Recently, the creators of the PlayStation 3 emulator, RPCS3, shared some exciting news: they’ve finally implemented solid Arm64 architecture support for Windows, macOS, and Linux. This breakthrough is so significant that even Raspberry Pi 5, which usually seems quite limited in terms of emulation, is part of the mix. Traditionally, the Raspberry Pi 5 has been known to handle GameCube and Wii emulations (albeit the latter less effectively). But with the right adjustments, it appears you can now experience PS3 emulation on this humble device, a feat not many thought possible with current entry-level Arm hardware.
The challenge of running PS3 games on a Raspberry Pi 5 is undeniable. It involves scaling games down to a PSP-like resolution—a mere 273p compared to the PS3’s native 720p. The payoff? You can play some notable 3D titles like the HD versions of God of War I and II, Catherine, and Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm. While 2D games benefit the most, it’s quite remarkable to achieve playable framerates for PS3-era 3D games on devices like this. Most wouldn’t expect such performance from a Raspberry Pi 5.
When it comes to macOS, native support for Arm chips rather than merely emulating x86 architecture has resulted in a massive performance boost on Apple Silicon. This means that framerates for PS3 games can jump between 50-100% compared to running through x86 translation layered over PS3 hardware emulation. This development isn’t just a technical milestone; it’s a dream come true for many enthusiasts who longed for efficient Arm-powered PS3 emulation.
Unlike with the Raspberry Pi 5, which mimics a somewhat enhanced PSP experience, Apple Silicon demonstrates its capabilities on genuine PS3 heavyweights like God of War III and Skate 3. These titles pose a greater challenge than the PS2-to-PS3 ports, yet they still run quite smoothly on Arm hardware that packs enough processing power to handle them.
So, whether you’re an Apple aficionado or a Raspberry Pi tinkerer, the evolution of Arm64 support for PS3 emulation is a fascinating development that promises hours of gaming excitement across various platforms.