RPCS3 is an open source PlayStation 3 emulator developed by the gaming community. This emulator is already available on Windows and Linux platforms and supports thousands of PS3 games. Now work is being done on developing its Android version so that mobile users will also be able to play PS3 games on their smartphones.
RPCS3 Emulator: Backstory
Recently, the original developer of this emulator DH has started working on porting it to RPCS3 for Android. He said that this product is still in its initial stage but some game play testing has already been done. According to the developer, its first public version can come within the next 6 months.
The Rpcs3 emulator has been able to run PS3 games on an x86 PC, but it works by converting the instructions of the Cell processor to modern CPU architecture. This process on ARM powered mobile devices has remained a big challenge till now.
The Rpcs3 team had already made it clear that they would not work on an Android port. The biggest reason for this was the increasing toxicity in the Android emulation community. Although they did not give any concrete examples, this was enough reason to stay away from this project.
In 2023, a normal version of the Rpcs3 was released, but it was not a fully Android ready port. Now the team can complete this incomplete effort and finally get success in bringing PS3 games to Android.
RPCS3 Emulator: Features & Specifications
PS3 emulation requires a lot of processing power, due to which this emulator will be able to run well only on high end smartphones such as devices with Snapdragon 8G2 or newer processor, it may take a little while in mobiles below this
During initial testing, some games were able to run but still many improvements are needed, getting 60fps gameplay will require good hardware and optimization
RPCS3 Emulator: Expected Release
According to the developers, the RPCS3 emulator can be released within the next 6 months, although it will completely depend on the progress and stability of the emulator development, but still we are taking 6 months as a given
RPCS3 Emulator: System Requirements
To run the Rpcs3 Android emulator successfully, you need a powerful smartphone The estimated minimum requirement is as follows:
Version: Android version 12 or above
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / 1 MediaTek Dimensitt or better
GPU: Vulkan API Supported GPU
RAM: Minimum 6GB and 8GB or more for best experience
Is that legal?
IPC3 is a completely legal emulator as it is developed as an open source project but you should only play games for which you have the originally purchased licensed copy as it is considered a good practice.
The Rpcs3 team had already made it clear that they would not work on an Android port. The biggest reason for this was the increasing toxicity in the Android emulation community. Although, they did not give any concrete examples, this was enough reason to stay away from this project.
Is that first Attempt?
No, Many attempts of PS3 emulation have been made over the years but they were either rejected by the developer, were not supported by the community, Shut down or halted due to legal action.
A project APS3e that claimed to have an Android port PS3 Emulation was shut down after being accused of stealing the code from GitHub and releasing it in exchange for a $5000 donation, But this time things are different. DH, one of the original developers of RPCS3, is now working on an Android port himself. This not only gives legitimacy to the project but also raises the hopes that it will be a stable and well-developed emulator
Although there is no public build of RPCS3 Android available right now, the project is under constant development. It may take a few months to be fully ready, but at least it seems possible.
