PS1 Emulator
Download a fast, accurate PlayStation 1 emulator for PC, Mac, Linux and Android. Powered by DuckStation, it brings your PS1 games to modern hardware with clean setup, sharp rendering, save states and full controller support.
The best PS1 emulator for modern devices
If you are searching for a PS1 emulator for PC, a PSX emulator or a PlayStation emulator that just works, DuckStation is one of the strongest choices available. It is built for players who want PlayStation 1 emulation that feels reliable from the very first launch - easy to run, pleasant to configure and accurate enough that games behave the way they should.
Older PlayStation emulators often forced you to choose between speed, accuracy and confusing plugin setups. DuckStation takes a modern approach, bundling a complete interface, built-in renderers, controller configuration, game-library scanning, per-game settings and memory-card tools into one application.
Download PS1 Emulator
Windows
Recommended for most PC users. For 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11.
DownloadInstaller (.exe) · 64-bit
macOS
Universal build for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs (Ventura 13.3 or newer).
DownloadUniversal app (.zip)
Linux
Portable AppImage for x86_64 desktops (Ubuntu 22.04-equivalent or newer).
DownloadAppImage (x86_64)
A PlayStation BIOS is required and is not included. Use a BIOS dumped from a console you own. No games, ROMs or BIOS files are provided here.
Key features
High compatibility
A modern emulation core built to run a wide range of the PlayStation 1 library accurately, with per-game settings when a specific title needs them.
Fast CPU emulation
CPU recompilers for x86-64, ARM32, ARM64 and RISC-V keep games running smoothly on desktops, laptops, ARM devices and handhelds.
Multiple renderers
Direct3D 11 and 12, OpenGL, Vulkan and Metal give you a rendering backend that fits your OS and GPU.
Resolution upscaling
Play PS1 games well above their original resolution for crisp 3D models, menus and UI on modern monitors, TVs and handheld screens.
PGXP geometry correction
Reduce the polygon wobble and texture warping of original hardware with PGXP geometry precision, texture correction and depth-buffer emulation.
Save states, rewind & runahead
Snapshot progress instantly, rewind past mistakes, and use runahead to cut perceived input latency for a more responsive feel.
Memory card management
Real memory cards, automatic switching, a memory-card editor and save importing keep long RPGs and multi-disc games organized.
Controller support
Keyboard, digital and analog controllers, rumble, multitap for up to 8 devices, and lightgun emulation via mouse, through SDL, XInput and DInput.
Wide disc-format support
Load physical discs and BIN/CUE, CHD, ECM, MDS/MDF, CCD and unencrypted PBP images, with optional preloading to RAM to reduce hitches.
Cheats & patches
Load cheats and PPF patches, or use the built-in community cheat and patch database for supported games.
RetroAchievements
Earn community-made achievements in supported PlayStation games and give old favorites new goals and replay value.
Post-processing shaders
Build a clean HD look or a CRT-inspired retro style with GLSL, ReShade FX and Slang shader chains.
Why this PS1 emulator stands out
The core product is dependable PlayStation 1 emulation. Enhancements are there when you want them - never a substitute for getting games right.
Accuracy first
The goal is not just to launch games. Timing, audio, geometry, controllers, memory cards and game-specific quirks are preserved closely enough that games behave the way they should - without fragile hacks or old plugin presets.
Fast on low-end hardware
Optimized recompilers and renderers mean you do not need an expensive PC. It runs well on modern desktops, laptops, mini PCs, ARM devices and handhelds.
Modern graphics, intact games
You decide how much of the original PS1 look to keep. Upscaling, true color, texture filtering, PGXP and downsampling can sharpen the image, or you can keep an authentic retro presentation.
Clean setup experience
A guided setup covers the important first steps - BIOS location, game folder, controller, memory cards and display - so you get from download to gameplay quickly, with no plugin packs.
Built for game libraries
Scan game folders, identify titles, organize a library, merge multi-disc games and share memory cards between discs - ideal for long RPGs and full personal collections.
Who it's for
Players who just want games to work
Point it to a BIOS and a game folder, connect a controller, and play. The defaults are designed to avoid unnecessary tuning.
PC users after the best PS1 emulator
A practical balance of fast performance, modern rendering and strong compatibility - a cleaner experience than older plugin-based emulators.
Retro purists
Keep settings conservative: software rendering, original aspect ratio and minimal filtering. Nothing forces a modernized look.
HD enhancement fans
Push internal resolution, true color, texture filtering, PGXP correction, downsampling and shaders for a sharper, modern image.
Collectors & preservation
Library scanning, multiple disc formats, game identification, memory-card tools and multi-disc organization suit personal backups of physical discs.
RPG & long-game players
Save states, memory cards, multi-disc handling and per-game settings make long PlayStation titles far easier to manage.
Living-room setups
A fullscreen, controller-friendly interface and automatic library scanning work well on a TV-connected PC, mini PC or handheld dock.
Streamers & creators
Video capture, windowed and fullscreen modes, controller mapping and stable performance suit recordings, retro streams and comparison videos.
System requirements
Confirm your device meets these before you install. A 64-bit system is recommended on every platform.
How to set up your PS1 emulator
Download PS1 Emulator
Choose the build for your platform - Windows, macOS, Linux or Android - from the download section above.
Install or extract
Run the Windows installer, unzip the portable build, open the macOS app, or make the Linux AppImage executable.
Add a BIOS
Provide a PlayStation BIOS dumped from a console you own. A BIOS is required and is not included.
Add your games
Point the emulator to a folder of your own legally backed-up game images. Keep BIN/CUE files together in one folder.
Set up a controller
Map an Xbox-style or PlayStation-style pad, or use the keyboard. Enable analog mode for DualShock-style games.
Choose graphics settings
Start at the defaults, confirm the game runs, then raise the internal resolution and enable PGXP one step at a time.
Save and play
Use in-game memory cards for authentic saves and save states for instant snapshots. Long games benefit from both.
BIOS & legal use
A PlayStation BIOS image is required to run games, which is normal for accurate PS1 emulation. The BIOS is not included - dump it from a PlayStation console you own, and use game backups made from discs you own, subject to your local law. This site provides the emulator only: no games, ROMs, disc images or BIOS files are hosted or linked here.
Frequently asked questions
Emulators for other consoles
Playing beyond the PlayStation 1? These independent sites cover emulators for other classic and modern consoles.