ShadPS4 confirms breakthrough in PS4 emulation for Steam Deck
- The ShadPS4 project has made significant strides in PlayStation 4 emulation on the Steam Deck.
- Titles like Bloodborne are now playable at around 30FPS, with other games similarly available.
- The advancements in emulation strengthen the Steam Deck's position as a premier platform for retro gaming.
On January 5, 2025, the ShadPS4 project announced significant progress in enabling PlayStation 4 emulation on the Steam Deck, a popular handheld gaming device released in 2022. This announcement is particularly relevant to retro gamers, who find the Steam Deck to be an enticing platform for playing older titles. Demonstrations of the technology showcased games like Bloodborne, which has never been made available on personal computers. Currently, it runs at an average of 30 frames per second, although some performance dips occur during gameplay. Beyond Bloodborne, the ShadPS4 emulator lists several other playable titles, including Dark Souls Remastered and Red Dead Redemption. However, it appears that more graphically demanding games face challenges in achieving stable performance. For instance, inFamous: Second Son had trouble reaching playable status as of September 2024. The entire community around the Steam Deck has been intrigued by this advancement in emulation, leading to the EmuDeck team officially incorporating ShadPS4 into their emulator installation list. As a result, users now have the option to experiment with pre-release emulation technology, which may come with some instability but promises an exciting experience. As the emulation landscape continues to evolve, the progression of ShadPS4 may pave the way for a broader array of console experiences on the Steam Deck, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in handheld gaming and emulation.