Best PS2 Emulators for Retro Handhelds

PlayStation 2 emulation on handhelds has come a long way. A few years ago it took a desktop PC. Today a strong Android handheld runs most of the library at full speed, and the best ones upscale it well beyond the original hardware. This guide covers the three emulators worth using, which devices run PS2 well, and how to get a clean setup.

A quick note first. PS2 emulation needs a BIOS file, and the legal way to get one is to dump it from a PS2 you own. We do not link to BIOS downloads. Everything here assumes you are playing games you own.

The three PS2 emulators

NetherSX2 (Android, recommended)

NetherSX2 is the community fork of AetherSX2 and the one to use on Android today. It is based on the PCSX2 codebase and keeps getting performance improvements and compatibility patches. For nearly every Android handheld, this is the right choice.

Best for: Any Android handheld capable of PS2.

AetherSX2 (Android, legacy)

AetherSX2 was the gold standard until its developer stepped away in 2023. The last public build still works and runs well, but it no longer receives fixes. Most people have moved to NetherSX2 for the continued updates.

PCSX2 (Windows handhelds)

For Windows devices like the ROG Ally, Legion Go, or GPD Win, the desktop PCSX2 is the definitive option. It supports true 4K upscaling, widescreen patches, and HD texture packs, and it has the deepest per-game compatibility of anything here.

Best for: PC handhelds running Windows.

Which handhelds run PS2 well

PS2 is demanding, so the chip matters more here than for any other retro system.

• Excellent (most of the library, often upscaled): Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 devices like the Retroid Pocket 6, AYN Odin 2 Portal Pro, and AYN Thor; the Snapdragon 8 Elite AYN Odin 3; the AYANEO Pocket S; and any Windows handheld.
• Very good (most titles at native, some upscaled): Snapdragon 865 devices like the Retroid Pocket 5 and Pocket Mini; the Dimensity 8300 Anbernic RG557 and RG477M.
• Marginal (lighter titles only): Unisoc T820 devices like the Anbernic RG556 and RG Cube. Expect to keep the internal resolution at native and accept that demanding games struggle.
• Not capable: Budget chips like the Allwinner H700 and Rockchip RK3566. Do not buy a sub-$100 handheld for PS2.

For a full ranked breakdown, see our best handhelds for PS2 emulation guide.

Setup and settings tips

1. Install NetherSX2, then point it at your BIOS file and your game folder.
2. Start with the internal resolution at native (1x). PS2 games were designed for it, and it gives the most stable frame rate. Only push to 2x once you know a game runs well.
3. Use the default renderer first. Switch between Vulkan and OpenGL only if a specific game has graphical glitches.
4. Demanding open-world and late-era titles like God of War, Shadow of the Colossus, and Gran Turismo 4 are the hardest to run. Keep them at native resolution and expect occasional dips even on strong hardware.
5. Save your per-game settings so each title keeps its own tuned configuration.

Compatibility by handheld

Related reading

• Best Handhelds for PS2 Emulation
• AetherSX2 Setup Guide
• Best Handhelds for GameCube Emulation
• Which Retro Handheld Tier Is Right for You