After its initial release, RetroArch only supported 7 distinct platforms, but it now supports more than 20 platforms, including PS2.
RetroArch is a free and open-source, cross-platform frontend for emulators, game engines, video games, media players, and other applications.
The system has been ported to many platforms and it can run on several personal computer systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
It can also run on handheld consoles, home consoles, and smartphones. However, several users have questioned whether it runs on PS2.
History of RetroArch
RetroArch was formerly known as SSNES and was based on pseudonymous programmer Near’s Libretro predecessor libsnes. Its development began in 2021 with Hans-Kristian Arntzen committing the first chance on GitHub.
The program was meant to be a replacement for bsnes’ QT-based interface, but it grew to support more emulated cores. In 2021, SSNES was officially renamed to RetroArch to reflect this change in direction.
RetroArch’s first version was released in 2014, however, it was only available on 7 distinct platforms. As the years went by, RetroArch had several problems in this regard, but in 2021, it was released on Steam.
Does RetroArch support PS2?
Since its official release, RetroArch has expanded its operating system range. As previously mentioned, the program was only available on 7 distinct platforms, but it is now available on 23 platforms.
Several users have questioned whether the system supports PlayStation 2 (PS2).
RetroArch can run on the usual platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux, but it stands alone in that it can support many other platforms as well.
The program supports operating systems that not even Apple and Microsoft support anymore, such as macOS on PowerPC Macs. Furthermore, RetroArch is available on Windows OSes as far back as Windows 95.
In addition, it also runs on iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. However, gamers who use game consoles can also enjoy the program since RetroArch supports PS2, PS3, PSP, PS Vita, Wii, Wii U, Nintendo 2DS, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo Switch, amongst others.
If you are not sure which version of RetroArch to buy, we recommend that you go to the official RetroArch website. On this website, you will be able to download the “Stable” and “Nightly” versions.
As the name implies, the Stable version is for a stable build, while the Nightly build is for the latest daily release for your platform.
Although the system can be downloaded on your PS2, you need to have the homebrew PlayStation 2SDK and toolchain installed to ensure that RetroArch downloads successfully.
Furthermore, you need the PS2 Graphics Synthesizer installed, and you need to install specific ports for PlayStation 2.
How to download the toolchain
The toolchain will automatically build and install the compiler tools that are used in the creation of homebrew software for the Sony PlayStation 2v.
You have to download the following scripts (with git clone) and install:
- Binutils 2.14 (iop,dvp)
- Binutils 2.35.1 (ee)
- Gcc 3.2.3 (iop)
- Gcc 10.2.0 (ee)
- Newlib 4.0.0 (ee)
You have to install gcc/clang, make, patch, git, texinfo,fle,bison,gls,gmp,mpfr,mpc, and gettext if you do not already have them.
Users should also ensure that they have enough permissions for managing PS2DEV location. The location should not have spaces or special characters in its path.
How to install the GSKit
GSKit is a library that provides a C interface to the PS2 graphics synthesizer. You have to install the PS2Toolchain in order to install gsKIT. You should then edit your login script to add “export GSKIT=$PS2DEV/gsKit” to it.
Then, users should compile, install and run the “make $$ make install” command. After making these changes, you have will successfully installed the GSKit on your PS2.
Which ports do you need?
PS2SDK-PORTS is a git repository that contains various ports that function with the current ps2sdk. It is therefore not meant to be a releasable package.
Most of the ports feature specific changes, which makes them work for the ps2sdk, but there are some ports that are included as a git clone.
These are being compiled by using original source code, just adding the specific “PS2” flags using “cmake.” Bear in mind that the “SDL” ports require you to install a previously released GSKit, more specifically:
- Sdl
- Sdlgfx
- Sdlimage
- Sdlmixer
- Sdlttf
In order to install these, you just have to type “make” in the port application.