no$psx vs QuackStation

no$psx is freeware for Windows that emulates and debugs PlayStation 1 and PSone software. It is intended to run without special video drivers, plug-ins, virtual CD-ROM drives, a system BIOS, or per-game configuration. Supported disc images include CCD+IMG, CDI, CUE+BIN, MDS+MDF, CHD, NRG, and ISO, alongside raw EXE files and ECM/CDZ decompression. Real CD-ROM drives require wnaspi32.dll, with the maker noting problems on Windows NT/2000 and later. Development tools include a disassembler, debugger, profiler, code and memory breakpoints, assembler, I/O map viewer, VRAM viewer, polygon viewer, TTY console, and PSX hardware specifications. The free BIOS clone may have compatibility issues; an original PSX-BIOS.ROM can be placed in the program folder. The maker says many games have not been tested and compatibility problems may occur. The listed v2.3 Windows 32-bit release adds pixel-accurate GPU rendering, texture/CLUT cache emulation, and timing reproduction. The plan price is free.

QuackStation is a free PlayStation 1 emulator with a Qt front end and a fullscreen interface for TV use. Its project goals include playability, speed, long-term maintainability, and performance suitable for low-end devices. It supports hardware rendering through D3D11, D3D12, OpenGL, Vulkan, and Metal, as well as software rendering. Hardware graphics options include upscaling, texture filtering, 24-bit true colour, and PGXP geometry precision and texture correction. Playback features include save states, runahead, rewind, fast boot, CPU overclocking, and time-stretched audio. Games can load from CDs and formats including BIN/CUE, raw BIN/IMG, MAME CHD, ECM, MDS/MDF, and unencrypted PBP. It supports digital and analog controllers, lightguns simulated with a mouse, NeGcon, and multitap for up to eight devices. A PS1 or PS2 BIOS ROM image is required and is not included; users must dump it from their own console. The project is licensed under GNU GPLv3 or later. Android is currently unmaintained and unsupported.