The ARMSX2 Remote Play arrived on the PlayStation 2 emulator for Android in version 2.8.4, released on October 17, 2026. As a result, this new feature allows you to invite a friend to play as a second participant via Wi-Fi or the internet, streaming the session from the host device to another device.

According to the official release notes for version 2.8.4, the guest can use their controller or the touch buttons of ARMSX2. Furthermore, they do not need to have the game installed, as they receive the video streamed by the host. Even so, this does not mean that all PS2 games offer multiplayer.

How does ARMSX2 Remote Play work?

First, to play on the same Wi-Fi network, the host opens a game, enters the in-game menu, taps the blue friends icon, and selects the local network hosting option. Then, the second player finds the session in the Remote Play menu of their library. As for playing over the internet, the host chooses Online Invite and sends a six-character code, which is valid for ten minutes.

For security, before streaming, the host must accept the join request. In addition, the stream flows directly between the devices, with no intermediate server for the video. However, certain networks may block P2P connection over the internet. Finally, the feature also requires compatible versions of ARMSX2, starting from 2.8.4, on both devices.

Additionally, the developer reports support for touch controls, remote gamepad vibration, and streaming in both Vulkan and OpenGL. Meanwhile, on the local network, Android 17 may request nearby device permission.

ARMSX2 2.8.4 also fixes performance and textures

Regarding performance, the changelog cites a reduction of approximately 5% to 6% in EE recompiler cycles in Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal, using Snapdragon 865. Meanwhile, Shadow of the Colossus showed a 1.5% to 3% drop in this metric. Therefore, these data are from the project and do not equate to a universal FPS increase.

Furthermore, the update allows importing ZIP and TAR.ZST texture packs via the interface and fixes savestate loading issues with MTVU. At the same time, the version brings tweaks for Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance and for the software renderer in Spider-Man 3. We had already reported the preparations to import compressed textures and the changes in version 2.8.3.

How to download ARMSX2 2.8.4 on Android

To download, the official repository offers four Android APKs, separated by system version and architecture requirements. It is worth remembering that the files are emulator packages, do not include games or BIOS. Therefore, use only BIOS dumped from your own PS2 console and legitimate copies of the games.

1. To get started, choose and download below the official APK corresponding to your device's Android version. For older devices, check the legacy variant and the project requirements.

Despite the news, the ARMSX2 Remote Play is a new feature and depends on the connection between the two devices. For now, the operational details are those disclosed by the developers; there has been no independent testing of latency, network compatibility, or stability during a full match.

Sources: official ARMSX2 2.8.4 release; project repository.