PPSSPP vs ShadPS4
PPSSPP
ppsspp.orgShadPS4
shadps4.netSide by side
| Figure | PPSSPP | ShadPS4 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 · Game Console Emulators | 8.9 (#5) | 7.4 (#30) |
| Game files | Users must provide their own PSP game files because PPSSPP does not have the right to distribute them with the app. | Games, updates, and DLC must be dumped from the user's own copy of the game. |
| Privacy | Compatibility reports are collected only when manually enabled, anonymously, and without collecting or storing personal data. | The privacy policy says hardware, operating system, configuration, game, and version information may appear in local logs and is not automatically transmitted to the project. |
| Purpose | PPSSPP is a PSP emulator that runs games and other software originally made for the Sony PSP. | shadPS4 is an early PlayStation 4 emulator written in C++. |
| Support | The official site provides documentation, frequently asked questions, troubleshooting guides, and community forums. | The site directs users to Discord for help, questions, and general discussion. |
| 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 guide specifies at least 8 GB RAM and Windows 10, Ubuntu 22.04, or macOS 15.4. |
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.