From a user's perspective, NetherSX2 looks and feels almost identical to AetherSX2, which is no surprise given that it is a direct fork of the original code. However, under the hood, there are significant changes that define NetherSX2 as a separate entity. The most critical modifications were the removal of the forced restarts and in-app advertisements. These changes alone made NetherSX2 a more stable and user-friendly experience, allowing for uninterrupted gameplay.
The developers of NetherSX2 also took steps to prevent the app from automatically updating to Tahlreth's final version, ensuring that users would remain on a stable, ad-free build.Beyond the initial "fixes," the NetherSX2 team also introduced their own set of improvements and bug fixes. While AetherSX2 was largely in a completed state, there were still numerous minor bugs and performance issues that needed attention.
The NetherSX2 team began to address these, leveraging the knowledge and contributions of the broader emulation community. They focused on enhancing compatibility with a wider range of games, optimizing performance for different hardware configurations, and refining the user interface to make it more intuitive.
It's important to note that NetherSX2 is a community-driven project. It lacks the single, authoritative developer that AetherSX2 had. Its development is more decentralized, relying on a group of volunteers who contribute to the code. This model has its pros and cons. On one hand, it can lead to more rapid bug fixes and a greater focus on community-requested features.
On the other, it can lead to a less cohesive development path and potential security vulnerabilities if not managed correctly. The reliance on community contributions means that its long-term future is dependent on the continued passion and effort of its volunteers, unlike a project with dedicated, professional backing.