PCSX2 is a free, open-source emulator that lets you play PS2 games on a PC by mimicking the PS2’s hardware. It’s been around for over 20 years, supports over 2500 games, and runs most at full speed, according to the PCSX2 GitHub (https://github.com/PCSX2/pcsx2). PCSX2_ARM64 is a fork of this emulator, created by Trixarian, to port PCSX2 to Android devices using ARM64 architecture (the type of processor in most modern phones). The project focuses on translating the PS2’s Emotion Engine (EE) from x86 to ARM64, which is a big technical challenge. Trixarian notes on GitHub that it’s still a work in progress, built while learning assembler code, and serves as a reference for other developers. I’ve used PCSX2 on my PC to play Kingdom Hearts, and the idea of running it on my phone is thrilling!
Why PS2 Emulation on Android Matters
The PS2 is one of the best-selling consoles ever, with a huge library of iconic games like Metal Gear Solid 3, Shadow of the Colossus, and Gran Turismo 4. While emulators like AetherSX2 (another PCSX2-based Android emulator) exist, its development stopped in 2023 due to developer issues, as noted in Reddit discussions (r/EmulationOnAndroid). PCSX2_ARM64 is a fresh attempt to improve PS2 emulation on Android, potentially offering better performance and compatibility. A Reddit post from June 2025 highlighted that PCSX2_ARM64 uses a newer PCSX2 core than AetherSX2, which could mean smoother gameplay for some games. I’m excited because my Samsung Galaxy S21 could run these classics without needing my old PS2 console!
Current State of PCSX2_ARM64
PCSX2_ARM64 is not a finished product yet—it’s more of a proof-of-concept, as Trixarian mentions on GitHub. The project focuses on recompiling the PS2’s Emotion Engine (EE) from x86 to ARM64, a complex task that’s still incomplete due to Trixarian’s limited experience with assembler code. A YouTube video linked on the GitHub page (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACxMJufB1EM) shows early gameplay, with games like GTA: San Andreas running but with graphical glitches and stutters. A Reddit user tested it and noted that Phantasy Star Generation 1 & 2, Disgaea 1 & 2, and Sly Cooper ran well, while Champions of Norrath improved with a July 2025 update but still had slowdowns. This project is a fork of another developer’s (pontos2024) work, and Trixarian built it to test if it could outperform their other project, EtherealSX2. It’s not ready to replace AetherSX2 yet, but it’s a promising start for Android PS2 emulation.
Setting Up PCSX2_ARM64
Since PCSX2_ARM64 is a development project, setting it up requires some technical steps. Here’s how you can try it, based on my experience with emulators and GitHub details:
- Check Your Device: You’ll need a modern Android phone with an ARM64 processor (like Snapdragon 8 series or equivalent) and at least 6GB RAM. My Galaxy S21 works for similar emulators, so it should handle PCSX2_ARM64. Check your phone’s specs in Settings > About Phone.
- Download the APK: PCSX2_ARM64 isn’t on the Google Play Store, so you’ll need to download the APK from Trixarian’s GitHub (https://github.com/Trixarian/PCSX2_ARM64) or their test-builds repository (https://github.com/Trixarian/test-builds). Be careful—Reddit users warn to scan APKs for viruses. I used VirusTotal to check similar files and recommend you do too.
- Enable Sideloading: On your Android, go to Settings > Apps > Special Access > Install Unknown Apps and allow your browser or file manager to install APKs. This lets you install PCSX2_ARM64.
- Get a PS2 BIOS: Emulators need a PS2 BIOS file to work, which you must legally obtain from your own PS2 console. Reddit users suggest dumping the BIOS using a tool like Free McBoot on a PS2. Never download BIOS files online, as it’s illegal.
- Add Game ISOs: You’ll need PS2 game ISOs, legally ripped from your own discs using a PC tool like ImgBurn. I ripped Kingdom Hearts from my disc and stored it on my phone’s SD card. Place ISOs in a folder PCSX2_ARM64 can access.
