BlastEm vs PPSSPP
BlastEm
retrodev.com
PPSSPP
ppsspp.orgSide by side
| Figure | BlastEm | PPSSPP |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Spec score · Game Console Emulators | 9.0 (#2) | 8.9 (#5) |
| Documentation | Documentation includes a README, configuration reference, debugger instructions, issue tracker, wiki and contribution pages. | The official documentation covers getting started, settings, multiplayer, development, troubleshooting, FAQ and reference topics. |
| Gameplay features | Features include save states, cartridge save RAM and EEPROM support, turbo and slow modes, game controller input and VGM logging. | The emulator supports save states, a turbo button, enhanced high-resolution graphics, and texture upscaling. |
| Save states | The feature list includes save-state support. | PPSSPP supports save states, configurable slots and automatic state loading. |
| Security | MegaWiFi emulation can let ROMs access the network, so the feature is disabled by default because of security implications. | The privacy policy says purchase data is handled by Fastspring and that the site cannot guarantee absolute security of personal information. |
| What it does | BlastEm emulates Sega 16-bit and 8-bit consoles, with emphasis on speed and hardware accuracy. | 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
BlastEm
BlastEm is a free, open-source emulator for Sega's 16-bit and 8-bit consoles. It supports Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega CD, 32X, Master System, Game Gear, SG-1000, SC-3000, Sega Pico, and Yamaha Copera. Downloads are listed for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with an experimental web version. Gameplay features include save states, cartridge save RAM and EEPROM support, turbo and slow modes, controller input, and VGM logging. Its integrated debugger can inspect and modify state, set conditional breakpoints, run scripts, and show visual VDP tools. Developers can use the GDB remote debug protocol for source-level debugging of SGDK and other C or C++ projects. The maker describes it as fast enough for older PCs and accurate enough for demanding demos. Most Sega CD and 32X games are playable, but compatibility is not perfect. Yamaha Copera emulation is incomplete: games generally lack music, though Copera-specific ADPCM samples play. The listed macOS download is x86-64 and not notarized; the page directs ARM users to Homebrew.
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.