# Pokémon GO vs PPSSPP

The clearest difference is rating: PPSSPP at 4.5 against Pokémon GO's 4.0. PPSSPP also leads on ads (none vs shown) and review sentiment (72% vs 44%). Pokémon GO's advantage is ratings volume (656K vs 2.8K) and update cadence (weekly vs every 4 weeks). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Pokémon GO sells 21 one-off in-app purchases and PPSSPP sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

PPSSPP holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pokémon GO has 656K ratings behind it against 2.8K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 44% of Pokémon GO's written reviews are positive against 72% of PPSSPP's.

Pokémon GO ships an update weekly, PPSSPP every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Pokémon GO | PPSSPP |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (656K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pokemon-go/id1094591345/reviews) | **[4.5 (2.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ppsspp-psp-emulator/id6496972903/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **656K** | 2.8K |
| Positive reviews | 43.6% of reviews | **72.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 4 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#1** | — |
| Size | 390 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Scopely Explore, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1037205060) | [Henrik Rydgård](https://appshunter.io/developer/1741218068) |

## What reviewers say

### Pokémon GO

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pokemon-go/id1094591345)

**Currently charting:** #1 Top Grossing · Role Playing, #2 Top Grossing · Strategy, #3 Top Free · Role Playing, #8 Top Grossing · Games, #14 Top Free · Strategy, #27 Top Grossing, #85 Top Free · Games (US App Store)

Explore your surroundings to discover and catch virtual creatures. Journey with your companions, battle in gyms, and team up with others for powerful raids. Get moving for real-life adventures!

**Highlights:** Discover Pokémon in the real world, Catch Pokémon to complete Pokédex, Journey with Buddy Pokémon, Compete in Gym battles, Team up for Raid Battles, Utilize Adventure Sync for walking distance

**In-app purchases (21)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 100 PokéCoins | $0.99 | one-time |
| Event Bonus | $0.99 | one-time |
| Small Box | $1.99 | one-time |
| Evergreen Ticket 1 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Event Ticket | $1.99 | one-time |
| Event Ticket | $4.99 | one-time |
| 550 PokéCoins | $4.99 | one-time |
| Ticket | $4.99 | one-time |
| Event Ticket | $7.99 | one-time |
| 1,200 PokéCoins | $9.99 | one-time |
| Event Pass Deluxe Plus Points | $9.99 | one-time |
| Finale Pass | $14.99 | one-time |
| Event Pass Deluxe | $14.99 | one-time |
| GO Fest Ticket | $14.99 | one-time |
| Finale Pass Plus Points | $19.99 | one-time |
| GO Pass Deluxe | $19.99 | one-time |
| 2,500 PokéCoins | $19.99 | one-time |
| Event Pass Deluxe Plus Points | $19.99 | one-time |
| GO Pass Deluxe Plus Points | $24.99 | one-time |
| 5,200 PokéCoins | $39.99 | one-time |
| 14,500 PokéCoins | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Addictive and fun gameplay
- 👍 Encourages outdoor activity
- 🚀 Frequent updates and new content
- 👍 Brings people together
- 🚀 Innovative AR features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Frequent crashes and glitches
- 🔋 Drains battery quickly
- 🔒 Privacy concerns with data collection
- 💰 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🚫 Inaccessible for rural/disabled players

**Reported bugs**

- GPS/location issues causing gameplay problems
- Bugs with egg hatching and buddy Pokémon
- Inconsistent performance across devices
- Glitches with raid battles and rewards

**Requested features**

- In-game chat/communication system
- Ability to trade items between players
- More customization options for avatars
- Improved tracking and spawn system
- Easier access to rare/legendary Pokémon


### PPSSPP

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ppsspp-psp-emulator/id6496972903)

Experience your favorite PSP titles on your iOS device with high-definition graphics and enhanced features. This emulator allows you to play a vast library of PSP games with excellent performance. Access your own game files or explore free homebrew titles.

**Highlights:** Play PSP games on iOS, High-definition graphics, Extra features, High performance, Supports ISO/CSO files, Built-in Homebrew Store

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PPSSPP Gold | $3.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth performance
- 👍 Easy to use
- 💡 Supports controllers
- 🎮 Able to play classic PSP games
- 🔥 Amazing emulation experience

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes
- 🔋 Battery drain issues
- 🤔 Compatibility problems with certain games
- 🔇 Sound issues with some games

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when trying to load save files
- Controller mapping not working properly
- Certain games not launching or freezing

**Requested features**

- Add support for PS2 and PS3 emulation
- Improve save state functionality
- Implement haptic feedback for on-screen controls
- Allow customization of button mapping
- Add portrait mode support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Pokémon GO free?

Pokémon GO is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is PPSSPP free?

PPSSPP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Pokémon GO or PPSSPP?

PPSSPP is rated higher. Pokémon GO averages 4.0 out of 5 from 656K ratings, while PPSSPP averages 4.5 from 2.8K ratings.

### Do Pokémon GO or PPSSPP have ads?

Pokémon GO shows ads; PPSSPP does not.

### Which is updated more often, Pokémon GO or PPSSPP?

Pokémon GO ships an update weekly, and PPSSPP every 4 weeks. Most recently, Pokémon GO was updated on November 1, 2026 and PPSSPP on November 1, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*