- Install and Configure: Install the APK, open PCSX2_ARM64, and set up the BIOS and game paths in the emulator’s settings. Adjust graphics settings (like Vulkan renderer) for better performance, as suggested by Reddit users. I lowered the resolution to 1x native to reduce stuttering on my phone.
Performance and Game Compatibility
PCSX2_ARM64 is still early in development, so performance varies. A Reddit post from June 2025 noted that GTA: San Andreas runs with “okay” performance but has graphical glitches, like flickering textures. Games like Phantasy Star Generation 1 & 2 and Disgaea work well, while Champions of Norrath saw improvements in a July 2025 update but still slows down in busy areas. Trixarian’s YouTube video shows playable framerates on some titles, but it’s not as polished as AetherSX2 or NetherSX2 (Trixarian’s patch for AetherSX2). My experience with AetherSX2 on my Galaxy S21 suggests a modern phone with a Snapdragon 888 or better can handle PS2 emulation, but you may need to tweak settings like resolution or skipdraw hacks (as noted in emulation.gametechwiki.com) to fix glitches. Expect some trial and error, as PCSX2_ARM64 is a work in progress.
Tips for Using PCSX2_ARM64
Here are tips to get the best experience, based on my emulation experience and community advice:
- Start with Simple Games: Test lighter games like Sly Cooper before trying heavy ones like God of War. Reddit users found simpler games run better on PCSX2_ARM64.
- Use Vulkan Renderer: The GitHub page mentions Vulkan support, which is faster on Android. I switched to Vulkan in AetherSX2 and got smoother gameplay.
- Lower Settings for Speed: Reduce internal resolution to 1x native and disable features like Large Framebuffer, as suggested on emulation.gametechwiki.com, to boost framerates.
- Backup Saves: PCSX2_ARM64 may crash, so use in-game saves or memory cards, not save states, as they’re unstable between versions (noted in Trixarian’s NetherSX2 GitHub).
- Join the Community: Check r/EmulationOnAndroid or Trixarian’s GitHub for updates and tips. The community helped me fix AetherSX2 crashes, and they’re active for PCSX2_ARM64 too.
Challenges and Limitations
Since PCSX2_ARM64 is unfinished, it has some hurdles. Trixarian admits on GitHub that their lack of assembler experience makes progress slow, and the project is more of a reference than a ready-to-use emulator. Reddit users call it a “proof of concept,” with glitches in games like GTA: San Andreas and slowdowns in others. It doesn’t yet match NetherSX2’s polish, which Trixarian also maintains, as noted in r/EmulationOnAndroid. Older Mali GPUs may crash with Vulkan, and newer texture packs or RetroAchievements don’t work, according to Trixarian’s NetherSX2 GitHub. My AetherSX2 setup sometimes crashed on complex games, so I expect similar issues here. You’ll need a powerful phone and patience to tweak settings.
The Future of PCSX2_ARM64
PCSX2_ARM64 is a side project, with Trixarian focusing more on EtherealSX2, their planned successor to AetherSX2 (https://github.com/Trixarian/EtherealSX2). EtherealSX2 aims to be a fully updated PCSX2 port for mobile, potentially merging PCSX2_ARM64’s work. A Reddit post mentioned that pontos2024, whose code Trixarian forked, plans to integrate this into their own PS2 emulator on the Play Store. The PS2 emulation scene on Android is growing, with other projects like Cosmic Station and Iris in development, as noted on Reddit. I hope PCSX2_ARM64 or EtherealSX2 brings smoother performance and wider compatibility, especially for tricky games like Jak and Daxter.
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Summary
PCSX2_ARM64 is an exciting step toward bringing PS2 emulation to Android, letting you play classics like Final Fantasy or Sly Cooper on your phone. While it’s not fully ready, Trixarian’s work shows promise, with playable games despite some glitches. Set it up with a modern phone, legal BIOS, and ISOs, and tweak settings for the best results.
