Have you ever wondered if your sleek Mac Computer could run classic PlayStation 2 games? Well, wonder no more because it can, and it does so spectacularly with the AetherSX2 emulator. This isn’t just about reliving those golden days of gaming; it’s about elevating them to heights you never thought possible.
Today, I’m going to walk you through setting up the Aether SX2 Emulator on a MAC.
My setup? It's the least supported one on the list: a 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro with 8 Gigs of RAM. The results? Absolutely mind-blowing. We’re talking about locked 60FPS with 2 K 1440p Resolution. Yes, you heard that right.
And yes, it’s on AAA games like God Of War 2 and Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.
So, grab your popcorn and Mac, and let’s discuss how to set this up and run.
Watch the Video Above For a Detailed Guide
Downloading the Program
First things first, we need the AetherSX2 program itself. Avoid the hassle of scouring the internet and potentially falling into the trap of fake versions. You can safely download it from the link at the bottom of this page.
All the Required Links are Below
Installation Steps
Here’s a quick installation guide:
Extract the downloaded program.
Drag and Drop it into the Applications folder to install.
Double-click on AetherSX2 in your Applications folder to open it. If you see a message about Apple not being able to check it for malicious software, simply click OK.
Right-click on AetherSX2 while holding down the Control key and choose Open. Click Open again with the Control key held down, and it will launch.
Dive into Settings
Getting the AetherSX2 up and running is just the beginning. Configuring the settings correctly is key to optimizing your gameplay experience.
Configuring BIOS
Navigate to the menu, select “Settings,” then “BIOS.”
You’ll need a PS2 BIOS file.
Where to get this? A quick Google search for “PlayStation 2 BIOS” should do the trick. Alternatively, you can download it from the link at the bottom of this page.
Setting up Your Game List
After configuring the BIOS, it’s time to add some games:
Click on “Add Game Directory.”
Navigate to your PS2 Games folder, select it, and press Open.
If you don’t have any games yet, you can search online by Googling the name of the game followed by “PS2 Game Download.” You’ll find plenty of websites to download games from.
Connecting and Configuring Your Controller
The emulator works best with Xbox or PlayStation controllers. Here’s how to configure it:
Connect your controller. (If you’re unsure how to do this, click here.)
Once connected, go back to the emulator and navigate to “Settings,” then “Controllers.”
For PlayStation controllers, enable “SDL input source,” and for Xbox controllers, enable “Xinput.”
In the “Controller Port 1” section, ensure “DualShock2” or the connected controller is selected. Then, click “Automatic Mapping” and you’re good to go.
Graphics Settings
Let’s enhance your gaming visuals:
Go to “Settings,” then “Graphics.”
Switch the renderer to “Metal,” or experiment with other renderers to see what works best for your Mac.
Adjust the internal resolution based on your Mac’s performance. For example:
3x native for 1080p Full HD.
Higher resolutions like 4K if your Mac can handle it.
Launching Your Game
With everything set up, it’s finally time to launch your game:
Double-click on your chosen title, and you’re ready to relive the PS2 glory days with unparalleled performance.
In my test, God of War 2 looked phenomenal, running smoothly with solid FPS and 100% speed, showcasing the power of the AetherSX2 emulator on Apple Silicon Macs.
Wrapping It Up
What we’ve achieved with the AetherSX2 emulator on a Mac is nothing short of remarkable. It’s not just about playing those games again—it’s about experiencing them in a way that’s even better than the original, thanks to the incredible graphical fidelity and smooth performance of modern hardware.
Whether you’re a longtime fan revisiting your favorite PS2 classics or a new gamer curious about the legendary PlayStation 2 library, this setup is your ticket to a premium gaming experience.
Download AetherSX2 now and bring the PS2 era back to life!