RPCS3 PlayStation 3 Emulator Now Offers Native Support for Arm64 Architecture, Including Compatibility with Raspberry Pi 5

This week marked an exciting development in the world of PlayStation emulation! The team behind RPCS3, a popular PS3 emulator, revealed that it now boasts stable and native Arm64 architecture support. This is a big deal for users on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. Imagine using this on a device as small as the Raspberry Pi 5. Yep, it’s pushing the boundaries of what’s thought possible with PS3 emulation on such compact hardware. Traditionally, the Raspberry Pi 5 has been dabbling in emulating older consoles like the GameCube and Wii (though the latter hasn’t been as smooth). But it turns out, with the right tweaks, even a piece of entry-level Arm tech can tackle PS3 games.

Running a PS3 emulator on a Raspberry Pi 5 understandably strains the little device. The result is a scaled-down experience, reminiscent of playing on a PlayStation Portable, with graphics dipped to 273p opposed to the PS3’s original 720p. While that might sound like a significant compromise, it still allows for some 3D goodness. Imagine diving into titles like God of War HD and Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm on this meager setup! While 2D games understandably fare better, it’s mind-blowing to see PS3-era 3D titles running at playable frame rates on such minimalist hardware.

Over in the macOS realm, the emulator is making waves too. By harnessing native Arm architecture rather than emulating x86, Apple Silicon machines are seeing incredible performance boosts when playing PS3 games. Framerates are soaring by 50% to 100%, all thanks to bypassing the burdensome x86 translation layer stacked atop the demanding PS3 emulation. This has turned what once seemed like a pipe dream into a functional reality.

There’s a distinct contrast between testing on a Raspberry Pi and Apple Silicon. The latter showcases its muscle, allowing gamers to dive into heavy-hitting PS3 titles like God of War III and Skate 3. Emulating these powerhouses demands more than what simple PS2-to-PS3 HD ports require. However, it’s been proven that with a capable Arm setup, there’s plenty of power to enjoy these games the way they were meant to be played.

And there you have it—a peek into how PS3 emulation is evolving across various platforms. Ready to keep up with the latest and greatest in tech? Don’t miss out on Tom’s Hardware’s top stories and in-depth reviews delivered straight to your inbox.