PCSX2 launches 2.0version with big picture mode, updated UI, plugin discontinuation & more

PCSX2, the widely-used PlayStation 2 emulator, has released its latest stable version, PCSX2 2.0, marking a major update after four years. This update introduces over 6000 changes, celebrating the emulator's 20th anniversary and surpassing 100 million downloads. The new version brings significant improvements to the user interface and core functionalities.

One of the key updates is the transition from wxWidgets to Qt for its graphical user interface (GUI), offering a modernized interface with customizable themes. Additionally, PCSX2 has eliminated the need for plugins by integrating their functionalities directly into the core project, which improves accuracy and simplifies the user experience. The new game index feature includes automatic pre-configured fixes for known games, ensuring smoother gameplay without the need for manual adjustments. Users can also save specific configurations for individual games separately from global settings, allowing for better customization.

PCSX2 now boasts nearly complete compatibility with PS2 games, though a few titles still present technical challenges. The new big picture mode also facilitates couch gaming by allowing users to navigate menus and play games on a big screen using a controller. The translation system has been improved with the adoption of Crowdin, enabling real-time updates and community contributions for language support. There are also many more new features and bug fixes that you can check out in detail here.