Android users are now a step closer to playing PlayStation 3 games on their phones, thanks to a new emulator called aPS3e, now available on the Google Play Store. While PS3 emulation on mobile is still in its early stages, this release marks a major milestone as the first native PS3 emulator officially listed on the Play Store.
Made by a relatively unknown developer aenu, aPS3e allows users to run PS3 games directly on Android devices. But like many emulators, it’s still rough around the edges: users report frequent crashes, bugs, and inconsistent performance. The Play Store listing itself warns that the app is “still under active development” and may not work well with all games.
To get the best experience, you’ll need a high-end Android device with a recent processor and at least 12GB of RAM. The emulator includes on-screen controls but also supports Bluetooth controllers for a more console-like feel.
- 5 nostalgic PSP games and what makes them memorable
- PlayStation Portable (PSP): is it still worth buying
This isn’t the only way to emulate PS3 games on Android, but its Play Store debut makes it more accessible than other methods. The project has faced some controversy, with accusations that the developer stole code from other emulation projects. However, the app has since gone open source on GitHub, allowing the community to review and contribute to its development.
Right now, aPS3e is free to download with no ads, though there’s a $5 premium version to support the developer. Despite its early flaws, the emulator has already been downloaded over 10,000 times, showing strong interest from gamers eager to relive PS3 classics on their phones.