How to emulate PlayStation 2 on the Raspberry Pi 5

Wanting to know how to emulate the Raspberry Pi 5 can run PS2? You’re in the right place.

With the newly released Raspberry Pi 5, it’s time to take a closer look at the tiny computer. Since the release of the original Raspberry Pi in 2012, the newest iterations have become increasingly faster with more powerful CPUs and GPUs. Make sure you know where to buy the Raspberry Pi 5 if you don’t already have one. As a result of the PC becoming stronger and faster, there is an extension on what the computer is able to do. Including the ability to run more and more retro systems.

The PlayStation 2 is an iconic console from the 2000s which still has influence today with an impressive games library. Hence why questions arise still today about it’s relevance in terms of the new computers.

Let’s get straight into it.

Can the Raspberry Pi 5 run PS2?

The Raspberry Pi, ever since its original was released, has been a great emulation machine. Especially now as the performance has increased, the Raspberry Pi 5 has a solid foundation to run consoles from the 1990s and the 2000s, such as Sony’s PlayStation 2. This new feature will allow users to play a wide range of the classic games on the mini PC.

Despite launching over 20 years ago, the PS2 still has an extensive games list. We’re talking Grand Turismo, Godzilla, Rez, Metal Gear Solid 3, and many more. As long as you have ROMs of these games or other PS2 games then you can power them up on a Raspberry Pi 5 to get them running.

It’s also possible to get them running via a Raspberry Pi 4 but the Pi 5 will provide a much stronger performance. If you have the Pi 4 then 2D scrollers or simple games should run fine but in terms of PS2 games where there epic 3D worlds, it’ll be more jittery.

How to run PS2 on Raspberry Pi 5

To emulate PlayStation 2 on Raspberry Pi 5, it’s very simple. First let’s make sure you have the operating software for the Raspberry Pi. You’ll need to install Ubuntu 23.10 if you haven’t already but from there it’s pretty easy to do.

How to Install Ubuntu 23.10

For those who have set up Raspberry Pi OS, setting up Ubuntu is pretty much the same.

• Step 1: Download and install Raspberry Pi Imager
• Step 2: Open the software and click Choose OS
• Step 3: Scroll down and select Other general-purpose OS, and then select Ubuntu 23.10
• Step 4: Select you microSD card and click Write. Now you will have Ubuntu installed on your SD
• Step 5: Insert the microSD card into the Raspberry Pi 5, attach your peripherals and turn on your Pi

As long as you follow the first boot setup process then your Ubuntu install should be ready to go.

How to Install AetherSX2

Next, you’ll need to make sure you’ve secured the PS2 emulator. AetherSX2 is delivered as an executable file, which you can download directly from the AetherSX website.

• Step 1: Open a terminal and refresh the software repositories and make sure you have the latest software for your Raspberry Pi 5 installed.
• Step 2: Install Fuse
• Step 3: Install Ubuntu Desktop package
• Step 4: Open a browser and then open the AetherSX2 Linux download page. Download the v1.3 link.
• Step 5: Right click and select Properties. Set the file to Executable as Program and click OK.
• Step 6: Double click on the file to run it.

Once you have done this, all you’ve got to do is know how to use the AetherSX2 software.

How to use AetherSX2

AetherSX2 is the go-to PlayStation 2 emulator for Arm-based SBCs. Even though its development halted in 2022, it’s still the best for PS2 games on Arm.

To game on it, you need two things: ROMS and BIOS. In gamer lingo, ROMS are basically dumps of games, the term referring to arcade cabinets using ROM chips to store games. BIOS are also dumps, but of the BIOS chips used in the consoles. Not all consoles require BIOS files but PS1 and PS2 do.

• Step 1: Once you’ve opened AetherSX2, click on Add Game Directory and find your PS2 ROM files
• Step 2: Scan the folders to find your games.
• Step 3: Select Settings in the top tab, and then BIOS
• Step 4: Select Browse and find BIOS location. Click Choose to select the folder. Here, the menu will populate with all of the BIOS it finds.
• Step 5: Open up the AestherSX2 Controller Settings. Click on Controller Port 1 and set each input in the window whilst pressing the corresponding button on your controller.
• Step 6: Open Settings > Graphics. Set the Renderer to Vulkan and the Adapter to V3D 7.1.7.
• Step 7: In the main window, double click on the game you want to play. The emulator should now run using the correct BIOS for the ROM image.

There you have it. Follow these steps to emulate PlayStation 2 on your Raspberry Pi 5. Happy gaming!