FAQ
Got some questions? We got answers!
General
What is SharpEmu?
SharpEmu is a free, open-source PlayStation 5 emulator for Windows, Linux, and macOS, written from scratch in C#. It is a research and educational project, supported by advertising that helps cover hosting costs.
Is SharpEmu legal?
Yes. SharpEmu does not include, distribute, or provide any copyrighted files, game dumps, or console system/BIOS files. You are responsible for using only games you legally own.
Why can't I play most games yet?
SharpEmu is still an early, experimental project — development is currently focused on accuracy and core infrastructure (CPU execution, system modules, kernel functions) rather than broad game compatibility. Most titles won't boot yet, and that's expected at this stage. Check the Compatibility page or the blog to see current progress.
Where can I find the official SharpEmu website and downloads?
This website (sharpemu.dev), the SharpEmu GitHub repository, Discord server, and X account are the project's official channels. If you find SharpEmu offered elsewhere, download from the GitHub releases page or this site to make sure you're getting an unmodified build.
Compatibility
Do I need a real PS5 to use SharpEmu?
You need a legally obtained copy of a PS5 game to load and test, since the emulator does not ship with any games or system files. Owning the physical console is not required.
Which games can I play right now?
Compatibility varies by title. A few games have reached shader submission and initial video output, while most others are still limited by missing kernel and system module support. Check the blog for the latest progress.
What do the compatibility statuses mean?
Each tested game is ranked on a six-step scale, from lowest to highest: Nothing happens, Crashes on boot, Boots to black screen, Shows intro / menus, Ingame but unstable, and Playable. You can see the current breakdown for every tested title on the Compatibility page.
How do I test a game and submit a compatibility report?
Open a new compatibility report on GitHub using the game-compatibility issue template, fill in the game, the status you reached, your hardware/OS, and the SharpEmu build you used. Attaching a log file makes it much easier for developers to diagnose the issue. Reports appear on the Compatibility page automatically once submitted.
Does SharpEmu support the DualSense controller?
Basic DualSense input is supported, and work on adaptive triggers and haptic feedback is ongoing in nightly builds.
Platforms & Requirements
What are the system requirements?
SharpEmu is demanding on hardware since it emulates PS5 CPU and GPU workloads in real time. See the System Requirements page for the minimum and recommended specs on Windows and macOS.
Which platforms are supported?
Native builds are available for Windows x64, Linux x64, and macOS x64. Apple Silicon Macs can run the macOS build through Rosetta 2, and Windows on ARM devices can run the Windows build through Windows built-in x64 emulation.
My antivirus or Windows SmartScreen flagged the download — is it safe?
Unsigned builds from small open-source projects are commonly flagged by antivirus software and SmartScreen, even when nothing is wrong — this is a false positive caused by the binary having no established reputation yet, not a sign of malware. Only download SharpEmu from the GitHub releases page or this website, and you can always inspect the exact source that produced any release since the whole project is open source.
Community
How can I contribute or report a bug?
Contributions are welcome. Open an issue or pull request on GitHub, and read the contribution guidelines in the repository before submitting one.
Where can I get help or talk to the community?
Join the SharpEmu Discord server for development updates, compatibility discussions, and support from other users and contributors.