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Here's when you can download the AetherSX2 emulator (Updated: Out now)
- Open testing for the new AetherSX2 PS2 emulator for Android has just kicked off.
- Users need a Snapdragon 845 or better for good performance, but can still use the app with less powerful SoCs.
Update: December 6, 2021 (5:48 AM ET): The open beta version of AetherSX2 has finally launched on the Google Play Store. The news comes after the app, which is based on the PCSX2 emulator for PC, was in closed testing for a short period of time.
The creator of the emulator recommends a phone with a Snapdragon 845 or newer for good performance (or another chipset with four big cores such as the Cortex-A75). In saying so, phones with two big cores (e.g. Snapdragon 700 series processors) support the app too. They also note that devices with Mali or PowerVR GPUs should be able to use the app, albeit with reduced performance and no Vulkan renderer support.
Original article: November 29, 2021 (5:39 AM ET): A new PS2 emulator for Android emerged earlier this month, dubbed AetherSX2, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. The app is based on the popular PCSX2 emulator for PC and is currently in closed testing right now. But when can you actually get your hands on it though?
Well, the creator of the emulator (going by the handle Tahlreth) has now posted an update on the AetherSX2 Discord channel. And the update notes that signups for open testing could take place this weekend if everything goes to plan, with the channel hosting a signup link.
“Assuming no delays, this is planned to be the weekend of December 4,” Tahlreth explains. They later added in a comment to Android Authority that the open testing will take place via the Google Play Store, allowing you to sign up and download right away. So that means you should be able to get your hands on the new emulator this weekend if there are no hitches.
Of course, it must be stressed that this is just a tentative release window for open testing — the release could be pushed back a bit if things don’t go to plan. Nevertheless, it seems like PS2 emulation on Android is about to take a major step up, and it’s definitely better than relying on the incredibly sketchy DamonPS2 emulator.
Looking for more emulation-related coverage? Then you can check out our guide to emulation on Android.