DuckStation preview-2

DuckStation: A Comprehensive PlayStation Emulator

DuckStation is a simulator/emulator that aims to replicate the functionality of the Sony PlayStation(TM) / PSX / PS1 console while prioritizing playability, speed, and long-term maintainability. Its main focus is achieving accuracy while maintaining optimal performance.

To start the emulator and play games, you will need a "BIOS" ROM image. Please note that the emulator does not provide this ROM image due to legal reasons. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain the BIOS image from your own console using Caetla or other suitable methods. Typically, these ROM images are named as "scphNNNN.bin" or "ps-NNN.bin," where NNNN represents the model number or ROM version. The file size should be 512KB. It is important to mention that DuckStation does not supply games; it is only intended for playing legally purchased and dumped games.

DuckStation supports various game image formats, including cue, iso, img, ecm, mds, chd, and unencrypted PBP files. If your games are in a different format, you may need to convert or re-dump them. For single track games in bin format, you can utilize the cue-maker tool available at https://www.duckstation.org/cue-maker/ to generate cue files.

Key features of DuckStation include:

- OpenGL, Vulkan (recommended), and software rendering options
- Upscaling, texture filtering, and true color (24-bit) rendering in hardware renderers
- Widescreen rendering in supported games without stretching
- PGXP for enhanced geometry precision, texture correction, and depth buffer emulation to fix texture "wobble" and polygon fighting issues
- Adaptive downsampling filter for improved graphics
- 60fps support in PAL games where applicable
- Per-game settings allowing customization of enhancements and controller mapping on an individual basis
- Up to 8 controllers supported for games with multitap capability
- Controller and keyboard binding options, including vibration for controllers
- RetroAchievements integration for supported games (https://retroachievements.org)
- Memory card editor to manage saves, import gme/mcr/mc/mcd files
- Built-in patch code database for game compatibility enhancements
- Save states with preview screenshots to easily resume gameplay
- High-speed turbo mode on mid to high-end devices
- Emulated CPU overclocking feature to improve FPS in games
- Rewinding function (not recommended for slow devices)
- Controller layout editing and scaling in the pause menu

DuckStation is compatible with both 32-bit/64-bit ARM and 64-bit x86 devices. However, please note that due to its accurate emulation, it may have moderate hardware requirements. For satisfactory performance on 32-bit ARM devices, a minimum 1.5GHz CPU is recommended.

It is important to mention that for high upscaling (greater than 2x), a mid-range device or higher is required. This is due to the number of pixels the emulator needs to render and shade, and not an issue of optimization.

For a complete list of game compatibility, please consult the following link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H66MxViRjjE5f8hOl5RQmF5woS1murio2dsLn14kEqo/edit?usp=sharing.

Instructions:

1. Install and launch the app for the first time.
2. Add game directories by tapping the add button and selecting a directory. Additional directories can be added later by choosing "Edit Game Directories" from the menu.
3. Tap on a game to start playing. The first launch of a game will prompt you to import a BIOS image.

If you are using an external controller, it is necessary to map the buttons and sticks in the settings menu.

Please note that "PlayStation" is a registered trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Limited. This project is not affiliated in any way with Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Duck icon by icons8: https://icons8.com/icon/74847/duck.

This app is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives International License (BY-NC-ND 4.0, https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Displayed games are:

- Hover Racing: http://www.psxdev.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=636
- Fromage: https://chenthread.asie.pl/fromage/
- PSXNICCC Demo: https://github.com/PeterLemon/PSX/tree/master/Demo/PSXNICCC