iOS
The separate Gold app was retired and replaced with an in-app purchase inside the App Store build.
Optional support
Gold pays for the work. It does not unlock a better emulator.
Henrik Rydgård has described Gold as a paid thanks that funds devices, hosting, and maintenance. The GPL source stays public. You are not missing HD rendering, save states, ad-hoc, or VR by staying on the free build. Need help with setup or fixes? See the setup guide and troubleshooting table.
Where to buy
Buy Gold only from official sources, never a cracked Gold APK.
Pirated Gold packages are a known malware source. Pay through Google Play Gold, the iOS in-app purchase, or the desktop Gold installers below.
Free vs Gold
| Capability | Free | Gold |
|---|---|---|
| PSP emulation | Yes | Yes |
| HD resolution and shaders | Yes | Yes |
| Save states and memstick saves | Yes | Yes |
| Ad-hoc and infrastructure multiplayer | Yes | Yes |
| VR builds | Yes | Yes |
| Funds development | No | Yes |
| Gold icon and cosmetic thank-you | No | Yes |
How Gold is sold now
Android
PPSSPP Gold on Google Play. Do not sideload random Gold APKs from unofficial sites.
Windows and macOS
Gold installer (Windows), Gold DMG (macOS). Gold cross-unlock works if you already paid on Android.
Warning about fake Gold APKs
Third-party sites advertising free or modded Gold builds often bundle malware or outdated emulator cores. The only safe Android Gold listing is PPSSPP Gold on Google Play. Desktop Gold installers should come from ppsspp.org links only.
Why it exists
PPSSPP is GPL. Some stores make a paid listing more practical than a donate button. Gold revenue is how the project has described paying for hardware, build infrastructure, and time. It is not a DLC pack of extra games or extra accuracy modes.
For more context, read the official Why Gold exists page on ppsspp.org.