PlayStation 3
Emulator for PC
Run PS3 Games Natively on Windows
ESX is a high-performance PlayStation 3 emulator built in C++ using a decompiled PS3 XMB kernel. It allows you to run PS3 games natively on your PC. It delivers native emulation of PS3 exclusive titles at full graphics quality even on budget hardware with a low-end CPU and integrated GPU which allows exclusive PS3 games on your PC without compromise.
Native PS3 Emulation
ESX is the only native PS3 emulator. Built on a decompiled XMB kernel for native-level PS3 emulation performance.
Native XMB Kernel
Built on a decompiled PS3 XMB kernel in C++. System calls translate directly to native PC instructions -- no high-level emulation layers in between.
Runs on Budget Hardware
A dual-core CPU and integrated GPU are enough for most titles at full speed. Older laptops and desktops work fine.
4K Graphics & Shaders
Upscale PS3 games to 4K with anti-aliasing, anisotropic filtering, and custom shaders. Both OpenGL and Vulkan backends are supported.
Full Controller Support
Works with DualShock 3, DualShock 4, Xbox 360/One/Series, and generic USB controllers. Button mapping, stick sensitivity, and rumble are all configurable per game.
Per-Game Configuration
Resolution, frame rate limits, texture filtering, audio latency, and rendering mode can all be set per game. Save custom profiles for each title.
Open Source
Released under GPLv2 and completely free. Inspect the code, contribute fixes, or build your own fork.
Save State Support
Save and load at any point. ESX supports native PS3 save data and emulator-level save states.
1,000+ Games Tested
Over a thousand PS3 titles tested, 91% fully playable. God of War, Uncharted, The Last of Us, Gran Turismo, and hundreds more.
System Requirements
Check if your PC meets the requirements to run PS3 games with ESX.
Minimum
MinimumPS3 emulation at native resolution
Operating System
Windows 7 64-bit or later
Processor
Intel Core i3 / AMD FX-6300 (2.5 GHz Dual-Core)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA GT 730 / AMD HD 6670 (1 GB VRAM, OpenGL 4.5)
System Memory
4 GB RAM
Storage
200 MB for emulator + game storage
Controller
Keyboard or any USB gamepad
Recommended
RecommendedSmooth 60 FPS gameplay at higher resolutions
Operating System
Windows 10/11 64-bit (latest updates)
Processor
Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 (3.2 GHz Quad-Core)
Graphics Card
NVIDIA GTX 660 / AMD HD 7870 (2 GB+ VRAM, Vulkan)
System Memory
8 GB RAM
Storage
SSD recommended for faster load times
Controller
DualShock 3/4 or Xbox controller
Featured Gameplay
Watch PS3 exclusive titles running at 60 FPS on the ESX Emulator.
God of War III Gameplay @60 FPS - ESX PS3 Emulator
Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge @60 FPS - ESX PS3 Emulator
How ESX Works
ESX translates PS3 system calls into native PC instructions with minimal overhead.
XMB Kernel Emulation
A decompiled PS3 XMB kernel runs directly on your system, skipping high-level emulation entirely. Less CPU overhead, better performance.
GPU Acceleration
ESX translates PS3 RSX GPU commands to OpenGL and Vulkan. Supports up to 4K resolution with anti-aliasing and shader enhancements.
Configurable Settings
Adjust resolution, texture filtering, v-sync, audio, and controller settings to match your hardware.
1,000+ PS3 Games Tested
91% of tested titles are fully playable. Check the compatibility database to see if your game works.
Browse Compatibility ListGetting Started
Download, configure, and play. Takes a few minutes to set up.
1. Download
Grab the latest stable release from the download page. Everything you need is in the package.
2. Configure
Extract the files, run as administrator, and set up your graphics and controller preferences.
3. Play
Load your PS3 disc or ISO. DualShock 3, DualShock 4, and Xbox controllers work out of the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ESX.
What is ESX?
ESX is a PS3 emulator for PC. It uses a decompiled XMB kernel, so it runs well even on older hardware.
Which games are playable?
Most PS3 games run smoothly, though only PS3 exclusive titles are supported at the moment. Check the compatibility list.
Game is not booting?
ESX is in development so some games may still be buggy. Check compatibility status.
Game is running too slow?
ESX doesn't need a high-end system, but a decent GPU and a reasonably modern CPU help. Make sure your drivers are up to date.
How to use the emulator?
Download the latest version, extract it, run as administrator. Set up your graphics, controls, and audio, then load your PS3 disc or ISO.
Does the emulator support online play?
No, ESX is offline only right now.
Can I use my PS3 controller?
Yes. You might need to tweak controller settings in the emulator for it to work properly.
What are the system requirements?
Minimum: 4 GB RAM, dual-core CPU, GPU with OpenGL 4.5. Recommended: 8 GB RAM, quad-core CPU, dedicated GPU.
Is the emulator free?
Yes, completely free. You do need to own the games you play.
How can I update the emulator?
Download the latest version from the download page and replace your old files.
How can I improve performance?
Update your GPU drivers, make sure your system meets the recommended specs, and try lowering resolution or disabling shader enhancements.
Can I save my game progress?
Yes. In-game saves and emulator save states both work.
Does the emulator support mods?
Not officially, but some users have gotten mods working with third-party tools.
Why is my game crashing?
Usually it's outdated drivers or an unsupported game. Check the compatibility list and update your GPU drivers.
Can I run the emulator on Mac?
Windows only for now. Some users run it on Mac through Wine or a VM, but it's not officially supported.
How do I configure graphics settings?
Open the settings menu and adjust resolution, texture quality, and rendering mode from there.
Open Source & Free Forever
ESX is free and always will be. You must own the games you play. If you want to help, contribute code, report bugs, or test new releases.