Windows dominates RPCS3 usage
Windows accounts for 90% of systems running RPCS3, according to new data shared by the PlayStation 3 emulator project. Linux represents 6% of users, while macOS accounts for the remaining 4%.
RPCS3 says the figures are derived from requests sent to its update API when the emulator checks for a new build. The project does not collect telemetry or hardware specifications comparable to the Steam Hardware Survey. The developers also confirmed that historical information was not recorded before this month.
What OS are people using to emulate PS3 games?
Windows 90%
Linux 6%
macOS 4%While RPCS3 performs much faster on Linux, most of our userbase is still running Windows.
— RPCS3 (@rpcs3) August 5, 2026
RPCS3 says Linux runs PS3 games faster
Despite its smaller user share, Linux reportedly offers better RPCS3 performance than Windows. The developers say the difference remains noticeable on current systems, with AMD graphics cards receiving the largest benefit.
Yes, and for AMD GPUs especially, drivers are better, allowing you to have faster performance and faster shader compilation, leading to less stuttering.
— RPCS3 (@rpcs3) August 5, 2026
According to RPCS3, Linux offers better AMD GPU drivers, faster shader compilation and less stuttering. The team has asked users to publish more Windows and Linux comparisons covering different processors, graphics cards and games.
Source: RPCS3
