Comparison

PPSSPP vs Dolphin Emulator

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

PPSSPP

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
Read full description

Play PSP games on your iOS device, in high definition with extra features! PPSSPP is the original and only PSP emulator for mobile devices. It can run nearly all PSP games with great performance on iOS. No games are included with this download. Use your own real PSP games and turn them into .ISO or .CSO files (see the homepage for instructions), or simply play free homemade games, which are available in the built-in "Homebrew Store". PSP is a trademark of Sony. The PPSSPP project is in no way affiliated with Sony.

About

Dolphin Emulator

Relive classic gaming with this emulator. Easily import ROMs, play in portrait or landscape, and save progress. Customize your sound and enjoy a seamless retro gaming experience.

Highlights
  • Import game ROMs
  • Portrait and landscape modes
  • Save and restore progress
  • Adjust sound effects
  • Ad-free premium option
Features
Read full description

Dolphin Emulator - Basic is your gateway to reliving the golden era of gaming. Whether you're diving back into childhood favorites or exploring retro classics for the first time, this game emulator makes it easy to enjoy the games you love. How to use: • Import game ROM files easily and start playing instantly • Run games in both portrait and landscape modes for flexible gameplay • Save and restore game progress anytime for a seamless experience • Adjust sound effects to customize your gaming atmosphere Currently supported game types: (NES) Other information: It's important to note that Dolphin Emulator - Basic should only be used with legally acquired game files. We do not endorse or support any form of piracy. Rest assured, Dolphin Emulator - Basic operates independently and has no affiliation with console manufacturers. The mention of related game console names in this statement is only used to describe the environment supported by the retro game emulator application. With Dolphin Emulator - Basic Premium you can unlock the ultimate experience: • Remove Ads: Enjoy an uninterrupted, ad-free journey to inspiration. • Unlock All Features: Get full access to every feature Unlock your gaming emulating potential—elevate your retro gaming experience with Dolphin Emulator - Basic Premium! Privacy Policy: https://sites.google.com/view/dolphin-game-emulator/privacy-policy Terms of Use: https://sites.google.com/view/dolphin-game-emulator/terms-of-use

Screenshots

PPSSPP2 screens
Dolphin Emulator3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PPSSPP at 72% against Dolphin Emulator's 19%. PPSSPP also leads on rating (4.5 vs 2.3) and ratings volume (2.7K vs 87). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. PPSSPP sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Dolphin Emulator sells 1 in-app purchase, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

PPSSPP holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 2.3. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: PPSSPP has 2.7K ratings behind it against 87, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of PPSSPP's written reviews are positive against 19% of Dolphin Emulator's.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
PPSSPP versus Dolphin Emulator: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterPPSSPPDolphin Emulator
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (2.7K ratings) — better2.3 (87 ratings)
Positive reviews72.1% of reviews — better18.9% of reviews
Number of ratings2.7K — better87
Update frequencyEvery 4 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS13.013.0
Further details — not scored
Size44 MB10 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHenrik RydgårdIrene Klein

Customer experience

PPSSPP

All ratings2,700 ratings
Positive87.7%
Neutral3.6%
Negative8.8%
Written reviews1,442 reviews
Positive72.1%
Neutral8.7%
Negative19.2%

Dolphin Emulator

All ratings87 ratings
Positive29.9%
Neutral6.9%
Negative63.2%
Written reviews111 reviews
Positive18.9%
Neutral7.2%
Negative73.9%

User reviews

PPSSPP

From 2.7K App Store ratings

What we love

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

Room to improve

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

Dolphin Emulator

From 87 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Great app
  • 💡 Potential for Wii and GameCube support

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Compatibility issues with NES files
  • 🐛 Confusing app name and description
  • 🐛 Lack of Wii and GameCube support

Bugs and requests

PPSSPP

Reported bugs

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

Requested features

5 requests
  • 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

Dolphin Emulator

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • NES games not loading properly
  • Redirecting to premium version when trying to open NES files

Requested features

3 requests
  • Add support for GameCube and Wii games
  • Add support for Sega Genesis
  • Add support for PlayStation games

In-app purchases

1 purchases

PPSSPP

One-time1
  • PPSSPP Gold$3.99
1 purchases

Dolphin Emulator

Subscriptions1
  • Monthly Premium Subscription$2.991 Month

Questions

Is PPSSPP free?
PPSSPP is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Dolphin Emulator free?
Dolphin Emulator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, PPSSPP or Dolphin Emulator?
PPSSPP is rated higher. PPSSPP averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2.7K ratings, while Dolphin Emulator averages 2.3 from 87 ratings.
Do PPSSPP or Dolphin Emulator have ads?
Neither PPSSPP nor Dolphin Emulator shows ads.

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