DOSBox PSP vs DOSBox-X
DOSBox PSP
github.comDOSBox-X
dosbox-x.comSide by side
| Figure | DOSBox PSP | DOSBox-X |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · MS-DOS Emulators | 8.2 (#6) | 8.7 (#4) |
| Configuration | DOSBox settings are stored in dosbox.conf, with some options changeable through batch files and others requiring direct edits to the configuration file. | It includes a graphical configuration tool and many options for customizing the virtual machine. |
| License | The repository lists a GPL-2.0 license. | The main repository identifies the software as GPL-2.0 licensed. |
| Origin | The project describes itself as DOSBox with PSP patches applied and says it was originally ported to PSP by crazyc. | DOSBox-X began as a DOSBox fork in mid-2011, maintained by Jonathan Campbell and contributors. |
| Purpose | DOSBox PSP is a port of DOSBox for the PlayStation Portable. | DOSBox-X is an open-source DOS emulator for running DOS applications and games. |
| What it does | DOSBox PSP is a port of DOSBox for the PlayStation Portable. | DOSBox-X emulates IBM PC hardware and DOS environments so modern computers can run DOS games and applications. |
Plans
In their own words
DOSBox PSP
DOSBox PSP is a DOSBox port for running MS-DOS software on the PlayStation Portable. The project describes it as DOSBox adapted with PSP patches, and credits crazyc with the original port. It supports CUE/BIN disk images, gamepads, audio CDs and Neo Geo CD; save states are not supported. Configuration is stored in dosbox.conf: some settings can be changed through batch files, while others require editing the file. CPU cycle settings are a key factor in performance and may take trial and error to tune. The dynamic CPU core can improve performance for most games, but may reduce stability. Available memory varies by model: the PSP 1000 is limited to around 12 MB, while PSP 2000, 3000 and Go models can allocate about 42 MB by changing memsize; higher settings may cause instability. The initial pre-release build starts at a command line without a file manager, and the project recommends adding a third-party launcher such as LaunchBox for MS-DOS. The project lists a GPL-2.0 license and requires the PSP toolchain to build.
DOSBox-X
DOSBox-X is a free, open-source DOS emulator for running DOS applications and games on Linux, macOS and Windows. It also supports DOS-based Windows guests, including Windows 3.x and Windows 9x/Me. The project emphasizes general emulation and accurate hardware behavior, with DOS/V services and emulation for NEC PC-98, AX and J-3100 systems. A graphical configuration tool and many virtual-machine options let users adjust the emulated environment. DOSBox-X provides up to 100 save slots, with automatic saving for selected programs or at user-defined intervals. Its emulated NE2000 adapter supports guest networking through PCAP and Slirp backends. Printing can use parallel ports and real or emulated printers, with PostScript or PNG output. Launching host applications from the emulator is disabled by default for security and can be enabled through configuration or a command-line option. The project describes use for DOS software, historical preservation, testing and continued DOS development; emulating Pentium 4-or-higher CPUs and post-2000 PC hardware are listed as non-goals.