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, delivering native-level performance that other emulators can't match. Here's what sets it apart.
Native XMB Kernel
Built on a decompiled PS3 XMB kernel written in C++. System calls are translated directly into native PC instructions, no high-level emulation layers, no bloated abstraction. This is as close to bare-metal as PS3 emulation gets.
Runs on Budget Hardware
ESX is engineered for efficiency. A dual-core CPU and integrated GPU are enough to run most titles at full speed. No need for expensive gaming rigs, even older laptops and desktops can handle PS3 emulation wit ESX.
4K Graphics & Shaders
Upscale PS3 games to 4K resolution with enhanced anti-aliasing, anisotropic filtering, and custom shader support. OpenGL and Vulkan backends gives maximum GPU compatibility across hardware.
Full Controller Support
Plug and play with DualShock 3, DualShock 4, Xbox 360/One/Series, and generic USB controllers. Configure button mapping, analog stick sensitivity, and rumble for every single game.
Per-Game Configuration
Tune resolution, frame rate limits, texture filtering, audio latency, and rendering mode on a per game basis. Save custom profiles so each title runs optimally.
Open Source
Released under GPLv2 and completely free. Inspect the code, contribute fixes, or build your own fork.
Save State Support
Save and load your progress at any point. ESX supports both native PS3 save data and emulator level save states, so that you never lose your progress.
1,000+ Games Tested
Our community has tested over a thousand PS3 titles. With 91% rated fully playable, the library covers 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 uses advanced low-level emulation techniques to translate PS3 system calls into native PC instructions, delivering smooth gameplay with minimal overhead.
XMB Kernel Emulation
A decompiled PS3 XMB kernel runs natively on your system, eliminating the need for high-level emulation for PS3 Emulator and reducing CPU overhead significantly.
GPU Acceleration
ESX translates PS3 RSX GPU commands to OpenGL and Vulkan, supporting resolutions up to 4K with anti-aliasing with shader enhancements.
Configurable Settings
Tune graphics, audio, and controller settings for optimal performance. Adjust resolution, texture filtering, v-sync, and more to match your hardware.
Over 1,000+ PS3 Games Tested
Our community has tested over a thousand PS3 titles for compatibility with ESX. With 91% of games fully playable, you can enjoy most of the PS3 library on your PC today. Check the full compatibility database to see if your favorite game is supported.
Browse Compatibility ListGetting Started
New to PS3 emulation? ESX is very easy to use. Download the emulator, configure your settings, and start playing in minutes.
1. Download
Download the latest stable release of ESX from our download page. The standalone package includes all the binaries and dependencies.
2. Configure
Extract the files, run PS3 Emulator as administrator, and configure your graphics and controller settings according to your hardware.
3. Play
Insert your PS3 game disc or load an ISO image. ESX supports DualShock 3, DualShock 4, and Xbox controllers out of the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about ESX Emulator.
What is ESX?
ESX is a PlayStation 3 emulator that runs PS3 games on your PC. ESX runs natively using XMB, and there is no performance drop even on old systems.
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?
Although ESX does not require a high-end system, you need a decent GPU and up-to-date processor to run games at full speed. Ensure your PC has the latest hardware and drivers.
How to use the emulator?
Download the latest version, extract the emulator, run as administrator, configure graphics/controls/audio settings, insert your PS3 game disk or use an ISO image, and enjoy.
Does the emulator support online play?
ESX does not currently support online play. It is focused on running PS3 games offline.
Can I use my PS3 controller?
Yes, you can use your PS3 controller with ESX. You may need to configure controller settings in the emulator.
What are the system requirements?
Minimum: 8 GB RAM, modern CPU, GPU with OpenGL 4.5 support. For best results, use a quad-core CPU and a dedicated GPU.
Is the emulator free?
ESX is free to download and use. However, you must own the games you wish to play.
How can I update the emulator?
Download the latest version from the official website and follow the installation instructions.
How can I improve performance?
Ensure your system meets the recommended requirements, update your drivers, and adjust emulator settings for optimal performance.
Can I save my game progress?
Yes, ESX supports saving game progress. You can use in-game save features as well as save states within the emulator.
Does the emulator support mods?
ESX does not officially support mods, but some users have reported success using third-party tools.
Why is my game crashing?
Crashes can occur due to incompatible hardware, outdated drivers, or emulator bugs. Check the compatibility list and ensure your system is properly configured.
Can I run the emulator on Mac?
ESX is primarily designed for Windows. You may run it on Mac using a virtual machine or compatibility layer like Wine.
How do I configure graphics settings?
Access the settings menu in ESX and adjust resolution, texture quality, and rendering mode options.
Open Source & Free Forever
The PS3 Emulator project is driven by a passion for preserving gaming history and advancing emulation research. We do not support piracy you must own the games you wish to play. Join our community to contribute, report bugs, or help test new releases.