SandboxSX2 is a safe, universal PlayStation 2 emulator for Android, developed solo by MaxRBLX1.
It follows a "Universal First" philosophy, optimized to run on all devices—from flagship phones to ultra-low-end hardware like the Realme C11.
Using a 100% sandboxed core, SandboxSX2 delivers stable emulation without compromising device safety, privacy, or thermal performance.
SandboxSX2 is switching to simulated virtual PS2 hardware that can be adjusted.
Rendering PS2 games on low-end phones was very difficult. Traditional, real-hardware-style emulation caused crashes, black screens, and poor performance. To solve this, SandboxSX2 now uses a simulated virtual real PS2 hardware approach.
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Sandboxed Environment
Runs safely and stably without stressing the actual hardware. -
Universal BIOS Support
Adapts to any PS2 BIOS, so the emulator works regardless of the version. -
Higher FPS on Weak Devices
By simulating hardware instead of fully rendering PS2 graphics, performance is much smoother on low-end phones.
This technique solves rendering issues on real phones while improving FPS and stability, making PS2 emulation accessible on a wider range of devices.
v0.7 is a major milestone, introducing the “Nervous System” of the emulator:
- Interrupt Framework (INTC): Full software-level handling for CPU interrupts
- Hardware Timers: Accurate scheduling using clock dividers for realistic VM speed
- DMA Refinement: Source Chain mode and full DMAtag (
CNT,NEXT,END) support - Core Synchronization: Precise 8:1 clock ratio between EE and IOP processors
- Live Debug Overlay: See PC, cycles, and GIF activity in real time
v0.7 is fully functional for BIOS boot and debugging, but games do not run yet.
SandboxSX2 is designed for millions of users on budget devices:
- Universal Compatibility: Android 6.0+ (including Android Go), ARM and x86 CPUs
- Safe by Design: Runs entirely in a sandbox; no root, kernel hacks, or unsafe overclocks
- Efficient & Ethical: No ads, no trackers, optimized C++ code prevents overheating
SandboxSX2 v0.7 introduces the emulator’s core "nervous system", enabling accurate hardware emulation and advanced debugging:
- Fully isolated emulation of PS2 hardware from the host device.
- Ensures OS stability even on low-RAM devices.
- Prevents uncontrolled hardware access and privacy risks.
- Deterministic execution for reliable debugging and testing.
- Emulates PS2 interrupt request handling with mask and prioritization logic.
- Interrupts delivered deterministically to the Emotion Engine (EE).
- Supports step-by-step tracing for debugging CPU behavior.
- Accurate cycle-based emulation of PS2 hardware timers.
- Enables precise scheduling for DMA, audio, and future GPU operations.
- Facilitates synchronization testing and timing analysis.
- Controlled transfers between CPU, memory, and subsystems.
- Synchronization-aware execution prevents race conditions.
- Optimized for stability on low-end devices.
- Centralized VM loop synchronizes CPU, timers, and DMA subsystems.
- Stable execution with safe pause, resume, and reset functionality.
- Provides a consistent platform for debugging and hardware validation.
- Real-time visualization of CPU execution, interrupts, timers, and DMA activity.
- Memory access and execution state inspection for developer analysis.
SandboxSX2 requires official PlayStation 2 BIOS files in .bin format. These are not included.
- Required:
scphXXXX.bin(Main BIOS) - Optional:
rom1.bin,rom2.bin,erom.bin,nvm.bin,mec.bin
How to copy BIOS files:
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- Open ZArchiver or any file manager on your device.
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- Go to your Downloads folder.
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- Find the
.binBIOS file, then hold/tap and copy (depending on your file manager).
- Find the
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- Navigate to:
Android/Data/com.maxrblx1.sandboxsx2/files/ps2_bios -
- Paste the
.binfile here.
- Paste the
-
⚠️ If you don’t have a BIOS file yet, you can download a free PS2 BIOS from the internet (make sure it is.bin).
Missing optional files may reduce compatibility with some games but will not prevent the emulator from running BIOS/debug.
- v0.1 → EE CPU Skeleton – Project structure, stubbed EE core, modular architecture
- v0.2 → Instruction Decoder + BIOS Loader – Decoder framework, BIOS loader, verified boot parsing
- v0.3 → Memory Map (RAM, Scratchpad, IOP) – Defined regions, integrated IOP mapping, memory access validation
- v0.4 → GS / IOP / SPU2 Stubs – Stubbed Graphics Synthesizer, IOP, SPU2; hooks for audio/video
- v0.5 → Full VM Loop – Stable VM loop, BIOS boot, debug overlay, tested on low-end hardware
- v0.6 → Instruction Semantics – Arithmetic & Logic ops, Branch/Jump instructions, memory access, exceptions, HI/LO/COP0 handling
- v0.7 → Interrupts, Timers & DMA Refinement (100% DONE) – INTC handling, hardware timers, DMA Source Chain + DMAtag, 8:1 EE:IOP clock sync, live debug overlay
- v0.8 → GS Rendering Prototype + Hybrid JIT
- Vulkan/GLES pipeline
- Basic frame buffer output
- Hybrid JIT for hot instruction blocks
- GPU debug overlay
- v0.9 → SPU2 Audio + IOP Expansion – Audio playback integration, IOP subsystem expansion, audio sync
- v1.0 → Public Beta Release (Playable) – Playable PS2 titles on all supported Android devices, full Sandbox safety layer, community-driven features
- Download: Get the latest APK from the Releases Page
- Install: Enable “Install from Unknown Sources” on your Android device
- Setup BIOS:
- Install ZArchiver or any file manager
- Copy your
.binBIOS files to:Android/Data/com.maxrblx1.sandboxsx2/files/ps2_bios
- Launch: Tap Setup BIOS, then Start Engine
- Only BIOS loading and VM debugging are available now; game support will arrive in v1.0
- Developer: MaxRBLX1 (Solo Project)
- License: MIT License — Open, safe, and free
- Discord: Join the SandboxSX2 Community
SandboxSX2 — BIOS loader and debugging platform today, full PS2 gameplay in v1.0.