Wipeout 3: Special Edition is getting an experimental native port for Android that takes advantage of the dual screens of the AYN Thor. On October 10, 2026, developer Nepalms released a new demonstration of the wip3out SE project featuring redesigned menus, a modernized interface, and performance improvements compared to previous showings.

The port uses static recompilation of the original PlayStation code via PSXRecomp. In addition, the developer has implemented 16:9 support, graphical enhancements, racing indicators, and a second screen with a real-time map. However, the version is still in development and does not have a public APK available for download. Another example of an adaptation of a PlayStation classic is Tomba! 2 Recompiled, also aimed at modern computers.

Wipeout 3: Special Edition gets new menus on Android

The video published by the creator himself shows a redesign of the game's interface. Instead of faithfully recreating the 2000 menus, Nepalms decided to present a new interpretation of the visual style developed by The Designers Republic.

Thus, the update adds poster-style screens, large typography, team-related colors, katakana elements, and smoother animations.

In addition, the project now features a new PRESS START screen and a redesigned loading sequence. The pause menu has also received changes, including visual bars to represent audio volumes.

Another improvement involves items that are still locked. Unlocked racing classes, prototypes, tracks, and teams now display a padlock icon.

According to the developer, the goal is to preserve the identity of the original Wipeout while adapting the presentation for a more modern experience.

Creator's video shows the new wip3out SE interface

The original video was released by user Nepalms on Reddit on October 10. The publication demonstrates the menus, interface options, and some of the visual changes implemented in the project.

If the embedded player does not work, the video can be watched directly in the developer's original Reddit post.

Project uses PSXRecomp instead of traditional emulation

wip3out SE uses the PSXRecomp framework to pre-translate PlayStation MIPS processor instructions into executable code on modern platforms.

In this way, part of the original logic of Wipeout 3 starts working as native code on the device's processor.

However, the project still needs to reproduce graphic services, audio, timing, and other functions of the original hardware. Therefore, static recompilation does not mean eliminating all PlayStation compatibility layers.

According to Nepalms, the adaptation was developed especially for the AYN Thor, an Android handheld equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and dual screens.

The project uses the European edition of Wipeout 3: Special Edition, identified by the code SCES-02845. Thus, the work should not be confused with the North American edition of conventional Wipeout 3.

Furthermore, the developer reports that they also perform builds for Linux during testing. However, they have not announced a public or installable Linux version at this stage.

Two screens display the map, positions, and race data

One of the central features of the project is the use of the second AYN Thor panel. During races, the upper screen displays the track and the ships, while the lower one presents additional information.

According to Nepalms, the map tracks in real time the 12 ships present in the race. In addition, the panel shows position, laps, best times, speed, equipped weapon, and shield status.

The player can tap the lower screen to switch between different views. Among them are a larger map, the complete leaderboard, and detailed lap information.

In the menus, the second panel presents team data, circuits, vehicles, records, and control options. Thus, it functions as an interface extension rather than simply repeating the main image.

The creator also confirmed that the adaptation already works on a single screen, with a 16:9 presentation. However, the current development priority remains the AYN Thor.

Wipeout 3: Special Edition features 60 FPS in the author's tests

In the initial demo published on October 8, Nepalms reported running the game at 60 frames per second. To achieve this, it uses a 60 FPS patch developed by hueponik and custom timing adaptations.

In addition, the project allows modifying the internal processor timing and uses OpenGL as the default renderer, with an experimental Vulkan alternative.

The developer also implemented improvements in graphics draw call processing. In the October 10 update, he highlighted an optimization that groups OpenGL draw calls.

According to the author, this change reduced the slowdown caused by fireworks on the Manor Top track. However, he did not release an independent benchmark to allow performance comparison on other devices.

Therefore, the 60 FPS goal represents the result reported in the creator's environment, not a guarantee for any Android phone.

Another fix involved the field of vision. The developer adjusted objects that disappeared at the edges of the 16:9 image, as well as minor lines between textures when the game used higher resolutions.

New interface includes achievements and racing tools

wip3out SE also offers features that were not part of the original PlayStation edition.

Among them are 38 local achievements, verified from game memory information, and a quick save system with four slots and thumbnails.

In addition, the project features a photo mode with a free camera, filters, and composition options. The player can also set up custom soundtracks from their own audio files.

In the October 10 update, achievements got a dedicated page accessible directly from the main screen. Thus, it is no longer mandatory to use the second screen to check progress.

The developer also added an option to skip intro videos, a POWER meter to help with the race start turbo, and warnings related to the shield recovery area on the tracks.

However, the button configuration screen and other menus still need to be completed. Therefore, the project remains in development.

What changes compared to the original PS1 Wipeout 3?

Released exclusively in Europe in 2000, Wipeout 3: Special Edition brought together the content of the third game with tracks from earlier titles in the series.

The expanded edition added classic circuits from Wipeout and Wipeout 2097, as well as prototype tracks. Therefore, it offers more content than conventional Wipeout 3.

Nepalms's new project keeps this European edition as its base, but adds its own modifications to the interface, controls, performance, and presentation.

The visual style of The Designers Republic continues to be one of the main inspirations. However, the menus presented are now a reinterpretation by the developer, not a faithful reproduction of the original files.

In addition, the port takes advantage of modern graphic components to improve image stability. Among the features described by the author are PGXP, screen filters, and support for custom settings.

When will it be possible to download Wipeout 3: Special Edition for Android?

As of the October 10 update, Nepalms had not yet released a public APK for wip3out SE.

In response to a reader on Reddit, the creator explained that he intends to share a kit in the future that will allow the user themselves to generate the port from their original disc.

However, he did not announce a release date. Therefore, there is still no official installer for this adaptation that we can recommend for download.

The project was developed to use data from a legitimate copy of Wipeout 3: Special Edition, PAL SCES-02845 edition. No commercial game files were provided by the author.

For now, those interested can follow the demonstrations and future information published directly by Nepalms.

WATCH NEW WIPEOUT 3 SPECIAL EDITION FOR ANDROID VIDEO

The button above opens the creator's official demonstration. It does not offer an APK or a ready-to-use game package.

Wipeout 3 port is still an experimental demonstration

Nepalms' work shows how static recompilation can offer new possibilities for PlayStation 1 games on modern devices.

However, the project does not have a public version for independent testing. Furthermore, performance numbers, second screen functionality, and new tools were presented by the developer himself.

Therefore, it is not yet possible to confirm broad compatibility with other Android phones, stability during all races, or full functionality of unlockable content.

The project is independent and has no official affiliation with Sony, Psygnosis, or The Designers Republic.

Finally, next steps include finishing the remaining menus, expanding control options, and preparing a distribution method that does not include the game's commercial files.

Sources: Nepalms — demonstration of the new menus on 10/10/2026; Nepalms — initial demonstration of 08/10/2026; PSXRecomp framework; LaunchBox — original Wipeout 3: Special Edition.