# Super Mario Run vs PPSSPP

The clearest difference is rating: PPSSPP at 4.5 against Super Mario Run's 3.8. PPSSPP also leads on review sentiment (72% vs 45%) and update cadence (every 4 weeks vs every 3 months). Super Mario Run's advantage is ratings volume (79K vs 2.8K) and chart position (#90 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Super Mario Run sells 1 one-off in-app purchase 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 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Super Mario Run has 79K ratings behind it against 2.8K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 45% of Super Mario Run's written reviews are positive against 72% of PPSSPP's.

Super Mario Run ships an update every 3 months, PPSSPP every 4 weeks. Both last shipped on November 2, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Super Mario Run | PPSSPP |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.8 (79K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/super-mario-run/id1145275343/reviews) | **[4.5 (2.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ppsspp-psp-emulator/id6496972903/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **79K** | 2.8K |
| Positive reviews | 45.3% of reviews | **72.2% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 4 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#90** | — |
| Size | 607 MB | 44 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | **13.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Nintendo Co., Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1062496488) | [Henrik Rydgård](https://appshunter.io/developer/1741218068) |

## What reviewers say

### Super Mario Run

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/super-mario-run/id1145275343)

**Currently charting:** #90 Top Free · Action (US App Store)

A new kind of platformer where you control a character by tapping to make them run and jump. Master stylish moves to collect coins, rescue a princess, and build your own kingdom. Try out different modes before purchasing the full game.

**Highlights:** One-handed tap controls, Stylish jumps and moves, World Tour levels, Remix 10 challenges, Toad Rally competitions, Kingdom Builder customization

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| All 6 Worlds | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐ Great game
- 🎨 Awesome graphics
- 🕹️ Smooth gameplay
- 🕹️ Challenging levels
- 🕹️ Variety of game modes

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Paywall for full game
- 🔒 Requires internet connection
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- 🕹️ Lack of character/level variety
- 🕹️ Repetitive gameplay

**Reported bugs**

- Constant connection errors
- Levels not loading properly
- Saved progress not syncing across devices
- Toad rally issues (losing tickets, unfair matchmaking)

**Requested features**

- Offline mode
- More playable characters
- More level variety
- Ability to choose characters in Remix 10
- Better toad rally balancing


### 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 Super Mario Run free?

Super Mario Run 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, Super Mario Run or PPSSPP?

PPSSPP is rated higher. Super Mario Run averages 3.8 out of 5 from 79K ratings, while PPSSPP averages 4.5 from 2.8K ratings.

### Do Super Mario Run or PPSSPP have ads?

Neither Super Mario Run nor PPSSPP shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Super Mario Run or PPSSPP?

Super Mario Run ships an update every 3 months, and PPSSPP every 4 weeks. Most recently, Super Mario Run was updated on November 2, 2026 and PPSSPP on November 2, 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.*