Pros of RPCS3

• More mature project with a larger community and more frequent updates
• Supports a wider range of PS3 games with better compatibility
• More advanced graphics rendering and audio emulation

Cons of RPCS3

• Higher system requirements for optimal performance
• More complex setup process for users
• Larger codebase, potentially making it harder for new contributors

Code Comparison

RPCS3 (C++):

void RSXThread::on_task()
{
    g_fxo->get<rsx::dma_manager>()->init();
    on_frame_begin();
    // ...
}

Xenia (C++):

void GraphicsSystem::Initialize() {
  graphics_driver_ = xe::gpu::CreateGraphicsDriver(provider_);
  if (!graphics_driver_) {
    return;
  }
  // ...
}

Both projects use C++ for their core emulation code, but RPCS3 tends to have more complex implementations due to the intricacies of PS3 hardware emulation. Xenia's codebase is generally more straightforward, reflecting the relatively simpler architecture of the Xbox 360.

Pros of Ryujinx

• Better compatibility with a wider range of Nintendo Switch games
• More frequent updates and active development
• Supports higher resolution rendering and graphics enhancements

Cons of Ryujinx

• Generally slower performance compared to Xenia
• Higher system requirements for optimal emulation
• Less mature audio emulation

Code Comparison

Ryujinx (C#):

public void Initialize()
{
    _gpu = new GpuContext();
    _cpu = new CpuContext();
    _memory = new MemoryManager();
}

Xenia (C++):

void Initialize() {
  gpu_ = std::make_unique<gpu::GraphicsSystem>();
  cpu_ = std::make_unique<cpu::Processor>();
  memory_ = std::make_unique<Memory>();
}

Both projects use similar initialization patterns, but Ryujinx is written in C# while Xenia uses C++. This difference in programming languages affects performance and development approach. Xenia's use of C++ potentially allows for lower-level optimizations, which may contribute to its generally better performance. However, Ryujinx's C# codebase might be more accessible for contributors familiar with managed languages.

Pros of Dolphin

• More mature project with longer development history and larger community
• Supports a wider range of GameCube and Wii games
• Better documentation and user guides

Cons of Dolphin

• Higher system requirements for optimal performance
• More complex configuration options may be overwhelming for some users

Code Comparison

Dolphin (C++):

void DSP::Step()
{
  const u64 cycles = m_dsp_core.DSPCore_RunCycles(100);
  m_cycles += cycles;
  UpdateInterrupts();
}

Xenia (C++):

void Processor::Execute(int cycles) {
  auto block = TranslateBlock(guest_pc_);
  if (!block) {
    return;
  }
  block->Execute(this, cycles);
}

Both projects use C++ for their core emulation logic. Dolphin's code appears to focus on cycle-accurate emulation of the GameCube/Wii DSP, while Xenia's code shows a more general approach to executing translated blocks of Xbox 360 code.

Xenia is specifically designed for Xbox 360 emulation, while Dolphin targets GameCube and Wii. This fundamental difference in target platforms leads to distinct architectures and optimization strategies in each project.

Pros of PCSX2

• Longer development history and more mature codebase
• Supports a wider range of PS2 games with better compatibility
• More active community and frequent updates

Cons of PCSX2

• Higher system requirements for optimal performance
• More complex configuration process for some games
• Limited support for upscaling and modern graphics enhancements

Code Comparison

PCSX2 (C++):

void GSState::Flush(u32 frame)
{
    // ... (omitted for brevity)
    m_dev->Flush(m_tr.x, m_tr.y);
    m_perfmon.Put(GSPerfMon::Flush, 1);
}

Xenia (C++):

void CommandProcessor::IssueSwap() {
  // ... (omitted for brevity)
  graphics_system_->FramePresent();
  worker_running_ = false;
}

Both projects use C++ for their core emulation code. PCSX2 focuses on PS2-specific hardware emulation, while Xenia targets Xbox 360 architecture. PCSX2's codebase is more extensive due to its longer development history, while Xenia's code is more modern and streamlined for newer hardware.