PCSX2 is a PlayStation 2 emulator for Windows and Linux, started by the same team that brought you PCSX (a Sony PlayStation 1 emulator).
The PCSX2 project attempts to allow PS2 code to be executed on your computer, thus meaning you can put a PS2 DVD or CD into your computers drive, and boot it up!
The project has been running for almost seven years now, and since it's initial release has grown in compatibility. From initially just being able to run a few public domain demos, it's current state enables many games to boot and actually be perfectly playable, such as the 'famous' Final Fantasy X or Devil May Cry 3.
PS2 Emulation is a complex task, far worse than emulating a console from the previous generation (PlayStation1, N64, Saturn), simply due to the CPU power required to get 'playable' speeds from a PS2 game under emulation. Whilst speed can be improved via various 'recompilers' (eeREC and vuREC, Emotion Engine recompiler and Vector Unit CPU recompiler respectively), you will still need the latest and most powerful machine you can get your hands on to get close to full FPS (50 PAL - 60 NTSC).
The PCSX2 project is Open Source (GPL) and keeps an active SVN (SubVersion) repository. We encourage genuine attempts to improve the code, in terms of compatibility, new features, optimization, and encourage plugin authors to write graphics, sound, cdvd, controller plugins.
PCSX2 was initially started by shadow, linuzappz and saqib, but since then more coders have joined the team, bringing their unique expertise with them. The development team now consists of:
The PCSX2 project attempts to allow PS2 code to be executed on your computer, thus meaning you can put a PS2 DVD or CD into your computers drive, and boot it up!
The project has been running for almost seven years now, and since it's initial release has grown in compatibility. From initially just being able to run a few public domain demos, it's current state enables many games to boot and actually be perfectly playable, such as the 'famous' Final Fantasy X or Devil May Cry 3.
PS2 Emulation is a complex task, far worse than emulating a console from the previous generation (PlayStation1, N64, Saturn), simply due to the CPU power required to get 'playable' speeds from a PS2 game under emulation. Whilst speed can be improved via various 'recompilers' (eeREC and vuREC, Emotion Engine recompiler and Vector Unit CPU recompiler respectively), you will still need the latest and most powerful machine you can get your hands on to get close to full FPS (50 PAL - 60 NTSC).
The PCSX2 project is Open Source (GPL) and keeps an active SVN (SubVersion) repository. We encourage genuine attempts to improve the code, in terms of compatibility, new features, optimization, and encourage plugin authors to write graphics, sound, cdvd, controller plugins.
PCSX2 was initially started by shadow, linuzappz and saqib, but since then more coders have joined the team, bringing their unique expertise with them. The development team now consists of:
- arcum42: Linux compatibility,porting and general coding.
- cottonvibes: FPU and microVU, general coding.
- drkIIRaziel: Memory management, emulation theory/principals, recompiler design.
- gigaherz: General coding, spu2ghz, cdvdGigaherz.
- Jake Stine (Air): MTGS, counters, timing/syncing, wxGUI, SPU2-X
- rama: Resident hacker, uses random values until they fix something, then figures out why
- Refraction: General Coding DMA/VIF etc.
- Saqib: Project leader, fixing bugs around (FPU, Interpreter,
VUs..) - tmkk: VUs, recompilers, x86asm
We have now also acquired a strong team of plugin coders, ranging from Gabest - GSdx a Graphics plugin using D3D, Pete - Of P.E.Op.S. fame, providing CDVD and SPU2 plugins, GiGaHeRz - Providing us with a nice SPU2 plugin, Chickenliver with his great Lilypad pad plugin etc.
No project would get far off the ground without beta testers, and this project has a wide range of hand picked testers, chosen for experience, technical know-how, range of games, resources etc
Many of the beta testers have been with the project since the beginning, and have not only learned extreme patience, but work closely together on a daily basis. Testing hundreds of games repeatedly and sending detailed reports with in depth analysis; the beta testing team ensure that the development team get all the information they need to improve PCSX2.
To name some of the testers, we have:
- Bositman: Tester also for six years, and highly experienced
- CKemu: Tester for six years, and site/logo designer.
- Falcon4ever: Tester since the beginning, and responsible for this sites PHP.
- GeneralPlot: Tester for the team and brother in law of refraction, totally insane, with hundreds of games.
- Krakatos: Quality tester, also responsible for beta releases.
- Parotaku: Long time tester, with a great deal of knowledge.
- Prafull: Long time tester, and slightly nuts.
Again,for a full list of old, inactive and current beta testers please consult the latest release readme
PCSX2 is a complex program, but thanks to it's plugin system and GUI, not impossible to use, even if you are relatively new to emulation. PCSX2 does however require a real PS2 BIOS to run. You must obtain this from your own PS2, as the BIOS binary is copyrighted by SONY and cannot be distributed with PCSX2 as this would be highly illegal. This is perhaps the only technical thing you will have to do to get PCSX2 running games, but there are guides and tools out there to help you do this (see the downloads section for tools).
It is the aim of the development team to eventually make PCSX2 compatible with all PS2 games, and all PS2 features (including the backwards support for PS1 games).
Whilst PCSX2 is capable of playing 'backups', it is not the intention of the authors to provide a means to play illegally copied games. It is however the intention of the authors to let you play (once hardware is capable) PS2 games on your PC's, with the enhancements emulation allows, such as save-states, high resolution graphics, infinite memory cards, cross-region support etc.
PCSX2 is a 'free' program, that is made simply because the developers enjoy it as a hobby, and as a technical challenge. You are extremely lucky they let you play around with the WIP releases, and whilst we love feedback, and suggestions, the team owe you nothing, so don't whine for a new release, ask illegal questions (such as "Where can I find an ISO or BIOS?"), and don't complain if X or Y game doesn't work. This emulator is in the advanced stages of development, but it is far from complete.
If you use PCSX2 and have success with a game, please share screenshots, and what you did in the official forums. We're always pleased to see results from this emulator, and the team hope you find it fun and interesting to use.
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