PlayStation 2 Emulator development indefinitely suspended following death threats

Over the past many years we have seen the game emulation scene explode in popularity, both in terms of the number of devices capable of emulating older titles, but also thanks to the tireless efforts of the software developers who continuously optimise the emulators to run better and support more games. Unfortunately, one of the most promising emulators has now ceased development due to identity theft, death threats and more.

AetherSX2 is an Android-based PlayStation 2 emulator which had quickly ballooned in popularity thanks to its impressive development speed and consistent updates, making it by far the best (and in the eyes of some, only viable) PlayStation 2 emulator for Android. Unfortunately, AetherSX2 will no longer be seeing any updates from the original developer, as they took to their website to say:

“AetherSX2 development is indefinitely suspended. Due to neverending impersonating, complaints, demands, and now death threats, I'm done.”

Fortunately, you will still be able to download and use the emulator, but it will not be receiving any future updates, with the developer claiming “You can still download/use the app and it will continue to work for the forseeable future.”

Further explaining the reason for their decision, the developer explained “AetherSX2 was always meant to be a fun hobby for me, not profit driven. It doesn't make sense to continue working on a hobby which isn't fun anymore.”

They concluded by saying “Stay safe out there, and watch out for scammers, there seems to be a lot of them. (e.g. there's multiple people claiming to represent AetherSX2 on various social media – they are not legit). Thanks to everyone who wasn't a d*ck for the last year.”

As mentioned, AetherSX2 was one of the most promising new emulators for Android out there, and to see it being abandoned is truly unfortunate. Of course, the reasons for its ended development makes complete sense, and so hopefully AetherSX2’s creator manages to find the peace they seek.

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KitGuru says: Are you disappointed by this decision? Did you use AetherSX2? Do you emulate games on your smartphone? Let us know down below.

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