# Best PlayStation emulator: DuckStation, the Gold Cartridge pick

Page: https://whichemulator.wtf/ps1/ · Reference: WEM-PS1-E94V

The Ask API at `GET https://whichemulator.wtf/ask` answers questions from the same data as this page, and it is the only place the setup steps are published. It takes `q` (the question, 3 to 500 characters) and an optional `page` (a local path such as `/ps1/`). It returns JSON `{answer, consoles, sources, follow_ups}`, or Markdown when the request sends `Accept: text/markdown`. No key; 30 requests a minute per IP. Guide: https://whichemulator.wtf/skill.md

Sony PlayStation, Sony, 1994. PS1 / PSX.

## Recommended: DuckStation

whichemulator.wtf calls its recommendation for each system the Gold Cartridge pick. For the PlayStation, the Gold Cartridge pick is DuckStation.

The standard for PS1 now. PGXP fixes the wobbling textures, upscaling looks clean, and it's fast and easy to set up. Nothing else comes close for most people.

Runs on Windows · Mac · Linux · Android. Open source. Download: https://www.duckstation.org

**BIOS required:** DuckStation needs a BIOS dumped from your own PlayStation. It tells you exactly which file it wants and where to put it.

## Alternatives

- [Mednafen](https://mednafen.github.io) (Windows · Mac · Linux, open source): The accuracy reference. No GUI — use Mednaffe as a frontend.
- [ePSXe](https://www.epsxe.com) (Windows · Linux · Android, closed source): Defined PS1 emulation for years. Still works, but DuckStation has replaced it.

## RetroArch cores

- Beetle PSX HW: hardware-accelerated, best visuals
- Beetle PSX: software renderer, more accurate
- PCSX-ReARMed: for low-end hardware

Beetle PSX HW recommended

## Hardware

- Polygons/sec: ~360,000
- Colours: 16.7 million
- Resolution: 256×224 to 640×480
- Sound: SPU · 24 voices
- Library: ~4,000 games

## Notes

### PGXP

The PS1 snapped 3D geometry to whole pixels, which is why everything wobbles. PGXP keeps the extra precision and the wobble disappears without changing the art.

### Memory cards

Saves live on virtual memory cards stored as files, and DuckStation can import saves dumped from real cards.

## Support the developers

- [Star on GitHub](https://github.com/stenzek/duckstation)

## Questions the Ask API answers

- [Which PlayStation emulator should I use on an iPhone?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+PlayStation+emulator+should+I+use+on+an+iPhone%3F&page=%2Fps1%2F&via=page)
- [Which RetroArch core should I use for the PlayStation?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+RetroArch+core+should+I+use+for+the+PlayStation%3F&page=%2Fps1%2F&via=page)
- [Does PlayStation emulation need a BIOS?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Does+PlayStation+emulation+need+a+BIOS%3F&page=%2Fps1%2F&via=page)