pre-existing hypervisors to do the heavy lifting, eliminating the need for a recompiler. There is also, as of this time, little to no documentation on the GPU (a modified Radeon 7970M with disabled stream processors) used in the PS4's APU, and it will require a complete re-implementation by emulator developers. In recent years many [https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/pc-games/ PlayStation 4 (Pro) exclusive titles are now being ported to PC] with [[#Enhancements|enhancements]], so similar to [[PlayStation_5_emulators#Emulation_issues|PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One emulators#Emulation issues|Xbox One (X|S)]] and [[Xbox_Series_X_and_Series_S#Emulation issues|Xbox Series X|S]] situations this '''could''' lead to a decreased interest in development. Having said that, there are still considerable amount of games exclusive to those consoles, this includes games for both PlayStation 4 (Pro) and Xbox One (X|S) that haven't been ported and titles lacking enhanced/next-gen update for PC. See [[List of notable ports#External_links]] section for all of those games. ===PCSX4 & Fake Emulatorsfake emulators===Because most people don't understand how emulation really works, scammers try and take advantage of this by making [[Emulator scams|their own fake emulatoremulators]] for malicious purposes. The PS4 has seen its fair share of scams, the most notable and persistent of which being '''PCSX4'''. The scheme is very elaborate and clever, with a website designed to mimic [[RPCS3]]'s while using a similar naming scheme as [[PCSX-Reloaded|PCSX]] and [[PCSX2]] (both of which are legitimate). The site makes use of uses aggressive search engine optimization (SEO), meaning it's one of the top results for "PS4 emulator" on Google. There are three Two things that invalidate PCSX4's legitimacy:

* It is actually fairly easy to fake a PS4 (and even [[PlayStation 5|PS5]]) emulator by taking the open -source [https://git.sr.ht/~thestr4ng3r/chiaki Chiaki] Remote Play client, which works by streaming games from a real an actual PS4, and modifying the GUI to display fake hardware usage stats alongside the game. If its claims of running any PS4 game in 4K at 60FPS with little to no issues really were true, there would certainly be news articles about it, just like there were for [[Cemu]]. ===Reverse engineering PlayStation 4===See these resources for reverse engineering PlayStation 4<ref>[https://discord.com/channels/252023769500090368/1140403882309202050/1173616669072044032 RPCSX discord channel: Various resources for reverse engineering PlayStation 4].</ref>;* For any skeptic, Modded Warfare: [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn7ji3VsPy3HCJZF4ivMhnpOt0vZA2g_j PS4 Jailbreak Tutorials (9.00 or Lower)] ;General:;Graphics:*[https://fgiesen.wordpress.com/2011/07/09/a-trip-through-the-graphics-pipeline-2011-index/ A trip through the use Graphics Pipeline 2011]:*[https://vulkan-tutorial.com/ Vulkan Tutorial] :;Reversing:*[https://www.amazon.com/dp/0764574817/ Reversing: Secrets of OGRE as a marketing tool is the smoking gunReverse Engineering (book)]:*[https://beginners.re/ Reverse Engineering for Beginners (book)] ;PlayStation 4 specific:;CPU:*[https://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/intel-sdm#combined Intel® 64 and IA-32 Architectures Software Developer Manuals]:*[https://support.amd.com/TechDocs/48751_16h_bkdg.pdf BIOS and Kernel Developer's Guide (BKDG) for AMD Family 16h Models 00h-0Fh Processors]:*[https://support.amd.com/TechDocs/51810_16h_00h-0Fh_Rev_Guide.pdf Revision Guide for AMD Family 16h Models 00h-0Fh Processors]:*[https://support.amd.com/TechDocs/52128_16h_Software_Opt_Guide.zip Software Optimization Guide for AMD Family 16h Processors]:*[https://support.amd.com/TechDocs/48882_IOMMU.pdf AMD I/O Virtualization Technology (IOMMU) Specification] :;GPU:*[https://developer.amd.com/wordpress/media/2013/07/AMD_Sea_Islands_Instruction_Set_Architecture.pdf Sea Islands Series Instruction Set Architecture]:*[https://developer.amd.com/wordpress/media/2013/10/si_programming_guide_v2. OGRE is a video game engine, which developers would use to make games run on consolespdf Southern Islands/Sea Islands Family 3D/Compute Programming Guide]:*[https://developer. No one uses Unity or Unreal Engine to emulate a Switchamd. Claiming that OGRE somehow benefits emulation is a farcecom/wordpress/media/2013/10/CIK_3D_registers_v2.pdf Radeon Sea Islands 3D/Compute Register Reference Guide]

==Arcade Variations==:;Misc:*[http://www.psdevwiki.com/ps4/ PS4 Developer Wiki]:*[https://github.com/fail0verflow/ps4-linux Linux kernel fork with PS4 support]:*[https://github.com/fail0verflow/ps4-kexec Implementation of the kexec system call for PS4]:*[https://youtu.be/QMiubC6LdTA Console Hacking 2016 (33C3)]:*Open source projects (FreeBSD, AMDGPU drivers, etc.): [https://github.com/freebsd/freebsd-src/tree/releng/9.1 FreeBSD system calls], [https://github.com/GPUOpen-Drivers/pal GPUOpen-Drivers]:*RPCSX: [https://discord.gg/M6DK5AXk Discord], [https://rpcsx.github.io/rpcsx-site/ Blogs] ===Dissidia Final Fantasy Arcade=External links==Taito's Dissidia Final Fantasy Arcade is currently the only arcade game that runs on PS4 based hardware*[https://www.youtube. This game runs on a com/watch?v=7qe71pCjC9U SomeOrdinaryGamers: Running PS4 kiosk demo unit which the hardware is identical to regular retail PS4 and could be converted to regular retail mode. An extra I/O board is attached to PS5 Games on the PS4 via USB port.PC]