QuackStation vs Vita3K
QuackStation
github.comVita3K
vita3k.orgSide by side
| Figure | QuackStation | Vita3K |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 2 |
| Spec score · PlayStation Emulators | 7.4 (#12) | 8.3 (#3) |
| License | The project states it is licensed under GNU GPLv3 or later, while noting that it is effectively GPLv3 only for now. | The main Vita3K repository is distributed under GPL-2.0. |
| Purpose | QuackStation is a PlayStation 1 emulator with a Qt front end and a fullscreen/TV interface based on Dear ImGui. | Vita3K is an experimental open-source PlayStation Vita emulator. |
| Support | The README says packages from sources other than GitHub Releases may be out of date and are not supported by the developer.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 directs users to Discord for help and GitHub issues for general problems; game-specific issues go to the compatibility repository. |
Plans
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.
Vita3K
Vita3K is a free, experimental, open-source emulator for PlayStation Vita, with builds listed for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. The project describes itself as hobby-driven, with developers deciding what to work on and when. Game compatibility varies: the FAQ says over 50% of tested games are marked playable, but not every title is supported and flawless play is not assured. Vita3K accepts .pkg, VCI, NoNpDrm, FAGDec, and manually decrypted games; Vitamin dumps are unsupported and Maidump is unstable. Some titles require PS Vita system modules installed with firmware packages. Keyboard and mouse work out of the box, and SDL3-compatible controllers are supported, with DualShock 4 and DualSense recommended. Vulkan is recommended when supported, while OpenGL remains available for older hardware. Ad-Hoc multiplayer is partly implemented and works with some commercial games through services such as ZeroTier or Tailscale. Users must dump their own commercial games; the project says it does not condone piracy. Minimum PC requirements include a 64-bit CPU, graphics capable of OpenGL 4.4 or Vulkan 1.0, and at least 4 GB RAM.