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SPECIFICTION
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gem5 vs PPSSPP

gem5

gem5.org

PPSSPP

ppsspp.org

Side by side

Figuregem5PPSSPP
Price fromFreeFree
Free planYesYes
Free trial——
Open source—Yes
Windows—Yes
macOSYesYes
LinuxYesYes
iOS—Yes
Android—Yes
API—Yes
Self-hostedYes—
Plans published14
Spec score · Emulator Software7.8 (#24)8.9 (#3)
LicenseThe simulator is released under a Berkeley-style open-source license, with portions derived from other sources subject to their original licenses.PPSSPP is open source under GPL version 2 or any later version.
Purposegem5 is a modular platform for computer-system architecture research, covering system-level architecture and processor microarchitecture.PPSSPP is a PSP emulator that runs games and other software originally made for the Sony PSP.
SupportUsers can ask questions through GitHub Discussions, Slack, or mailing lists; bug reports should be submitted through GitHub issues.The official site provides documentation, frequently asked questions, troubleshooting guides, and community forums.

Plans

gem5

  • gem5Free

gem5 pricing →

PPSSPP

  • PPSSPPFree
  • PPSSPP FreeFree
  • PPSSPP Gold for Android$4.99, paid once
  • PPSSPP Gold for Windows/macOSPriced on request

PPSSPP pricing →

In their own words

gem5

gem5 has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.

Visit gem5.org

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.

Visit ppsspp.org