Combining fixes and changes over the course of the past four years is the latest stable update to the popular PlayStation 2 emulator PCSX2. The development team has just released version 1.6.0, which comes with a whole host of new things to go over. As seen in the changelog, 1.6.0 is comprised of multiple quarterly updates made starting back in 2016, and all the way up until now in 2020. Such highlights include improving DPI scaling, TAS functionality, PSX memory card support, and so much more, each detail of which is shown in the massive list below. At the time of writing, it's available via package installer or binary on Windows, or can be compiled from source for Linux users.

Q3-Q4 2019, Q1 2010 progress report highlights, read the full report here.

GSdx changelog:

GSdx-HW: Improve search/invalidate texture in render target by correctly matching vertex offsetted draws with buffer offsetted reads in the texture cache.

GSdx-HW: Implemented Software Sprite Renderer feature which allows to CPU emulate (SSE accelerated) certain sprite draws directly from the HW renderer.

GSdx-HW: Added a dedicated fix for Big Mutha Truckers which allows to render the shadows properly. This also allowed us to reduce the crc hack level so there are less effects skipped.

GSdx-HW: Sprite Hack has been completely removed as it is no longer needed and is replaced by far better alternatives.

GSdx-FX: The TFX shader on Direct3D10/11 has been rewritten to match OpenGL code and its' accuracy for certain effects.

GSdx-D3D: Blend no Barrier support has been ported from OpenGL to Direct3D 10/11.

GSdx-GUI: Hardware hacks GUI has been updated for better usability.

SPU2-X changelog:

Fixed the noise generator outputting 4.8 kHz tone instead of white noise.

CDVD changelog:

PCSX2 now ignores non-existent disc sector reads.

Core changelog:

PCSX2: Prevent the UI from hanging/locking up when a game boots.

PCSX2-tas: TAS Recording functionality has been disabled for 1.6 release as there are some issues to work out (such as hanging/locking up the emulator).

PCSX2: DI execution is delayed by one instruction.

PCSX2: Reverted back to older VRender/VBlank timings.

PCSX2: Partially fixed IPU pack command.

PCSX2: Fixed the emulator hanging when pressing F4 too fast when toggling the Frame Limiter in some occasions.

PCSX2: Fixed the emulator hanging when pressing F9 to toggle rendering between Hardware and Software in some occasions.

PCSX2: Fixed the emulator hanging when pressing F9 to toggle rendering between Hardware and Software mode too fast.

PCSX2: First Time Wizard now properly selects the correct GSdx plugin based on the highest instruction set supported by the CPU.

PCSX2: Improved pointer patch command handling.

PCSX2 GUI changelog:

PCSX2: DPI scaling has been improved.

PCSX2: Translations have been updated for the release of 1.6.

Miscellaneous changelog:

GameDB: True Crime: Streets of L.A. (patched).

GameDB: The database has been once again updated with the inclusion of many games with required gamefixes, as well as removal of gamefixes which are no longer needed.

Q2 2018-Q2 2019 Changes


Q2 2018 - Q2 2019 progress Report highlights, read the full report here.

GSdx changelog:

GSdx-HW: Fix half-bottom screen issues on texture/color shuffling.

GSdx-TC: Palette management rework.

Gsdx-HW: implement fixed TEX0 for all renderers.

GSdx: OSD improvements and port to Direct3D10/11.

GSdx: Accurate Date update and partial port to Direct3D10/11.

GSdx-GL: Bypass the texture cache when the framebuffer is sampled.

GSdx-GL: Experimental Sparse Texture support.

GSdx-D3D: Improved palette support has been ported from OpenGL to Direct3D10/11.

GSdx-D3D: GPU accelerate 8 bits texture conversion port from OpenGL to Direct3D10/11.

GSdx-D3D: Depth Emulation port to Direct3D10/11.

GSdx-D3D: Channel shuffle port to Direct3D10/11.

GSdx-D3D: HDR Colclip blend port to Direct3D10/11.

GSdx-D3D: Accurate Blend Fbmask port to Direct3D10/11.

