About video game platforms
Video game platforms such as Steam and PCSX2 serve unique and vital roles in the gaming community, offering gamers distinctive ways to access and enjoy a diverse array of video games.
Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is a digital distribution platform known globally for its extensive library of games and user-friendly interface. Once described as the biggest digital distribution platform for PC gaming, Steam allows users to purchase, download, and manage games on their computers. The platform also offers community features such as friends lists, in-game chat, multiplayer matchmaking, and user-generated content through Steam Workshop. This robust ecosystem facilitates both single-player and multiplayer experiences, making it a cornerstone for PC gamers around the world.
On the other hand, PCSX2 is an open-source PlayStation 2 emulator that enables gamers to play PS2 games on their computers. Because the PlayStation 2 has a vast catalog of beloved titles, PCSX2 is particularly cherished by enthusiasts who seek to relive classic gaming experiences with enhanced graphics and performance. As PCSX2 is an emulator, it requires the user to own the original PS2 game discs or ISO images and a legitimate PS2 BIOS to comply with legal standards. Emulation platforms like PCSX2 not only preserve gaming history but also extend the life of console-exclusive games.
Both Steam and PCSX2 exemplify the evolving nature of how video games are accessed and played. Steam leverages the power of digital distribution to offer convenience and connectivity, while PCSX2 uses the power of emulation to preserve and enhance classic gaming experiences. Together, they highlight the diversity and adaptability of modern gaming platforms.
Best video game platforms for SmartOS
| Platform | Description/Features | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| PCSX2 | PCSX2 is a PlayStation 2 emulator for Windows, Linux, and macOS that aims to replicate the console’s functionality in software, offering high-definition gameplay, save states, and custom controls. The platform is ideal for fans of classic PlayStation 2 games, aiming to relive their favorite titles on modern hardware with enhanced graphics and performance. | PCSX2 Official Site |
| Steam | Steam is a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation, known for offering a wide range of games from AAA to indie titles. Features include digital rights management (DRM), video streaming, in-game voice and chat functionalities, cloud saves, and automatic updates. Its renowned for its community features like the Steam Workshop, which allows users to share and download user-generated content. | Steam Official Site |
| RetroArch | RetroArch is an open-source project that makes use of various emulator cores to run classic games on a wide range of platforms. It supports numerous console emulations such as NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, and more. Features include shaders, netplay, rewinding, and next-frame response times, which aim to give the most accurate and polished gameplay experience. | RetroArch Official Site |
| Wine | Wine is an open-source compatibility layer that allows applications designed for Microsoft Windows to run on Unix-like operating systems, including SmartOS. While not a gaming platform per se, Wine supports a broad range of games that are built for Windows, essentially allowing users to play PC games with minimal performance loss. | Wine Official Site |
| Lutris | Lutris is a gaming platform for Linux that allows you to manage your games from multiple sources such as Steam, GOG, and Humble Bundle, as well as native Linux games and older Windows games through emulation and Wine. It offers a seamless experience for organizing, installing, and running your game collection. | Lutris Official Site |
| DOSBox | DOSBox is an open-source DOS emulator that uses the SDL library, allowing you to easily run old DOS games on modern systems. It provides real-time compatibility for DOS programs and is particularly well-suited for retro gaming enthusiasts who want to play old DOS games with better performance and higher compatibility. | DOSBox Official Site |
Comparison
Video Game Platforms Available for SmartOS
| Platform | Description | Official Website | License | Supported Formats | Controller Support | Multiplayer | System Requirements | Installation Method | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam | Digital distribution platform for video games. | Visit Steam | Proprietary | Executable, AppImage | Yes | Yes | Moderate | Package Management System | Automatic updates, community features |
| PCSX2 | PlayStation 2 emulator for enhanced gameplay on PCs. | Visit PCSX2 | Open-source | ISO, BIN | Yes | No | Moderate | Source Compilation | Save states, graphics enhancement |
| RetroArch | Frontend for emulators, game engines, and media players. | Visit RetroArch | Open-source | ROM, ISO | Yes | Yes | Low | Package Management System | Shader support, netplay |
| Lutris | Open gaming platform for Linux and SmartOS. | Visit Lutris | Open-source | Executable, AppImage | Yes | Yes | Moderate | Package Management System | Game library management, script support |
| DOSBox | Emulator for running old DOS games on modern systems. | Visit DOSBox | Open-source | EXE, COM | No | No | Low | Source Compilation | Save states, configuration options |
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