PS2 games run on Xbox Series X|S!

By Michael WicherekSenior Editor

If you are a fan of retro games then this could sway your decision when choosing between the Xbox and PlayStation Next Gen consoles!

Check out how to play PS2 games and more on the Xbox Series X|S below.

Developer Mode

Developer Mode is a feature that can be enabled on the Xbox Series S hardware.

This allows you to run ‘RetroArch’. Microsoft do not allow game emulators in their stores, but Developer Mode on Xbox Series X|S is a sneaky way round this problem!

DOWNSIZE! The Series S can run classic games with Developer Mode
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DOWNSIZE! The Series S can run classic games with Developer Mode

RetroArch is a free emulator that allows games to be played cross-platform and cross-generation, meaning that almost any game will work.

Once Developer Mode has been enabled, players can “run RetroArch emulation with excellent performance”, according to Youtuber Modern Vintage Gamer.

What games can I play?

Pretty much any game you like!

There are videos of PS2 games God of War and Shadow of the Colossus running smoothly on Xbox Series S.

OLD SCHOOL! Rockstar's Bully was a classic naughties game
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OLD SCHOOL! Rockstar's Bully was a classic naughties game

Unfortunately this won’t work on PS5 consoles, so if you are keen to play some classic games, then the Xbox Series S could be the perfect console.

Our first choice would be to take it all the way back to Bully from 2006!

Running emulation software on the Xbox hardware may be contrary to some of Microsoft’s terms and agreements, so be warned.