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86Box vs PCSX2
Side-by-side comparison for macOS
86Box
8.0Emulator of x86-based machines based on PCem
PCSX2
8.0Playstation 2 Emulator
| Metric | 86Box | PCSX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Utilities | Games |
| AI Score | 8.0 | 8.0 |
| 30-day Installs | 48 | 167 |
| 90-day Installs | 151 | 476 |
| 365-day Installs | 706 | 1.5K |
| Version | 5.3,8200 | 2.6.3 |
| Auto-updates | No | No |
| Deprecated | No | No |
| GitHub Stars | 4.1K | 14.5K |
| GitHub Forks | 484 | 1.9K |
| Open Issues | 22 | 744 |
| License | GPL-2.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Language | C | C++ |
| Last GitHub Commit | 1mo ago | 1mo ago |
| First Seen | Oct 26, 2022 | Jul 6, 2025 |
Reviews
86Box
86Box is an x86 emulator that allows users to run older operating systems and software. It supports various hardware configurations and is ideal for retrocomputing enthusiasts and developers needing legacy system testing.
Emulates x86-based machines to run older operating systems and software.
Pros
- + Open-source and free under GPL-2.0
- + Supports a wide range of hardware configurations
- + Active development with frequent updates
- + Niche appeal for retrocomputing
- + Free to use
Cons
- - No auto-update feature
- - Some bugs, particularly with OpenGL rendering and Voodoo
PCSX2
PCSX2 is an open-source PlayStation 2 emulator that enables users to play PS2 games on their Mac. With a large, active community and ongoing development, it's a top choice for retro gaming enthusiasts seeking to relive classic PS2 titles.
Emulates PlayStation 2 games on macOS.
Pros
- + Open-source with a large, active community contributing to its development.
- + Supports a wide range of PlayStation 2 games, offering compatibility and performance improvements over time.
- + Regular updates and active issue tracking, showing commitment to quality and functionality.
Cons
- - Lacks auto-update functionality, requiring manual checks for new versions.
- - Some performance issues, such as stuttering and AMD-related problems, are still being addressed.