Alternatives to PCSX2
The PlayStation 2 emulator, twenty years in development, now running most of the library at full speed. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
PCSX2
The PlayStation 2 emulator, twenty years in development, now running most of the library at full speed.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as PCSX2.
Play!
An open-source PlayStation 2 emulator for desktop, mobile and the web browser.
Play! also emulates the PS2 and adds Android, iOS and browser versions, but its game compatibility is uneven and releases are infrequent.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
RPCS3
The PlayStation 3 emulator, and the only free and open source one that actually plays the games.
DuckStation
A fast, accuracy-focused PlayStation 1 emulator. Excellent software, but licensed non-commercial and no-derivatives.
PPSSPP
A PSP emulator that needs no BIOS file and runs handheld games in HD on phones and PCs.
shadPS4
Early PlayStation 4 emulator for Windows, macOS and Linux.
RetroArch
One front end for dozens of emulators, with unified settings, shaders and a controller setup you only do once.
Dolphin
The GameCube and Wii emulator, running those games at higher resolutions than the consoles ever managed.
