The latest update to the RPCS3 emulator has introduced a significant improvement to the experience of running PlayStation 3 games via emulation. By allowing the emulator to load games directly from ISO files, users can now bypass the cumbersome process of extracting these files. This transformation promises not only to streamline the gaming experience but also to conserve valuable storage space.
Enhanced ISO Support in RPCS3
The RPCS3 emulator has taken a major step forward with its new capability to run games directly from ISO files. This enhancement was made possible by a code contribution from a user known as Functionable. Prior to this update, gamers had to extract the contents of an ISO file into folders, which was both time-consuming and storage-intensive. The new system eliminates this requirement, allowing a more straightforward gaming setup without compromising storage.
Limitations and Future Prospects
While the improvement is noteworthy, it comes with certain limitations. At present, only decrypted ISO files are compatible with this method. Encrypted ISOs, often originating from retail PS3 discs, remain unsupported due to the absence of an encryption pipeline in RPCS3. Despite this, the traditional folder-based method of running games remains fully operational for users who prefer it.
RPCS3 now supports loading disc games directly from ISO files, though only decrypted ISOs are usable at this stage.