PS3 Emulation Just Got Better: Online Matchmaking for Ridge Racer, Tekken, and More!
For those yearning to relive the golden era of PlayStation 3 multiplayer gaming, the RPCS3 emulator just delivered a major update. The emulator now supports online matchmaking for several beloved 2000s titles, including Armored Core 4, Ridge Racer 7, and Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection. This exciting enhancement makes it easier than ever to play these iconic games online via PC.
RPCS3, a powerhouse emulator known for its ability to boot nearly the entire PS3 library, has always stood out for its impressive handling of the notoriously complex Cell processor. The emulator extends its capabilities to include online play for select titles, with this new update expanding its repertoire further. Games like Armored Core 4, Wangan Midnight, and Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix are now fully supported for online play through PSN emulation.
RPCS3’s New Online Play Update
In a recent update, RPCS3 streamlined the process of online matchmaking for many titles previously requiring workarounds. This update supports FromSoftware's Armored Core 4 and Armored Core: For Answer, giving fans of the mech series a chance to return to these cult classics with ease. Racing fans can dive into Ridge Racer 7 and OutRun Online Arcade, while fighting game enthusiasts can relive the glory of Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection and Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit.
RPCS3 relies on a companion service called RPCN, an open-source server that emulates the peer-to-peer matchmaking used on the PlayStation 3. With the release of RPCN 1.3, several key PSN functions used by many of these games have been successfully emulated, bringing them back online. While some of these titles were technically playable before, this update simplifies the experience, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
Newly Supported Games for Online Play
Here’s a list of newly supported games that are confirmed to work with RPCS3's latest update:
Fixes and Improvements for Fighting Game Fans
In addition to new game support, developer RipleyTom noted in the update’s GitHub release that server implementations have been fixed for all of Arc System Works' PS3 fighting games, such as Persona 4 Arena and the BlazBlue series. Fans of Soul Calibur 5 and King of Fighters 13 will also be pleased to hear that these games should now work as well.
This update primarily affects games that used older PSN matchmaking APIs. While some games already have online functionality through netplay, there are others that still require custom server setups. Games like Metal Gear Solid 4: MGO2 have had custom servers since 2021, proving that with enough dedication, even the most complex online features can be brought back.
What’s Next for RPCS3?
RPCN emulates PSN’s basic matchmaking system, but it also allows for connection to fan-made private servers where available. Although it’s not entirely comprehensive, a compatibility list exists to help players find which games are playable online through the emulator.
This update breathes new life into some of the PS3’s most beloved online games, giving players a chance to experience them once again with modern hardware. As the RPCS3 team continues to refine their emulator, who knows what other online classics might be next?
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