All you need is the game disc or a copy of the disc image.

Some emulators require you to have the appropriate PlayStation consoleBIOS, which is illegal to download or distribute.

See the specific instructions that come with each emulator for help getting started.

Main configuration page for RetroArch emulator

vita3k.org

Best All-in-One PlayStation Emulator: RetroArch

Sleek interface.

On par with commercial emulators.

Configuration process can be tedious.

Final Fantasy X HD running in RPCS3

Difficult to set up.

The PS1 core is called Beetle PSX, and it’s superior to most standalone original PlayStation emulators.

If you love old-school video games, RetroArch is worth a look.

Screenshot of the PS2 game Okami running on PSCX2

Best PlayStation 3 Emulator: RPCS3

Open source.

Can play some games in 4K.

More geared toward software developers.

Persona 3 FES running in PPSSPP

Not all commercial games are supported.

Can be slow and buggy.

RPCS3 is an impressive program that lets you play and debug thousands of PlayStation 3 titles.

Vita3k controller configuration page

vita3k.org

Best PlayStation 2 Emulator: PCSX2

Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Looks better than some HD remakes.

See the list ofsupported games.

Ape Escape for PS1 running in Mednafen and BizHawk

Games can be blurry or have black lines.

PCSX2 uses texture filtering and anti-aliasing to give PS2 games a polished look superior to most modern HD remakes.

Numerous cheating features and a built-in HD video recorder make PCSX2 a popular program for speedrunners.

PCSX Reloaded configuration interface

Wikipedia.org

You may never want to play PS2 games on your console again.

Best PlayStation Portable Emulator: PPSSPP

Available for Android and iOS.

Some titles look better than on original console.

XEBRA controller configuration page

Easily transfer save data via an SD card.

Mobile versions might be superior to Windows version.

This feature is beneficial since the PSP screen is so tiny.

First fully-functional Vita emulator.

No commercial games are compatible with Vita3K.

For developers interested in PS architecture.

Vita3K is an experimental project that deserves mentioning because it’s the only PlayStation Vita emulator.

Best PlayStation Emulator for Speed Runners: BizHawk

Tool of choice for PlayStation speed runners.

Full-screen and gamepad support.

Rerecording and debugging tools.

PS1 BIOS andBizHawk installer of prerequisitesrequired.

Superior alternative for multi-system emulators.

Trying to set a new world record by speedrunning your favorite game?

Most User-Friendly PlayStation Emulator: PCSX Reloaded

Wikipedia.org

Configuration is a breeze.

Automatically begin playing or customize start configs.

Works with a gamepad.

Missing features found in similar programs.

Bios emulation is incomplete.

If you prefer a standalone PS1 emulator, the obvious choice is PCSX Reloaded.

PCSX Reloaded also supports any PC compatible gamepad, so attach your DualShock controller for an authentic experience.

Most Compatible PlayStation Emulator: XEBRA

Quick set up.

Great emulator for beginners.

Known for being buggy at times.

XEBRA is a simple PlayStation emulator for Windows and Android that prioritizes authenticity.

It doesn’t add any graphical enhancements or fancy UI elements.

FAQ

Dolphin lets you play GameCube and Wii titles on your PC.

it’s possible for you to get it by downloading it fromits official site.

After you install it, you’ll need torip some of your gamesto use the emulator.

Apple doesn’t allow emulators in its App Store, so they’re harder to find.