GSdx-D3D: Partial SW blending port to Direct3D10/11.

GSdx-D3D: Alpha hack has been removed completely, replaced with Blending Accuracy option.

GSdx-HW: Removal of MSAA support in favor of better optimizations and accuracy.

GSdx-HW: Removal of Direct3D9 renderer in favor of better optimizations and accuracy.

GSdx-HW: Removal of many no longer needed hacks.

GSdx-HW: Add Skipdraw Offset option for Skipdraw hack.

GSdx-GUI: GUI update to improve usability.

Core changelog:

PCSX2-TAS: Input Recording/Playback Functionality (speedrunning tools).

Vector Units: Fix bug in "Branch in Delay Slot" Optimization.

Recompiler: Fix stall in branch delay slot.

PCSX2: Improved GameDB handling.

VIF: A VIF core update has been made to fix Downtown Run.

Gif Unit: Recheck VIF status after a reset is performed when waiting for PATH3 (Fixes Eragon).

PCSX2 GUI changelog:

PCSX2: "FMV Aspect Ratio Switch/Override" feature.

PCSX2: Save/Load slot improvements, allow to display slot dates.

SPU2-X changelog:

SPU2-X-GUI: The gui has been updated to improve usability.

Q1 2018 Changes


Q1 2018 progress report hightlights, read the full report here.

GSdx changelog:

GSdx-TC: Performance improvement by using custom container.

GSdx-TC: Load size calculation in target update.

GSdx: Texture Shuffle port to Direct3D.

GSdx: Channel Shuffle improvements on Direct3D

GSdx: Hack removal/adjustments.

Core changelog:

PCSX2-Counters: Fix Hblank calculation for DVD video modes.

PCSX2 GUI changelog:

PCSX2: Add configurable Cheats folder to Components Selectors.

PCSX2: Display the video mode on titlebar.

Miscellaneous changelog:

Plugins: XPad and USBqemu have been moved to the legacy plugins VS solution.

General: Code cleanup.

Gamedb: Game database has been updated with many new gamefixes included.

Q3-Q4 2017 Changes


Q3 & Q4 2017 progress report hightlights, read the full report here.

GSdx changelog:

GSdx-d3d11: Extend "Preload Frame Data" support to Direct3D.

GSdx: Add Frame Buffer Conversion option.

GSdx: Automatic mipmapping option.

Core changelog:

PCSX2: PSX Memory card support.

PCSX2: Always ask when booting option.

PCSX2: Adaptive Sync support.

PCSX2: Restore "Defaults" option to GS Panel.

PCSX2: Clear ISO list option.

PCSX2 GUI changelog:

PCSX2: Many translations have been updated.

Q1-Q2 2017 Changes


Q1 2017 progress report highlights, read the full report here.

Q2 2017 progress report highlights, read the full report here.

GSdx changelog:

GSdx: Support for dumping GS Dumps in xz format.

GSdx-OpenGL: Reduce Geometry shader overhead.

GSdx-HW: Revamped buffer size calculation for custom resolutions.

GSdx: OSD (On Screen Display) feature.

GSdx: Texture cache speed optimization.

GSdx: Software renderer thread synchronization fix.

GSdx: Improved software renderer float handling.

GSdx: Removal of SSSE3 and AVX configurations.

GSdx: Workarounds for AMD buggy OpenGL driver.

GSdx (Windows): Fix for slow software rendering with Skylake CPUs.

Core changelog:

PCSX2: Fix command-line options.

PCSX2-Counters: Proper tracking of scalar limit.

VIF: Unpack speed optimizations.

Vector Units (VU0): Fix CFC2 transfers from TPC register.

LilyPad and OnePad changelog:

LilyPad and OnePad changelog:

LilyPad: neGcon controller support.

LilyPad: UI Changes/enhancements.

LilyPad: Core improvements, better controller handling.

Onepad: Update to use SDL2.

Miscellaneous changelog:

CMake: Blacklist GCC 7.0/7.1 versions.

Q3-Q4 2016 Changes


Q3 2016 progress report hightlights, read the full report here.

Q4 2016 progress report hightlights, read the full report here.

