QuackStation vs ScePSX
QuackStation
github.comScePSX
github.comSide by side
| Figure | QuackStation | ScePSX |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 0 |
| Spec score · PlayStation Emulators | 7.4 (#12) | 7.3 (#13) |
| BIOS requirement | A PS1 or PS2 BIOS ROM image is required, and the emulator does not include one; the maker says users should dump it from their own console. | The emulator does not include BIOS files; users must provide one. |
| License | The project states it is licensed under GNU GPLv3 or later, while noting that it is effectively GPLv3 only for now. | The project identifies itself as MIT open source. |
| Purpose | QuackStation is a PlayStation 1 emulator with a Qt front end and a fullscreen/TV interface based on Dear ImGui. | ScePSX is a lightweight PlayStation 1 emulator written entirely in C#. |
| Support | The README says packages from sources other than GitHub Releases may be out of date and are not supported by the developer. | The project invites users to report bugs or suggest features through GitHub Issues and to contribute through pull requests. |
In their own words
QuackStation
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.
ScePSX
ScePSX is a free, MIT-licensed PlayStation 1 emulator written in C#. It runs on Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android; Android requires version 5.0 or later, with 9.0 or later recommended. Users can save and load progress, manage multiple save files, use cheats, edit and search memory, and play online multiplayer. Supported game image formats include .bin/.cue, .img/.cue, .iso, and .chd. The emulator supports D2D, D3D, OpenGL, and Vulkan renderers, which can be switched dynamically. Hardware backends support output up to 4K, while the software backend offers xBR and JINC upscaling. PGXP geometry enhancement works on software and hardware backends and can be adjusted without restarting; ReShade effects work on D3D, OpenGL, and Vulkan. Controllers are described as plug-and-play, and keyboard bindings can be customized. ScePSX does not include BIOS files, so users must provide one. Optional GameDB and ControllerDB downloads are listed, and the project accepts bug reports, suggestions, and contributions through GitHub.