Once again, YouTuber Modern Vintage Gamer has been taking a look at emulators on Xbox Series X|S, this time the brand-new 'XBSX2' method. This particular emulator looks mighty impressive, especially on Xbox Series S, so much so that MVG calls it "absolutely amazing" across the board.
But, what's the difference between this emulator and ones we've covered in the past? Well, the video breaks everything down but basically the XBSX2 emulator runs really well across both current-gen Xbox consoles, and it includes the ability to increase the resolution all the way up to 4K, and even beyond that!
There is a slight catch here, and it's one that the video goes into detail about. On Xbox Series S, MVG recommends sticking with 1440p res to hit those higher frame rates, whereas Xbox Series X fares a lot better at 4K resolution, which is understandable given the power difference. It's still possible to run Series S at 4K though!
As for how you can actually get this to work? Well, it's accessed via Dev Mode, which costs $20 to activate and is only intended to be used by developers, so we're not recommending you try this yourself. MVG is an actual developer though (he worked on the Quake remaster), and it's great to see his PS2 emulation footage looking so good here!
Impressed by how well the Xbox Series X|S can emulate the PS2? Let us know your thoughts down below.
Comments 21
@Kaloudz They is port of flycast.
You do not need developer mode to run the emulators if you know where to look. You can install them in retail mode as an app from the windows store.
I personally have not tried PS2 but I have tried all Sega consoles, PS1 and PSP and all worked great.
@Kaloudz To be honest I don't know if there are some terms you violate by installing emulators. I am sure not banned though.
I found my old PS1 in the attic recently, but with how good (and convenient) emulation is I'm debating if it's even worth getting it working again.
@belmont With all Microsoft are saying they want to work with Sony on keeping games and platforms open to get the Activision deal through if they ban you for it you can threaten to tell on them
People are paying to activate this? I got it free.
@PhileasFragg In all seriousness nobody that has sideloaded apps in the Xbox one or Series consoles has ever been banned. Since there is no way to pirate in Xbox Microsoft simply doesn't care. In all fairness what they wanted to do with me worked. I have bought tons or retro games from their store, I am an active Game Pass and 365 subscriber, they don't care if I play some roms, especially for games that they do not sell.
I would joke that Microsoft does what Sony don't but the rhyme does not work!
You can use Retroarch to emulate SNES, Mega Drive, GameCube, Wii, PS2 and more in retail mode, as any regular game. However, since it was updated, I can't run any PS2 game which I'd love to do because a few are PS2 exclusives to date.
@Kaloudz Emulators are legal, that's why you can install them as regular apps. Then you need the games themselves. If emulators were illegal, Nintendo a.k.a. The Inquisition, would have exterminated them all so they have to shut YouTube fan channels down instead 😅.
@PhileasFragg One thing you may notice is input lag. Software emulators always have it, and for me can be quite distracting and frustrating for fast precision games. Shmups and fast 2d platformers seem the worst, specially games I am familiar with already. If a game feels harder, unfair or frustrating consider this aspect
@Moto5 That's something very noticeable playing emulated Sonic, Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 & Knuckles compared to the original versions and Sonic Origins (remakes).
Is it worth the $20 to activate this? I do have a second Series S gathering dust. I haven't played Suikoden 3 in a very long time.
@Banjo- Interestingly the best emulation I have tried for NES/Genesis games is on..... Dreamcast! Nester 7.1 and Gens4dreams, swear it feels faster than my PC and XSX for response time. Also some Neo Geo games I have noticed are better on Dreamcast than other emulation I have tried. I find the ACA version of Aero Fighters 2 unplayable on new consoles compared to the Dreamcast. Even using a vga to hdmi and Brook controller converter it is still way better. Was thinking of trying some emulation on Wii U to see what it's like. Or just get a Mister and be done with it
@Kaloudz Technically, yes. There is a great debate about it on various forums, but there is a slight risk of getting your account banned for downloading - even if it’s slight. Someone posed the question on a Microsoft support page somewhere and the response was that having non-official emulators on Xbox is not allowed.
People have been saying they have had emulators on their Xbox for years with no consequences - so it’s not some instant red flag to Microsoft.
I had Retroarch installed but after seeing that possibility I removed it. I don’t want to go through the hassle.
I've got in on my one S played sonic gems collection on it lol
You can install these in retail mode. Some developers paid for an account to host these apps in an unlisted state, so you just need the link.
It's not necessary to be in dev mode. I have it and i don't have dev mode.
@Kaloudz I was wondering what's the worst it can happen? But yeah, losing ALL your games linked to your account is a big deal, lol.
If that was a possibility you wouldn't be able to download the emulators in retail mode... and the victims would post about it.
@Banjo- The thing is, you have to take back handed ways to get it - at least in RetroArch's case.
You have to use a custom link from a Discord channel in order to get it because Microsoft takes it down so quickly. You have to keep an eye out on the channel when it's "Live". I don't think it's as much of a problem in Dev Mode.
So while, yes, you can get it in Developer Mode, it's a little more grey area to get it in Retail Mode.
Like I said, it's not some mass blocking or anything but the risk is there (albeit slight).
@Kaloudz that's crazy!
Until you said so, I wasn't aware that you could loose all your games attached to your account. I t makes one extra cautious, I guess.
@Kaloudz Oh yeah, I don't remember exactly, but I think it was in the 360 era. In fact, my account was created around that time, so I have many games there.
But nevertheless, I will take my chances, all for the sake of playing playing Super Mario RPG! (Just kidding, LOL).
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