PCSX2 v2.9.31 – Userspace LAN (Linux x64) – Development Build 1

Experimental pre-release. This is an unofficial Linux x86-64 fork of PCSX2 v2.9.31, adding a userspace Ethernet backend for DEV9 networking.

Added features

• Unprivileged DEV9 virtual Ethernet adapter using Unix-domain datagram sockets.
• Local Python Ethernet switch; no TAP/TUN interface or root access required.
• Separate instance A/B MAC addresses and socket paths.
• SMAP RX frame-count diagnostic correction and receive-pointer tracing.

Test results (11 October 2026)

Two PCSX2 instances running the PS2 MultiScreen diagnostic application demonstrated bidirectional Ethernet forwarding, UDP peer discovery, TCP connections and successful parsing of S1 synchronization messages (162 received per instance in the recorded test).

Dynamic controller/player movement synchronization and compatibility with commercial PS2 LAN games have not been established.

Requirements

Linux x86-64, Python 3, compatible runtime libraries, a legally obtained PS2 BIOS and a network-capable PS2 application. This ZIP is not a standalone AppImage.

See the README and Linux development setup guide.

Known limitations

• Experimental two-instance A/B configuration; broader MAC assignment and multi-peer support remain unfinished.
• Verbose DEV9 diagnostic logging.
• Runtime dependencies vary by Linux distribution.
• The existing release executable was built outside GitHub Actions and is not independently proven reproducible from the latest repository commits.

Credits and licence

Based on PCSX2, developed by the PCSX2 Development Team and contributors. This is an independent, unofficial fork, not endorsed by upstream PCSX2. Original copyright and applicable GPL v3-or-later / third-party licence requirements remain in force.

No PS2 BIOS files, proprietary Sony firmware or commercial game images are included.