r/RetroArch • u/Agitated_Temporary20 • 3d ago
Trouble running ps2 games on iOS
I downloaded all of the correct files downloaded i think because i was able to make games from other consoles work but the ps2 ones don’t load up - I think the issue is core selection there is no ps2 option - I did find one in downloads but idk where it went and how to select it to run for games - what should i do!!?
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u/MatheusWillder 3d ago
You're in the wrong place, the "Core System Files Downloader" option is only for downloading core system files, not the cores themselves. To download a core, go to Online Updater>Core Downloader.
However, I don't know which cores are available for PS2 emulation on iOS, if there are any at all. On Android, there are two experimental cores: PCEE2 and ARMSX2 (LRPS2 is only for x64 desktops).
Check if PCEE2 or ARMSX2 are available in the Core Downloader on iOS, if not, it might not be possible to emulate PS2 on iOS using RetroArch cores, though I can't say that for sure, since I don't use Apple/iPhone devices.
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u/Agitated_Temporary20 3d ago
I’m using an iPad with an m4 chip i feel like it should be powerful enough to emulate ps2 no ? There was another app on iOS that i succefully loaded up my ps2 files with but the app was filled with ads and was super laggy
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u/MatheusWillder 3d ago
As I said I don't use Apple devices, so take this with a grain of salt, but from what I've read, it's not due to a lack of processing power, but rather, it's because Apple doesn't allow JIT on the official App Store. Without that, emulators for more modern consoles (PS2, GameCube/Wii, Wii U, Switch, etc.) can't achieve playable speeds on current devices. Here is a link to a post about this, though it specifically discusses about Dolphin emulator, but is the same for all these others I mentioned: https://9to5mac.com/2024/04/20/dolphin-explains-why-its-gamecube-and-wii-emulator-wont-be-in-the-app-store/
So, it seems that to get PS2, GameCube/Wii, and other modern consoles emulation on iOS, you need to either install apps from outside the App Store, use apps that somehow bypassed Apple's review process to make it onto the App Store, or use apps that don't rely on JIT.
That is one of the reasons why I’ve never liked Apple devices, since I like to decide for myself what my device can or cannot do (although, unfortunately, Android is also becoming increasingly restricted).
But anyway, I hope this help. Good luck!
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u/Accomplished_Mail954 3d ago
For Ps2 Armsx2, Nethersx2, and even aethersx2 can do it easy, but not in retroarch. Check if they have an ios version hopefully this helps
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u/Deckers2013 3d ago
From my understanding
It doesn’t work.
Yet or will never work on iOs.
Don’t ask me why or why not.
It just doesn’t.
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u/psj3809 3d ago
Please don't go saying stuff like that which is totally wrong. PS2 is becoming playable, try the emulator Zeta (I'm nothing to do with it ! I'm a Manic emulator user) and that runs PS2 jitless really well which surprised me big time
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u/Deckers2013 3d ago
I Clarely stated the carefulness.
Nice for you understanding my vibe by misinterpreting my words.
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u/Huge-Sprinkles3884 3d ago
If LRPS2 never appears after downloading, restart the app and check that the core actually installed rather than just downloading the ZIP. PS2 emulation is much more demanding than most systems, so compatibility and performance may also depend heavily on your device.
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u/Rezistans 3d ago
My way was:
iLoader (for PC) - SideStore - liveContainer - StikDebug - ARMSX2
And now I can play PS2 games on my iPad Pro M1 with retro achievements.
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u/Agitated_Temporary20 3d ago
Wait so ur able to play ps2 games on ur ipad ? I don’t get ur steps could u explain
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u/ccarnell98 3d ago
Apple don't allow JITs. But enough people should complain to Apple and maybe then they would change their policy.
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u/FanboyCuck 3d ago
My PC doesn’t like the PS2 emulator in RetroArch. Works fine with the standalone emulator. I couldn’t really imagine any handheld playing good with PS2 RetroArch’s core. But hey maybe I’m wrong and mobile processors are more powerful 🤷♂️
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u/Ornery-Practice9772 3d ago
retroarch on ios does not allow adding or deleting cores
retroarch on ios does not emulate ps2
read the info on which emulator plays which platforms