ARMSX2 has rapidly established itself as the premier PS2 emulator for Android, thanks to a continuous influx of enhancements and fixes. The development team has recently unveiled a series of updates, with one particularly exciting addition: multiplayer functionality.
New Features and Enhancements
The latest version, ARMSX2 v2.6.5.1, was released on GitHub and the Play Store just two days ago, introducing support for system link gameplay. For those unfamiliar, system link allows players to connect multiple consoles for multiplayer gaming, a feature that was especially popular before broadband internet became commonplace.
To utilize this new capability, participating Android devices must be connected to the same internet network, although a mobile hotspot is also a viable option. Additionally, the changelog indicates that system link games can be played over the internet, albeit with the requirement of a VPN.
This development opens the door to a plethora of PS2 titles that support system link functionality. Players can now enjoy classics such as:
- Gran Turismo 4
- SOCOM series
- Call of Duty 2: Big Red One
- Star Wars: Battlefront games
- Tony Hawk titles
In addition to the multiplayer feature, ARMSX2 v2.6.5.3 introduces a convenient backup and restore option. By selecting the “Back up app data” feature, users can create a single zip file that encompasses their memory cards, save states, cover art, per-game settings, controller profiles, cheats, screenshots, and other preferences. This functionality proves beneficial for those performing a fresh installation to the default internal storage. Furthermore, users who opted for a custom install folder need not worry about data loss upon uninstalling the app, a significant advantage considering Google’s restrictions on custom folders.
