Common questions
Answers you can act on.
Quick facts about PPSSPP 1.20.4. If a game still misbehaves after these, use the troubleshooting page instead of stacking random hacks. New here? Start with the setup guide.
Do I need a BIOS or PSP firmware dump?
No. PPSSPP reimplements the hardware and system libraries. You still need ISO, CSO, or CHD files of software you own. It will not boot the real PSP XMB or PlayStation Store.
Can it play PS1, PS2, Vita, or UMD Video?
No. Native PSP games and PSP homebrew only. PPSSPP also excludes UMD Video and PS1 games that ran in Sony's PSP emulator. Use other projects for those systems.
What is the difference between PPSSPP and Gold?
Emulation is the same. Gold is a thank-you purchase that funds devices, hosting, and development time. On iOS, Gold is an in-app purchase after the separate Gold app was retired. Android may still list a Gold package or IAP depending on the store build. Read more on the Gold page.
Where are my saves?
In the virtual memstick. On desktop, choose File → Open Memory Stick, typically Documents/PPSSPP/memstick/PSP/SAVEDATA. Save states live in PPSSPP_STATE. On Android 11 and newer, the folder is the one you granted at first launch.
Why will a save state not load?
States are bound to the PPSSPP version that wrote them. A development build state may fail on stable 1.20.4. Keep in-game saves as the source of truth and back up SAVEDATA before switching builds.
The game is a black screen.
Load the ISO, CSO, or CHD as a file. Do not extract it. Verify the dump with Calculate CRC if the game menu offers it. Restore graphics defaults and switch backend. Homebrew must sit in PSP/GAME/. Full steps: troubleshooting.
Stable or development builds?
1.20.4 is the current stable release for daily play. Development builds include the newest fixes but can be unstable. Back up SAVEDATA before switching, and try an earlier build if one fails.
Does ad-hoc multiplayer work?
Yes, on a local network or via PPSSPP's built-in ad-hoc server. Everyone needs the same PPSSPP version and matching server settings. Official builds also include infrastructure mode for revived online servers. Version 1.20.4 added live status from ad-hoc relay servers that publish data.json.
Is downloading PSP ISOs legal?
PPSSPP itself is legal GPL software. Game files are your responsibility. Only dump titles you own. This site does not host or link to ROM packs. Sites that bundle "free ISOs" with the emulator should be avoided.
Does PPSSPP support CHD files?
Yes. PPSSPP opens ISO, CSO, and CHD files from your game library folder. CHD keeps file size down while staying as a single file. If a CHD fails, verify the dump and try the same title as ISO to rule out a bad conversion.
My game list is empty but files are on the phone.
PPSSPP lost read access to the folder, which is common after Android updates. Choose Games → Browse and select the directory again. On Android 11 and newer, tap Use this folder in the system picker. Also check Settings → System → Memory stick directory. ISOs must be whole files, not extracted folders. The setup guide walks through the folder picker step.
Ready to play your PSP library?
Download PPSSPP 1.20.4 from official sources for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and more. Games are not included.