A new experimental project called PS2Recomp has appeared, exploring a different way to run PlayStation 2 games on modern systems. Instead of using traditional emulation, which tries to mimic the original PS2 hardware in real time, PS2Recomp attempts to convert PS2 game files directly into regular PC programs.
In simple terms, the tool takes a PlayStation 2 game, reads the instructions meant for the PS2’s processor, and rewrites them into C++ code that modern computers can understand. That converted code can then be compiled and run like a normal application, with the help of a small support layer that replaces parts of the original PS2 hardware.
This approach is still very early and mostly aimed at developers and tinkerers. Many important parts of the PS2, such as its graphics hardware, are not fully supported yet, and most games will not run properly. The creator is open about this and encourages others to contribute and help improve the project.
While PS2Recomp is not something players can use today to replay their favorite PS2 games, it is an interesting experiment that shows another possible path toward running PS2 games on modern hardware in the future.
Check out the project’s GitHub here.