Original Sony PlayStation console and controller.

Best PS1 Emulators for Android

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The original Sony PlayStation, commonly known as the PS1, revolutionized gaming in the mid-1990s. With iconic titles like Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, Gran Turismo, and Crash Bandicoot, the PS1 became the first console to sell over 100 million units worldwide. Its 3D graphics, expansive RPGs, and legendary library cemented Sony as a dominant force in gaming.

Today, many PS1 discs are fragile and consoles are failing. Thankfully, PS1 emulators for Android make it possible to carry Sony’s first console in your pocket. With the right apps, you can replay classics with sharper visuals, save states, controller support, and features the original hardware never offered.

What to Expect from PS1 Emulation on Android

PS1 emulation is not as demanding as newer systems like the PS2 or Dreamcast, so most modern Android devices can handle it well. That said, features and usability vary between emulators. The strongest options include:

  • High compatibility with the PS1 library.

  • Save states to save and resume progress instantly.

  • Cheat code support for experimenting with classics.

  • Controller compatibility with Bluetooth and USB gamepads.

  • Upscaling and filtering for sharper 3D graphics and smoother pixels.

  • Customizable controls for touchscreen players.

With these features, PS1 emulators bring Sony’s groundbreaking 32-bit console back to life for new and old fans alike.

ePSXe – The Veteran PS1 Emulator

epsxe for android ps1 emulator

👉 ePSXe on Google Play

For years, ePSXe has been the most popular PS1 emulator on Android. It is known for excellent compatibility, smooth performance, and a wide range of features that make it easy to enjoy classics.

ePSXe supports save states, cheats, external controllers, and split-screen multiplayer for certain games. It also includes OpenGL plugins for enhanced graphics, letting titles like Final Fantasy IX and Tekken 3 look sharper than ever.

The interface is user-friendly, and while it is a paid app, many fans consider it worth every penny for its reliability and feature set.

DuckStation – Accuracy and Modern Features

👉 DuckStation on GitHub (APK builds available)

DuckStation is a newer PS1 emulator that has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to its focus on accuracy and enhancements. It aims to faithfully replicate the original hardware while adding modern conveniences.

DuckStation offers HD rendering, widescreen hacks, achievements, save states, and strong controller support. Its compatibility rate is extremely high, covering nearly the entire PS1 library. Many users prefer it because it balances authenticity with improvements that make classics more enjoyable on today’s devices.

Although not on Google Play, DuckStation APKs are safe to download from the official GitHub, making it a trusted choice for Android users.

RetroArch with Beetle PSX Core

RetroArch

👉 RetroArch Official Site

For players who want a single app for multiple consoles, RetroArch is always a strong option. Its Beetle PSX core (based on Mednafen) provides excellent PS1 emulation, with features like shaders, rewinding, achievements, and cloud saves.

RetroArch can be intimidating for newcomers, but once configured, it delivers an incredibly customizable experience. Players can tweak visuals, remap controls, and even apply advanced filters to replicate CRT TVs or smooth out jagged polygons.

For advanced users who plan to emulate many systems in addition to the PS1, RetroArch with the Beetle PSX core is a great solution.

Honorable Mention: FPse

fpse ps1 emulator

FPse was once one of the top PS1 emulators on Android, praised for its customization options and performance. While it still works for many games, its updates have slowed compared to DuckStation and ePSXe. That said, some fans continue to prefer it for its flexibility and legacy. Download it here from the Play Store. 

Why PS1 Emulation Still Matters

The PlayStation library is packed with titles that defined gaming for an entire generation. JRPGs like Final Fantasy VII, Suikoden II, and Chrono Cross expanded storytelling in games. Action titles like Metal Gear Solid and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night set new benchmarks for gameplay. And franchises like Gran Turismo and Resident Evil became household names.

Many of these games are difficult to access today outside of expensive physical copies or limited re-releases. Emulation ensures they remain playable, preserved, and enhanced. With Android emulators, players can relive these masterpieces anywhere, with added convenience and improved visuals.

Final Thoughts on the Best PS1 Emulators for Android

For Android users, three options stand out in 2025:

  • ePSXe – The most established and user-friendly option with great compatibility.

  • DuckStation – A newer emulator that emphasizes accuracy and modern enhancements.

  • RetroArch with Beetle PSX – Best for advanced players who want multi-system flexibility.

Each has its strengths, and the right choice depends on your needs. Casual fans may prefer ePSXe’s ease of use, while purists gravitate toward DuckStation’s accuracy, and tinkerers enjoy RetroArch’s depth.

No matter which you choose, these apps keep the PlayStation’s groundbreaking library alive and accessible. That is why they remain the best PS1 emulators for Android today.

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