The long-awaited PlayStation 3 emulation has finally arrived on Android with the launch of APS3E, now available on Google Play Store. Developed by Aenu, a mysterious programmer from China, APS3E is based on the RPCS3 emulator, incorporating elements from Vita3K and Termux to bring PS3 gaming to mobile devices. No news about iOS of course, but at least they have ArcadeMania.
Despite the excitement, APS3E is still in its early stages, with limited compatibility and requiring high-end smartphones to run games smoothly. Initial tests indicate that only a handful of titles are playable, and performance varies depending on device specifications.
The emulator’s launch was not without controversy. Originally released as a closed-source project, APS3E faced backlash for using open-source code without proper attribution. Following criticism, the developer reopened the GitHub repository, now including the GPLv2 license within the RPCS3 folder. However, concerns remain regarding transparency and long-term support.
Players can download APS3E for free, with an optional $5 paid version serving as a donation to support development. While the emulator is a major step forward for mobile retro gaming, users should approach it with caution, as performance issues and legal uncertainties still surround its future. For more details and to download the emulator, visit the official APS3E page.