The title kind of explains it, is there such a thing as a LEGIT emulator for xbox 360 that allows a PC to run xbox games, or is it all a myth? 

 

and if it is a thing, chances of being able to play GTAV Xbox on computer? (Only asking because I don't have the $ for an xbox or ps3 but my computer can handle some things pretty well)

I think there's one around, yes. But you will need a monster of a computer to be able to run it. 

Emulation of current gen consoles would kill every computer.

From what I've read online, there isn't a legitimate xbox 360 emulator, just due to the complexity of creating one.

From what I've read online, there isn't a legitimate xbox 360 emulator, just due to the complexity of creating one.

Not entirely true. There is one. Probably can't link it since that would be illegal, but I know there's one around. Just going to have to take my word for it I'm afraid. 

Not entirely true. There is one. Probably can't link it since that would be illegal, but I know there's one around. Just going to have to take my word for it I'm afraid. 

 

Ok, I believe you. :) I haven't researched an emulator that much since I have an xbox 360.

 

Edited September 23, 201312 yr by br100x

There is not, everything on the web is either a fake or running in interpreter mode, thus very very slow.

There is not, everything on the web is either a fake or running in interpreter mode, thus very very slow.

 

That's what I read, but I do think there is a PS3 emulator out there.

There is not, everything on the web is either a fake or running in interpreter mode, thus very very slow.

Guess I have to rewrite my statement. I was so sure I had seen one.. Microsoft probably has one though x)

Ah okay, thank you very much for everyone who replied! All great info to know

I'd be surprised if Microsoft had an emulator, seeing as they have as many Xboxes as they want and can modify them however needed without worrying about 'warranty'. Commercial developers have access to development kits, which are specialized hardware produced by the console manufacturer that are disigned to develop and debug code on. Emulation is stupid when the manufacturer is able and willing to supply you with modified hardware to handle the needs of development.

Also, based on my rudimentary knowledge of these systems, I'd be *shocked* if there's an emulator that can play commercial games at reasonable speed. The PS3 and Xbox 360 have highly specialized processors with different architectures than the x86 processors in general-purpose computers. While I've heard that the first Xbox was literally a standard x86 computer running an OS based on DirectX (hence the name 'Xbox'), the 360 is much more specialized. That's really hard to quickly emulate.

cp702 is right. While you *could* rebuild the processor with a lot of effort in so called interpreter mode, so executing every instruction line by line, to get reasonable speed you need it to run in compiler mode, so you have to optimize the code before running it in order to gain performance. This process takes a lot of time and is not even completely finished for the PS2 emulator.

 

For those of you who think they saw an emulator for XBOX 360 or PS3: There are quite a few websites and videos on youtube showcasing how they load up a game and play it using an emulator - the screenshots and videos are faked however. The software you can download requires you to download a BIOS which will do nothing but generate ads money for the developers - if you look at the code of the emulators you'll see they are just 5minutes work in VS and can't do anything but display the "BIOS missing, please download here: XXX" message.

cp702 is right. While you *could* rebuild the processor with a lot of effort in so called interpreter mode, so executing every instruction line by line, to get reasonable speed you need it to run in compiler mode, so you have to optimize the code before running it in order to gain performance. This process takes a lot of time and is not even completely finished for the PS2 emulator.

 

For those of you who think they saw an emulator for XBOX 360 or PS3: There are quite a few websites and videos on youtube showcasing how they load up a game and play it using an emulator - the screenshots and videos are faked however. The software you can download requires you to download a BIOS which will do nothing but generate ads money for the developers - if you look at the code of the emulators you'll see they are just 5minutes work in VS and can't do anything but display the "BIOS missing, please download here: XXX" message.

 

 I just wanted to make this statement.  I read what you wrote and now my head hurts from trying to under stand everything I wish I knew that much and my hats off to you I don't know how you keep it all straight thank god for ppl like you ....... but back on topic yea was discussing this with a buddy the other day and the short version is no 360 Emulator only a virus or so he said lol

I'd be surprised if Microsoft had an emulator, seeing as they have as many Xboxes as they want and can modify them however needed without worrying about 'warranty'. Commercial developers have access to development kits, which are specialized hardware produced by the console manufacturer that are disigned to develop and debug code on. Emulation is stupid when the manufacturer is able and willing to supply you with modified hardware to handle the needs of development.

Also, based on my rudimentary knowledge of these systems, I'd be *shocked* if there's an emulator that can play commercial games at reasonable speed. The PS3 and Xbox 360 have highly specialized processors with different architectures than the x86 processors in general-purpose computers. While I've heard that the first Xbox was literally a standard x86 computer running an OS based on DirectX (hence the name 'Xbox'), the 360 is much more specialized. That's really hard to quickly emulate.

Was pretty sure that during E3, all Xbox360 and One games were played on a PC. But that could also mean they were using a PC version of the games, which sounds more likely now that I have it typed out. Ah, I give up.