Robert Triggs / Android Authority
TL;DR
- PS2 emulator NetherSX2 now helps Hardcore RetroAchievements on Android.
- Hardcore mode disables save states, rewind, and cheats to stage the aggressive taking part in area.
- RetroAchievements tracks over 5 million achievements throughout greater than 9,000 retro video games.
For retro players in search of a problem, Hardcore RetroAchievements are as difficult because it will get. Regardless of being obtainable solely on emulators, they require you to do issues the exhausting approach, with none trendy niceties like save states or cheats. Late final 12 months, the necessities for unlocking Hardcore RetroAchievements had been tightened, however as of this week, the PS2 emulator NetherSX2 on Android has handed the check.
Now, enabling hardcode mode on NetherSX2 model 1.8 or newer will unlock Hardcore RetroAchievement in your account. Attempting to make use of banned options like save states, rewind, or cheats will swap you to Softcore achievements, which aren’t tracked competitively within the retro gaming neighborhood. A popup will warn players earlier than this occurs so it received’t by chance kill any runs.
RetroAchievements are the easiest way to showcase your talent in retro video games.
Basically, Hardcore RetroAchievements are the “actual” model, and so they award mastery badges (just like Platinum Trophies on PlayStation) and factors for placement on the worldwide leaderboard. Softcore achievements are extra for enjoyable and usually don’t rely towards occasions and challenges. Some emulator options, similar to quick ahead, are nonetheless allowed for Hardcore achievements.
The group behind RetroAchievements introduced in December that emulators that haven’t been up to date in two years shall be downgraded to Softcore achievements, and others would must be manually accredited. NetherSX2 fell into the latter class, however after confirming that hardcore mode on NetherSX2 is working accurately, the group added it to the accredited emulator’s record. Importantly, AetherSX2, which NetherSX2 relies on, just isn’t supported.
RetroAchievements launched in 2012, and as of 2025, it tracks greater than 5 million achievements throughout 9,310 retro video games and ROM hacks. It boasts greater than one million customers, and consumer Sarconius tops the leaderboard with effectively over 1,000 retro video games mastered.
