ares vs PPSSPP
ares
ares-emu.net
PPSSPP
ppsspp.orgSide by side
| Figure | ares | PPSSPP |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 2 | 4 |
| Spec score · Game Console Emulators | 9.0 (#1) | 8.9 (#5) |
| Founded | 2020 | 2012 |
| License | The source code is distributed under the ISC license. | PPSSPP is open source under GPL version 2 or any later version. |
| Purpose | ares is a cross-platform, open-source multi-system emulator focused on accuracy and preservation. | PPSSPP is a PSP emulator that runs games and other software originally made for the Sony PSP. |
| Save states | Save states let users resume games that lack native saving. | PPSSPP supports save states, configurable slots and automatic state loading. |
| What it does | ares is a cross-platform emulator for multiple game systems, built around accuracy and software preservation. | PPSSPP emulates Sony PSP games and software on supported devices. |
Plans
PPSSPP
- PPSSPPFree
- PPSSPP FreeFree
- PPSSPP Gold for Android$4.99, paid once
- PPSSPP Gold for Windows/macOSPriced on request
In their own words
ares
ares is a free, open-source emulator for multiple systems, with a stated focus on accuracy and preservation. It supports systems including Arcade, Atari 2600, WonderSwan, ColecoVision, NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and PlayStation, though some listed systems are experimental. Playback options include save states, run-ahead, rewind, and fast-forward. Pixel shaders and optional color correction can alter display characteristics, while Virtual Game-Pads let users configure controls for use across emulated systems. The interface framework uses WinAPI on Windows, Cocoa on macOS, and GTK2 or GTK3 on POSIX platforms. Simple debugging features such as trace logging support development of original software for supported systems. Windows builds support Windows 7 or later; AMD64 binaries require at least Intel Nehalem or AMD Jaguar architecture. macOS binaries require Catalina 10.15 and support Intel and Apple Silicon. The project prefers Linux users compile from source and points to third-party packages rather than official Linux binaries. Source code uses the ISC license. Android is not supported, and a BIOS is required.
PPSSPP
PPSSPP is a PSP emulator for running games and other software made for the Sony PlayStation Portable. It is available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows, with a free plan at free. Games can run at full HD resolution or higher, with texture upscaling and post-processing shaders. Players can use save states and a turbo button, customize touch controls, or connect a controller or keyboard. Save data transferred from a real PSP can continue a game. PPSSPP supports PSP ad hoc and infrastructure multiplayer, including ad hoc play through relay servers, and supports RetroAchievements after account sign-in. It runs PSP software only, not PS1 games or UMD Video discs; users must supply their own PSP game files. Compatibility reports are collected anonymously only when manually enabled. The open-source project is licensed under GPL 2.0 or later. Its official site provides documentation, FAQs, troubleshooting guides and community forums. PPSSPP Gold is available for Android, Windows, macOS and iOS, but not currently for Linux or Steam Deck.