Direct3D 12 backend
Release 0.3.6 includes an experimental native Windows DirectX 12 renderer. Terminator 2D reaches gameplay, Raiden IV its first stage and Super Woden GP its map. Vulkan remains the default; Linux uses Vulkan.
Repository notes through October 30, 2026
Choosing a renderer
Windows launcher Settings has a Graphics API card with Vulkan and DirectX 12. The launcher stores graphics_api=vulkan or graphics_api=d3d12 in the portable ps5pcem.ini and passes PS5_GRAPHICS_API to game-run, so the choice applies on the next launch. Vulkan is the default. The launcher labels DirectX 12 experimental in all twelve languages, and the sidebar shows it in place of the Vulkan device status.
The same variable works from the command line, where d3d12 and dx12 are both accepted. Linux builds select Vulkan, and the runner rejects d3d12 there. An unknown value is rejected before a title loads. If D3D12 initialisation or execution fails, the runner does not substitute Vulkan: unsupported GPU work prints its reason and ends the experimental run instead of reporting the work as complete. Headless execution is not available in this backend.
PS5PCEM 0.3.6
Indexed and indirect draws, textures, depth/stencil, MRT, DXC wave shaders, resource caches and command batching are implemented. All 48 portable D3D12 tests and native GPU probes pass for 0.3.6.
What is implemented
- Indexed and indirect draws, textures, depth/stencil, MRT, DXC wave shaders, resource caches and command batching are implemented. All 48 portable D3D12 tests and native GPU probes pass for 0.3.6.
What is still missing
- MSAA, general compute-image support and other rendering paths remain incomplete. Vulkan compatibility and FPS results do not establish DirectX or Linux performance.
Related mechanisms
What these pages are