PS2 emulation now so good you don't need original hardware, as PCSX2 v2 released

The article discusses the advancements in PlayStation 2 emulation, particularly focusing on the release of PCSX2 version 2. The new version of the emulator offers significant improvements, including a switch to the Vulkan engine for future compatibility, eliminating the need for various plugins, and simplifying game settings adjustments. The emulator now comes with cheats and hacks included, making it easier for users to enhance their gaming experience. Additionally, PCSX2 can now read compressed hard drive files, allowing users to compress their game library without performance loss. The article highlights the enhanced graphics capabilities of the emulator, such as upscaling games to 4K resolution and applying texture replacement packs for improved visuals. Overall, the PCSX2 emulator's latest version brings substantial quality of life changes for retro gamers, offering a more seamless and enhanced gaming experience without the need for original hardware.