GSdx changelog:

GSdx: Hardware mipmapping support.

GSdx-TC: Proper scaling of all textures.

GSdx: Handling illegal 8 bits pixel storage format.

GSdx-PCRTC: Feedback write support.

GSdx-glsl: Optimize number of active constant buffers in the shader.

GSdx: Avoid illegal instruction crash on older CPUs.

GSdx: Alpha test improvements.

GSdx: Proper custom resolution scaling.

Core changelog:

PCSX2: PSX mode compatibility.

PCSX2: PSX mode, proper video mode initialization.

PCSX2: Improved patch handling.

PCSX2: Accurate video mode detection.

LilyPad and Onepad changelog:

LilyPad: Add separate bindings for each pad type.

LilyPad: Add PlayStation Mouse support.

LilyPad: Updated user interface.

LilyPad: Add dance pad support and revamped Lilypad dialog.

OnePad: General improvements on accuracy.

CDVD changelog:

cdvdgigaherz: Linux port.

Miscellaneous changelog:

PCSX2: FreeBSD support.

Linux: Support Vsync on Linux free driver.

Windows: Remove DirectX redistributable dependency on Windows 8.1/10.

Q1-Q2 2016 Changes


January - February 2016 progress report hightlights, read the full report here.

Q2 2016 progress report hightlights, read the full report here.

GSdx changelog:

GSdx: Fast texture invalidation option.

GSdx: Improved detection of Framebuffer size.

GSdx: Enable reading of Depth Buffer.

GSdx: Improved PCRTC merge circuit emulation.

GSdx-GL: Fast accurate blending.

GSdx-GL: Depth buffer lookup optimization.

GSdx-FX: Post-Processing updates.

GSdx: Proper handling of 576P/720P/1080I video modes.

Core changelog:

PCSX2: Automatic aspect ratio switch during FMV playback.

VIF: Timing fix for MSCALF, MSCNT instructions.

Vector Units: Scarface I bit gamefix.

CDVD changelog:

CDVDgigaherz: Fixed dual layer DVD reading.

CDVD: Improved ISO layer break detection algorithm.

Lilypad and Onepad changelog:

LilyPad: Add Pop'n Music controller support.

Onepad: GUI redesign.

Miscellaneous changelog:

PCSX2: GUI Improvements.

PCSX2: PCSX2-Auto test suite.

Source

 

[64bitmodels]

if only my pc could run it

 

[x65943]

if only my pc could run it

You got a weird operating system or just a really old PC?

It's a very old emulator

 

[64bitmodels]

You got a weird operating system or just a really old PC?

It's a very old emulator

new laptop, crappy specs

 

[Goku1992A]

I love this emulator because I can preserve my PS2 for much longer... also the games play in HD once you mess with the settings. It's such a pain to use Winhip and connect the IDE adapter to the IDE HDD this is much better I havent really dabbled in playing the games via SMB

 

[x65943]

new laptop, crappy specs

If it's newish and has a processor made by Intel in the last few years, you should be golden

 

[64bitmodels]

If it's newish and has a processor made by Intel in the last few years, you should be golden

Dude it's intel hd and a 1.04 4 core ghz cpu, this thing aint runnin ps2 anytime soon

 

[TunaKetchup]

Dude it's intel hd and a 1.04 4 core ghz cpu, this thing aint runnin ps2 anytime soon

DUDE

 

[64bitmodels]

DUDE

yeah i know it's weak

 

[Goku1992A]

@64bitmodels I highly recommend a Dell G3 I had bought mines last year when it was on sale for $600. I'm not the greatest PC expert in the world or build PC's but I do know that model can play this current gen graphics in 4K (like a Xbox One X) and I tested all the emulators (PS2/Wii/Wii U/ PS3) and they work well. If you have the $$$ I highly recommend

 

[64bitmodels]

@64bitmodels I highly recommend a Dell G3 I had bought mines last year when it was on sale for $600. I'm not the greatest PC expert in the world or build PC's but I do know that model can play this current gen graphics in 4K (like a Xbox One X) and I tested all the emulators (PS2/Wii/Wii U/ PS3) and they work well. If you have the $$$ I highly recommend

