Xbox Series S users are emulating PS2 games on Microsoft’s latest console

Last week we reported on the emulation capabilities of Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S systems, discussing how the system can utilise RetroArch in the system’s developer mode to play games from classic systems like the Dreamcast, Gamecube and PSP.

Now, PS2 games can be played on the system, thanks to a new build of RetroArch’s UWP (Universal Windows Platform) version, giving the Xbox Series X/S better PS2 emulation than Sony’s PlayStation 5. Yes, RetroArch’s emulation of PS2 titles is far from perfect, but it is better than nothing. 

In his video on the subject, Modern Vintage Gamer has showcased the system running the PS2 versions of Silent Hill 2, Metal Gear Solid 2, Burnout 3: Takedown, Shadow of the Colossus, Jak and Daxter, and God Hand. While the emulation isn’t perfect, the fact that it’s possible on a system as cheap as the Xbox Series S will ensure that the emulator will continue to be developed and improved upon. 

Given the fact that Xbox Series S can run PS2 games via emulation, there is no reason why Sony cannot deliver official PS2 emulation to their PlayStation 5 console. Sony has more information about the PS2’s inner workings than anyone and should be capable of creating a solid emulator if they desired. That said, Sony appears to be mostly uninterested in their back catalogue, choosing to remaster some of their PS2/PS3 classic titles instead.