A YouTuber manages to run Windows 95 on his PS2 after 14 hours of testing, but Doom resists.

In an age of rapid technological advancement, there are still enthusiasts who look back with nostalgia and curiosity. A recent case has captured the attention of the retro and tech community: a youtuber named MetraByte has managed to run Windows 95 on a PlayStation 2, one of Sony's most iconic consoles. Despite the antiquated nature of both systems, The challenge was neither simple nor immediate.

The initial objective It went beyond just seeing the famous Windows desktop. The real goal was to test whether DOOM, one of the most popular video games of the 90s, could run in that environment. The truth is that the experience didn't turn out as expected, but it does offer a A fascinating look at what happens when creativity and technology intersect.

How do you run a Windows system on a console like the PS2?

The key to the entire process lies in emulation. The MIPS architecture, used in the PS2's Emotion Engine processor, is radically different from the x86 standard for which Windows 95 was designed. Therefore, direct installation of the operating system was not possible. MetraByte turned to the Bochs emulator, capable of simulating a functional x86 environment within the console..

With the help of a USB keyboard and an IDE hard drive connected to the console, the creator of the project began the long journey to see the Windows 95 desktop on screen. The PS2's built-in USB port offered too low performance, so he opted to transfer the necessary files using an externally connected hard drive with an old interface.

During the process multiple appeared technical problems. Read errors, driver conflicts, and drive identification failures were just some of the obstacles. The YouTuber He also experimented with other emulators such as DOSBox, although these attempts did not yield any viable results.

It was not until after a few 14 hours of testing, adjustments and frustrations that finally got Windows 95 to boot. The console correctly displayed the operating system interface, including basic tools like Notepad and Paint. However, the response was extremely slow and the lack of mouse support severely limited the experience.

And what happened to DOOM?

One of the essential purposes of the project was to demonstrate that DOOM, famous for running on almost any system imaginable, could run on a PS2 running Windows 95. But it wasn't like that. The Doom95 launcher did start, but the game installation was systematically failingDespite multiple attempts, the game never ran operationally.

This highlights a reality that we sometimes overlook: even if you manage to run an older operating system in an unsupported environment, that no guarantee which can run stably or run demanding software. DOOM, although lightweight, requires certain basic resources that this build lacked.

MetraByte has documented the whole odyssey in one video on his YouTube channelThere he explains how he had to modify the console internally, create specific partitions on the hard drive, and test different configurations until he found one that allowed him to boot the system.

The PS2, a console that continues to challenge limits

Although the PlayStation 2 has been off the market for years, it continues to be the subject of creative projects and technical challenges. This experiment is part of the growing phenomenon of give new life to old devices, especially among modders and retro software enthusiasts.

This process has brought to the table the real limitations of a console that, in its day, was cutting-edge. The extreme slowness of the operating system, incompatibilities with peripherals and need for multiple adjustments make it clear that these experiments have more educational and exhibition value than practical value.

Even so, these projects spark the interest of many users who are passionate about machines from another era. a mix of nostalgia and technical challenge It turns these cases into genuine tests of ingenuity. Moreover, if they allow systems like Windows 95 to be revived in unexpected contexts, they increase their appeal.

This attempt to get DOOM running on a console that's over 20 years old demonstrates just how difficult it is to port software to such disparate hardware. It also shows that, while the emulation has advanced a lot, Not everything is possible in the world of mods.

Alberto navarro

I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.

If you have any questions, my knowledge ranges from everything related to the Windows operating system as well as Android for mobile phones. And my commitment is to you, I am always willing to spend a few minutes and help you resolve any questions you may have in this internet world.