# PPSSPP vs RetroArch

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: RetroArch at none against PPSSPP's 1. RetroArch also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 4 weeks) and device support (5 vs 3). On price, rating, review sentiment and ratings volume there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. PPSSPP sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. RetroArch asks for nothing beyond the download.

PPSSPP holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 4.3. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 2.7K and 1.8K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of PPSSPP's written reviews are positive against 69% of RetroArch's.

PPSSPP ships an update every 4 weeks, RetroArch weekly. Both last shipped on September 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | PPSSPP | RetroArch |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.5 (2.7K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ppsspp-psp-emulator/id6496972903/reviews)** | [4.3 (1.8K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retroarch/id6499539433/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **2.7K** | 1.8K |
| Positive reviews | **72.1% of reviews** | 69.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 4 weeks | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Free** |
| Size | 44 MB | 652 MB |
| Requires iOS | 13.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 9+ |
| Developer | [Henrik Rydgård](https://appshunter.io/developer/1741218068) | [Libretro](https://appshunter.io/developer/1209876090) |

## What reviewers say

### 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


### RetroArch

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/retroarch/id6499539433)

This application serves as a versatile frontend for emulators and game engines, supporting a vast array of systems through downloadable cores. It offers advanced features like netplay, save states, and customizable controls for an enhanced gaming experience.

**Highlights:** Supports numerous gaming systems via libretro cores, Netplay for multiplayer gaming, Save states and fast forward/rewind, Controller support and key remapping, Customizable shaders and overlays, RetroAchievements integration, AI translations for games

**Features:** Game Controller support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Smooth emulation performance
- 🎮 Wide range of supported systems
- 🕹️ Controller support
- 💯 Comprehensive emulation features
- 🔓 No ads or tracking

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🤯 Steep learning curve
- 🤖 Unintuitive user interface
- 🐛 Stability issues and crashes
- 🔌 Slow loading times
- 🤷‍♂️ Inconsistent core support

**Reported bugs**

- N64 games not loading textures properly
- Crashes when changing settings or cores
- Bios files not being recognized
- Inconsistent performance across devices
- Saved settings not persisting

**Requested features**

- Add support for PS2, GameCube, and 3DS emulation
- Improve iCloud/cloud storage integration
- Implement customizable button layouts
- Add a more user-friendly setup wizard
- Provide better documentation and tutorials


## Frequently asked questions

### Is PPSSPP free?

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

### Is RetroArch free?

RetroArch is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, PPSSPP or RetroArch?

PPSSPP is rated higher. PPSSPP averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2.7K ratings, while RetroArch averages 4.3 from 1.8K ratings.

### Do PPSSPP or RetroArch have ads?

Neither PPSSPP nor RetroArch shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, PPSSPP or RetroArch?

PPSSPP ships an update every 4 weeks, and RetroArch weekly. Most recently, PPSSPP was updated on September 26, 2026 and RetroArch on September 26, 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.*