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PS3 emulation has only recently started to see improvements that can be visualized on some of the retro handhelds we all use.
Recently, RPCS3 gained arm64 support, which made it at least possible to get the emulator to run on some more powerful Android handhelds. While compatibility and overall speed will be less than optimal, seeing it as a possibility on a device that can be thrown into a pants pocket is exciting.
Now, a new PS3 emulator has been sharing updates and progressing in development.
What is aPS3e?
The emulator is called aPS3e, and it’s partially open-source. It’s very clearly bare bones still, but it does offer a glimpse into the actual development of PS3 emulation, and how people manage to find ways to get them running properly on Android. Its open-source nature allows any curious developer the ability to see how the program manages to make any of its functions work, but also for other developers to make their own forks or separate builds of the app.
While RPCS3 is also open source, where this new app differs is that its entire focus is pointed squarely on Android. Without the need to create different versions of the app that run on other platforms, aPS3e can emerge as a better emulation option for those on Android should the app gain traction and progressively update over time.
Devices like the Retroid Pocket 5, while powerful, can barely manage to get any PS3 games running at all. Stronger devices like the AYN Odin 2 can expect to max out around 15FPS in their games. Game compatibility is relative; each game is made differently with different engines. But still — it’s possible.
Next Steps for PS3 Emulation
Thinking of the future of PS3 emulation means a bit more to retro handhelds since it’s truly our horizon being built around us. We’ve seen the strongest of PCs struggle with PS3 emulation over the past five years, but now, we can at least see the games playing on devices we store in our pockets.
PS3 emulation has yet to expand to the point where one emulator can stand clearly above the rest in terms of playability, especially when it comes to retro handhelds. aPS3e looks to at least give those on Android a decent look into how the platform will be utilized, and how its power can be used to one day bring PS3 titles to multiple different devices.
And Just Like That, It Was Gone
The emulator and its creator’s GitHub page have both been removed from GitHub. Previously, the page not only held aPS3e but also Aenu’s many different projects.
In the short span of time that aPS3e was in the limelight, it garnered some controversy. The developer was under fire for using the GPLv3 license to release the app, but in order to see the source code of the app, users would have to pay an exorbitant $2000 USD to access it.
On top of this, those willing to dive into the app’s code realized the app was running a slimmed-down version of RCPS3 wrapped in a Termux wrapper and packaged as an Android app.
These two issues could be the reason it was deleted, but charging $2000 for the source code while using the FPLv3 license would be the nail in the coffin.
Sudachi Dev Jumps In
In an even more surprising turn of events, Jarrod Norwell, the developer of Sudachi, is trying their hand at getting RPCS3 natively ported to Android. As seen in the screenshots above, it’s not quite as simple as some might have hoped, which isn’t all that surprising.
However, Norwell is doing what the aPS3e developer should have done and working under the RPCS3 GPLv2 License. Not only is Norwell not accepting any donations, but all of the code is there for everyone to poke and prod at. We aren’t sure where rpcs3droid will end up, but perhaps this will spark other legitimate developers to jump on board and try their hands at bringing PS3 emulation to Android.
If you want to follow along with the project, just head over to the rpcs3droid GitHub page.
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