DOSBox vs DOSBox PSP
DOSBox
dosbox.comDOSBox PSP
github.comSide by side
| Figure | DOSBox | DOSBox PSP |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · MS-DOS Emulators | 9.0 (#1) | 8.2 (#6) |
| Configuration | Settings are controlled through command-line options and text configuration files that are generated automatically. | DOSBox settings are stored in dosbox.conf, with some options changeable through batch files and others requiring direct edits to the configuration file. |
| Documentation | The project provides a large v0.74-3 manual, FAQ, tutorial and configuration wiki covering installation, controls, networking and troubleshooting. | The project wiki lists pages about configuration, input methods and mapping, compatibility, batch files, IR keyboard support, and launchers. |
| Purpose | DOSBox is a DOS emulator intended to run older programs and games that do not run on newer computers. | DOSBox PSP is a port of DOSBox for the PlayStation Portable. |
| What it does | DOSBox is a PC emulator with built-in DOS aimed primarily at running DOS games. | DOSBox PSP is a port of DOSBox for the PlayStation Portable. |
Plans
In their own words
DOSBox
DOSBox is a free, open-source DOS emulator for running older programs and games that may not run on newer computers. It emulates 286 and 386 CPUs in real and protected modes, along with XMS and EMS memory. Its graphics support covers Tandy, Hercules, CGA, EGA, VGA, and VESA, while sound emulation includes SoundBlaster and Gravis UltraSound cards. Users can mount floppy and CD-ROM images, including ISO and CUE/BIN formats. DOSBox also supports IPX networking through its internal IPXNET program and can emulate a serial nullmodem cable over a network or the internet. The site identifies version 0.74-3 as the latest version and lists builds or packages for Mac OS X, Windows, Fedora, and Debian, along with source code. Its game compatibility list uses statuses including runnable, playable, and supported. For untrusted files, the site recommends secure mode; that mode disables MOUNT, IMGMOUNT, and BOOT. DOSBox runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, and the forum is the suggested place to ask about usage or a particular game.
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.