PlayStation 2 emulator PCSX2 gets updated to version 1.6.0

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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.

:arrow: Source
 

CrossOut

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my fuckin i5-6500 struggled to run this emulator
Did you try messing with the speed hacks? Messing with the sliders can help you with some if not most games. Do you have a good graphics card and ram? Though ram is not really a problem. I have read that it is your cpu that matters the most, followed by a decent graphics card.
 

MetoMeto

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With your hardware in mind, you will have a bit better setting than me i think, Your graphics card may be an issue to run certain games as it is an older card but your have a good i5 cpu so you can twaek a few this to get your games running in HD. First thing is to go into the vido setting and set these options,

Renderer direct3d11
Adapter: your graphics card
interlacing: automatic
texture filtering: Bilinear ps2
Indernal resolution: 2x
anisotrophic filtering: 4x
crc hack level: default
date accuracy: fast
blend accuracy: basic

Sound settings
Aspect ratio: widescreen

custom window size: 1280x720
hw hacks: unless you play certian games you do not need to mess with this from what I understand, so do not use it.

Emulation Settings:

Speedhacks
tick the box that says mtvu. Since you have 4 cores this will help a lot. Now these speed hacks is where things come into play in terms of getting your games running. For me since i have a weaker cpu i need it set higher to beable to run a fair amout of games a constant framerate. You however can get away with a bit less because of you good cpu. So with the setting above run the game you want and mess with these setting and see what framerates you get. You may need to have the ee cyclerate at 130% and the ee cycle skipping at minus 1 like i do? Again play around with all these setting and see what you can get.

custom window size: 1280x720
hw hacks: unless you play certian games you do not need to mess with this from what I understand, so do not use it.
Thanks a lot, ill try those settings! :)

Yeah i play on upgrading GPU but i still need to see an optimal one for money though...
 

CrossOut

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Thanks a lot, ill try those settings! :)

Yeah i play on upgrading GPU but i still need to see an optimal one for money though...
Aye thats were its tough,getting the right card for a good price. a good card is around 250 to 300 or pounds where im from on amazon. Maybe you can get a gtx 1060 or for cheaper and with the same specs? You can go the amd route for a graphics card as well. I need to upgrade my cpu and ill try and get a Ryzen 7 if its on sale when I can afford it.
 
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MetoMeto

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Aye thats were it tough,getting the right card for a good price. a good card is around 250 to 300 or pounds where on amazon. Maybe you can get a gtx 1060 or for cheaper and with the same specs? You can go the amd route for a graphics card as well. I need to upgrade my cpu and ill try and get a Ryzen 7 if its on sale when I can afford it.
haha thats EXACTLY the card im planing to get :lol: Are you a wizard? :bow:

Anyway, im done with AMD cards. For years i have ATI cards. im also sick of their support and software. I believe Nvidia is far superior for gaming in general! :gba:

Funny story: My only reason for buying ATI and being ati fan is because i was actually big Nintendo fanboy (not one of those fanboys) and i saw, back in the days, "ATI" sticker on Nintendo GameCube and since Gamecube was the best system at the time and since i loved nintendo so much i thought ATI is the best card in the world. So...yeah... but i later realised NVidia is actually better.

Im guessing CPU's are not that important for gaming as GPU in terms of graphics. You just need calculation power of CPU and AMD or INTEL are botg great options! But considering AMD are a lot cheaper and on same level as INTEL these days i guess that woyuld be logical conclusion imho.

I only got intel cause i got it used and dirt cheap, and i actually like intel for whatever reason, but i should perhaps change that mindset of mine tbh. But yeah, the main reason for intel for me was price of used hardware.
 
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sj33

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Baffled by some posts here. My spare non-gaming laptop with an Intel i5-4300M and onboard Intel HD 4600 graphics runs this fine. It's not very demanding.
 

