Guide PPSSPP app — PSP Emulator: how to play Playstation Portable games?

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If you are fan of PSP games, but the console itself is collecting dust on shelf for long time, like mine, then by downloading PPSSPP you can enjoy games just like before! You can play free large collection of Playstation Portable programs in full hd resolution!

What is PSP emulator — PPSSPP?​

PSP is portable console from Sony PlayStation that conquered hearts of millions users. PPSSPP is called original and best PSP emulator for good reason. It's made with maximum quality so that even games like God of War or Monster Hunter Freedom Unite work perfectly. Developer Henrik Rydgård made emulator as simple as possible for the emulation beginners. You don't need to understand code or setup virtual machines — just download application, add game files ISO or CSO and play PSP games with perfect performance.

PPSSPP versions​

You can download it in two versions — free or PPSSPP Gold for 5 dollars, which gives nothing except supporting developers with some cash and golden logo in emulator. Both versions support HD graphics, shader settings and work with ISO/CSO files.

How to download PPSSPP Gold 1.18.1 on Android and PC?​

Latest version of emulator — 1.18.1 came out with improved compatibility and support for new features. You can download it on Android, Windows, Linux and MacOS. Let's figure out how to do this.

Playstation Portable For Android:​

1. Go to
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   or open
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   , if you want to download PPSSPP Gold for free, you can
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   and install it.
2. Click Download.
3. After installation open the app and specify path to folder with PlayStation games.

How to install PPSSPP for Windows/Mac/Linux:​

1. On
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   go to Download section and choose version for your OS, or like with Android you can
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   for PC.
2. Extract archive and run PPSSPPWindows.exe file.
3. Drag game image into emulator window — or through File menu specify path to file.

If games lag, go to Settings > Graphics and reduce resolution, turn off anti-aliasing or try different shader options. For weak devices Safe mode helps in Settings > System section.

Emulator setup and game installation​

Setup​

PPSSPP is good because even old PSP games available in HD level graphics.
Here's what you should do right after installation:

1. Resolution. In Settings > Graphics set "High resolution rendering". Even on medium level of upscale textures (2x) picture becomes sharper.
2. Textures. Activate Texture replacement if you want to load custom HD packs.
3. Controls. On Android you can use a controller through Bluetooth. On desktop PC — setup buttons in Settings > Controls.
4. Speed. If gameplay goes jerky, go to Settings > System enable Fast memory and JIT Dynarec.

For example, God of War on weak Samsung Galaxy A23 might require lowering settings, but on flagship or PC — easily handles 4x resolution and 60 FPS.

Game installation​

For loading emulator games on PSP emulation, you will need game images.

1. For their installation you can go to 4PDA website and choose any video game for installation.
2. Then in root folder of PS we create for our convenience "Games" folder and move game into it.
3. If game file is in archive, just extract everything from it to our created folder.
4. On Android, same thing, but not all devices have file manager, if there's none, install it from Play Market and follow instruction above.

Conclusion​

Download PPSSPP 1.18.1 is worth it, even if you already have PlayStation Portable. Why carry PlayStation with you when you can play HD versions on smartphone or PC. Emulator is simple to setup, doesn't require root rights or hacking, and community around it actively helps with advice.
If you have questions left, ask them in comments!