PPSSPP vs RPCS3
PPSSPP
ppsspp.orgRPCS3
rpcs3.netSide by side
| Figure | PPSSPP | RPCS3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Spec score · Emulator Software | 8.9 (#3) | 7.4 (#29) |
| Spec score · Game Console Emulators | 8.9 (#5) | 7.4 (#29) |
| License | PPSSPP is open source under GPL version 2 or any later version. | The README says most files are licensed under GNU GPL-2.0-only, while some files may have different licenses listed in their headers. |
| Purpose | PPSSPP is a PSP emulator that runs games and other software originally made for the Sony PSP. | RPCS3 is a free, open-source PlayStation 3 emulator and debugger written in C++. |
| Save transfer | PPSSPP can continue a game using save data transferred from a real PSP. | Save data can be imported from a real PlayStation 3 using the standard USB flash drive transfer method, though some saves may need to be resigned. |
| System requirements | The maker says most PCs or Macs from the past decade can run it and Android devices from the past decade are generally supported, with performance variation. | The FAQ lists an x64 CPU, an OpenGL 4.3 capable graphics card, and a 64-bit Windows, Linux, or BSD operating system as minimum requirements. |
Plans
PPSSPP
- PPSSPPFree
- PPSSPP FreeFree
- PPSSPP Gold for Android$4.99, paid once
- PPSSPP Gold for Windows/macOSPriced on request
In their own words
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.