A more reliable Android PlayStation emulator
ARMSX1 0.2.6, published on October 15, 2026, is available as an Android APK. The project is a PlayStation emulator with support for core systems including the CPU, GPU, SPU, CD-ROM, memory cards, BIOS selection, screenshots, fast forward and VSync controls.
The release focuses on correcting issues with startup, navigation, saved input layouts and audio presentation. It also adds library and appearance options for the front end.
Shader loading and logging fixes
The update fixes a problem that caused shaders to fail to load. ARMSX1 also fixes its internal logging feature, which is available among the emulator’s logging controls.
Launcher, controls and audio corrections
Launching a game from the front end now returns to the launcher as intended instead of exiting to the emulator. This restores the expected workflow for moving between the front end and the emulator.
Virtual buttons now save correctly after they are rearranged. Touchscreen users can therefore customize their button positions without losing that arrangement.
The release also fixes BIOS audio crackle buffering, addressing crackling during BIOS audio playback.
OCB layout is now optional
ARMSX1 0.2.6 includes a cleaned-up OCB layout and changes it to be disabled by default. The layout can be enabled or disabled globally or for an individual game through the quick menu.
Users who want the OCB layout can now choose whether it applies across the emulator or only to selected games.
Cleaner multi-disc libraries
The front end can now hide individual multi-disc entries when it detects an M3U file with the same game name. This can reduce duplicate entries in a library where a playlist represents the multi-disc game.
ARMSX1 supports BIN/CUE, single-track BIN, ISO, CHD and ZIP archives containing supported game images and companion files. The new library-filtering feature specifically depends on detecting a matching M3U file.
New PS one background theme
A PS one theme has been added under the background options. It is disabled by default, so users can select the new visual style without changing the default appearance.
Project background and supported platforms
ARMSX1 is a fork of psxe built around a native FSUI shell and SDL2-hosted front ends. The project supports desktop, Android, iOS, UWP, WebAssembly and PSVita targets, with desktop and Android identified as its main day-to-day platforms. The other ports are more platform-specific and may lag behind the desktop path.
The default CPU engine is cached: it stores decoded instruction handlers while still performing a real bus fetch and opcode check for every emulated instruction. An interpreter reference path remains available for diagnostics. Neither engine emits native code, uses executable memory or depends on host threading behavior.
Graphics use a software PlayStation rasterizer with 16-bit VRAM kept authoritative. SDL software presentation is the default, while SDL accelerated presentation is optional. The accelerated mode uploads changed VRAM scanlines without replacing PlayStation rasterization with host-side triangles, and the project falls back to SDL software rendering if an accelerated SDL renderer is unavailable.
