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 with no commercial goals.
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.
Is SharpEmu free and open source?
Yes. Every line of code is public on GitHub under the GPL-2.0 license, with no paywalls or ads.
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.
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.
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.