Side by side
ShadPS4 vs Xenia
Both stand on game console emulators. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
ShadPS4 offers a free, open-source way to emulate PlayStation 4 on three desktop operating systems, with a graphical launcher and listed extras such as local multiplayer. Its early state means compatibility is limited, and users need to meet the requirements and provide their own game dumps.
Visit ShadPS4 Free plan LinuxWindows
Xenia combines Xbox 360 emulation with a broader open-source research goal. Users should check the compatibility list and hardware requirements, since support varies by game and some titles need additional settings or patches.
Visit XeniaThe facts
| ShadPS4 | Xenia | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 1 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | shadps4.net | xenia.jp |
| On game console emulators | #30 of 35 | #34 of 35 |
ShadPS4: what it does well
- Free and open source
- Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Includes graphics upscaling and local multiplayer
- Qt launcher can download stable and nightly versions
What to know first
- Many games do not work
- Working games usually have emulation issues
- Requires at least 8 GB RAM and a specified GPU
- Netplay is not supported
Xenia: what it does well
- Free and open source under a BSD license
- Windows and Linux downloads available
- Multiple forks target different development goals
- Supports user-made game patches
- Graphics upscaling is supported
What to know first
- OpenGL and Direct3D 11 or lower are unsupported
- Games cannot run directly from disc drives
- Official Xbox Live and System Link are unsupported
- Android builds cannot play games yet
Alternatives to ShadPS4 Alternatives to Xenia The whole list