OpenEmu vs PCSX2
OpenEmu
openemu.orgPCSX2
pcsx2.netSide by side
| Figure | OpenEmu | PCSX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Console Emulators | 8.2 (#12) | 7.6 (#22) |
| Spec score · Emulator Software | 8.1 (#16) | 7.6 (#27) |
| Controller support | Generic HID USB and Bluetooth controllers are supported, with automatic mapping for recognized devices. | SDL is the recommended cross-platform input source and supports automatic mapping for most controllers and operating systems. |
| Support | The project directs users to read its contributing guide before reporting bugs through GitHub Issues or IRC. | The project directs users to its Discord server and forums for questions and troubleshooting. |
| Supported systems | The repository lists cores for systems including Atari, NES, Game Boy, GameCube, Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS, Sega systems, PlayStation, PSP, Super Nintendo, TurboGrafx, Vectrex, Virtual Boy and WonderSwan. | The system requirements page lists Windows, macOS, and Linux, with requirements varying by performance tier. |
| What it does | OpenEmu is an open-source macOS application that emulates many classic video-game systems through a single native front end. | PCSX2 is a free, open-source emulator that lets users play PlayStation 2 games on a PC. |
Plans
In their own words
OpenEmu
OpenEmu is free, open-source video game emulation software for macOS. It organizes game backups into a unified library, adds box art and supports collections spanning consoles. Users drag and drop backups for scanning and organization. Modular cores from open-source projects emulate systems including Atari, Game Boy, Nintendo, Sega, Sony PlayStation and Super Nintendo; the project lists 31 supported systems. Generic HID-compliant USB or Bluetooth controllers can work immediately, with automatic mapping for recognized devices. OpenEmu is intended for games users already own, and BIOS files are required. The wiki describes an experimental arcade core plugin that is strictly unsupported. The latest release page identifies OpenEmu 2.4.1 binaries as Intel-only. The official site offers a macOS (OS X) application, but the version requirement was not rendered. The project lists save states, CD audio and cheat support, while online netplay is not available.