MetoMeto

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Baffled by some posts here. My spare non-gaming laptop with an Intel i5-4300M and onboard Intel HD 4600 graphics runs this fine. It's not very demanding.
its more than just individual parts, its how they work as a whole and how cache and lateny are. Its those small quirks that make the difference imo. But yeahj, i thought i have bad PC here and i still run PS2 emu fine... Also its about OS i guess. Many factors determin the speed.


But also, perhaps those people dont know how to set it up. You can have the best PC but if your emulator has bad settings it will run like a crap. Its all about fine tuning imo.
 
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CrossOut

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haha thats EXACTLY the card im planing to get :lol: Are you a wizard? :bow:

Anyway, im done with AMD cards. For years i have ATI cards. im also sick of their support and software. I believe Nvidia is far superior for gaming in general! :gba:

Funny story: My only reason for buying ATI and being ati fan is because i was actually big Nintendo fanboy (not one of those fanboys) and i saw, back in the days, "ATI" sticker on Nintendo GameCube and since Gamecube was the best system at the time and since i loved nintendo so much i thought ATI is the best card in the world. So...yeah... but i later realised NVidia is actually better.

Im guessing CPU's are not that important for gaming as GPU in terms of graphics. You just need calculation power of CPU and AMD or INTEL are botg great options! But considering AMD are a lot cheaper and on same level as INTEL these days i guess that woyuld be logical conclusion imho.

I only got intel cause i got it used and dirt cheap, and i actually like intel for whatever reason, but i should perhaps change that mindset of mine tbh. But yeah, the main reason for intel for me was price of used hardware.

Intel seems to have the better stability overall, thought they do garner a slight increase in price, it is well worth it if you can afford it. In terms of emulating the PS2 it is your cpu that matters the most and it is best emulated on a dual core cpu. So if you can get a good dual core cpu for a modest price it is well woth it. Then all you need is a gtx 960,980 ect and id say at least 4 gigabites of ram at minimum,possibly 2 as ram seems to matter least in terms of ps2 emulation. Of course you will want at least 2 gigbytes or ram and no less.

From my understanding if you had a much better cpu and a lower end graphics card you should be able to emulate a fair few games and not the more intense ones like The Ratchet and Clank series which from what I see needs a higher grade cpu to run it well. An example, My amd 4300 fx has to use some speed hacks to get the Ratchet games to run at its proper frmae rate where as if I had a much better cpu it can run really well without much effort.

In terms of gaming on PC your cpu and graphics card do matter in most cases. For example you want to at least be able to meet the minimum requerments for your games to run properly. You can always lower settings to help with this so that is a plus. Getting it used is a great idea as long as the components have not been used much id go for it.
 

Psionic Roshambo

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For those arguing about what hardware is needed to run this emulator... It's also a factor what game your trying to play. Just as an example my old Core 2 Duo could pull off 60 FPS in Dragon Quest VIII but would absolutely chug in Grand Turismo 4 or 5 unplayable. Other games where hit or miss.
 
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MetoMeto

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Intel seems to have the better stability overall, thought they do garner a slight increase in price, it is well worth it if you can afford it. In terms of emulating the PS2 it is your cpu that matters the most and it is best emulated on a dual core cpu. So if you can get a good dual core cpu for a modest price it is well woth it. Then all you need is a gtx 960,980 ect and id say at least 4 gigabites of ram at minimum,possibly 2 as ram seems to matter least in terms of ps2 emulation. Of course you will want at least 2 gigbytes or ram and no less.

From my understanding if you had a much better cpu and a lower end graphics card you should be able to emulate a fair few games and not the more intense ones like The Ratchet and Clank series which from what I see needs a higher grade cpu to run it well. An example, My amd 4300 fx has to use some speed hacks to get the Ratchet games to run at its proper frmae rate where as if I had a much better cpu it can run really well without much effort.

In terms of gaming on PC your cpu and graphics card do matter in most cases. For example you want to at least be able to meet the minimum requerments for your games to run properly. You can always lower settings to help with this so that is a plus. Getting it used is a great idea as long as the components have not been used much id go for it.
Tell that to Shadow of Colossus haha that game need a good CPU than!
 
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