Maybe on black friday

 

[E1ite007]

@64bitmodels I highly recommend a Dell G3 I had bought mines last year when it was on sale for $600. I'm not the greatest PC expert in the world or build PC's but I do know that model can play this current gen graphics in 4K (like a Xbox One X) and I tested all the emulators (PS2/Wii/Wii U/ PS3) and they work well. If you have the $$$ I highly recommend

Eh, not exactly, The GPU is the lowest end from NVIDIA in late 2016, and the CPU is from the middle tier of the 8th gen of i5 processors. The RAM is kind of in the middle of PC specs, it's not the recommended amount in latest games anymore, but since a pretty short time. For ex: Red Dead Redemption 2 isn't going to run in 4K at Medium settings in solid 30 FPS, but it can play it on Low settings at 1080p at 80 FPS. But I mean, even for my PC (that I'm complainin' as if I have the best PC specs on the world in my desktop) it could be an upgrade.
I see that you have this laptop, and for the price it's pretty good, but it's not any console killer neither slepper PC on a budget.

 

[Tom Bombadildo]

Dude it's intel hd and a 1.04 4 core ghz cpu, this thing aint runnin ps2 anytime soon

If it's any kind of modern CPU made in the last 4 years, it's definitely possible PCSX2 will run just fine. Modern CPUs have great single threaded performance, even at low clock speeds they can sometimes match older high end CPUs. And Intel's integrated graphics have gotten quite useable, even with their low spec CPUs. Especially for something like PCSX2, which doesn't require much GPU power to begin with.

What CPU exactly do you have?

 

[64bitmodels]

If it's any kind of modern CPU made in the last 4 years, it's definitely possible PCSX2 will run just fine. Modern CPUs have great single threaded performance, even at low clock speeds they can sometimes match older high end CPUs. And Intel's integrated graphics have gotten quite useable, even with their low spec CPUs. Especially for something like PCSX2, which doesn't require much GPU power to begin with.

What CPU exactly do you have?

Processor Intel(R) Atom(TM) x5-E8000 CPU @ 1.04GHz, 1041 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 4 Logical Processor(s)

 

[Tomobobo]

Dang I thought it might finally fix black sky in burnout 3 cause this has been an issue forever but no.

 

[Goku1992A]

Eh, not exactly, The GPU is the lowest end from NVIDIA in late 2016, and the CPU is from the middle tier of the 8th gen of i5 processors. The RAM is kind of in the middle of PC specs, it's not the recommended amount in latest games anymore, but since a pretty short time. For ex: Red Dead Redemption 2 isn't going to run in 4K at Medium settings in solid 30 FPS, but it can play it on Low settings at 1080p at 80 FPS. But I mean, even for my PC (that I'm complainin' as if I have the best PC specs on the world in my desktop) it could be an upgrade.
I see that you have this laptop, and for the price it's pretty good, but it's not any console killer neither slepper PC on a budget.

Well for me the price I paid for it was pretty good. All the current gen games I can play with no problem I compared it with my PS4 and my Xbox One S. But then again I don't have a 4K TV so I never tested the (4K) but you are right it does struggle when I try to play in high settings I noticed that so I keep them in medium. I do wish I held out in buying a better version but then again I don't wanna spend $1000 on a laptop. I'm confident it can play this gen fine but as for next gen it won't be playing those games.

 

[Silent_Gunner]

Took them long enough. Let me guess, every game still needs a look up to the PCSX2 Wiki to get it to run correctly?

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

Dang I thought it might finally fix black sky in burnout 3 cause this has been an issue forever but no.

 

[Pikm]

new laptop, crappy specs

Research before you buy something. Lenovo makes a $350 laptop with a 2.0+Ghz Ryzen processor, which could easily run PCSX2.

 

[elrayo]

I wonder if this new version is gonna run Black better

 

[x65943]

Honestly guys, since this version is just a culmination of 4 years of betas - unless you have been using the last official build, you should notice almost no difference between this and the betas you have been using