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Original Sony PlayStation console and controller, representative image for DuckStation
Original Sony PlayStation console and controller photographed by Evan Amos and published on Wikimedia Commons under a permissive license. Used as a representative PlayStation system image for the DuckStation emulator profile; it is not a DuckStation screenshot.

DuckStation

PLAYSTATION EMULATOR

DuckStation

A modern, accuracy-focused PlayStation emulator with widescreen options, enhancement features, and a clean workflow for legally dumped games.

PlayStationPRIMARY SYSTEM
2020PROJECT BEGAN
Open sourcePROJECT MODEL
WHY IT MATTERS

Accurate fifth-generation emulation

DuckStation focuses on correct PlayStation behavior while keeping setup approachable. It adds modern display features without hiding the settings that matter for compatibility.

BEST FOR

Clean games with optional upgrades

Use it for dependable disc-image playback, higher internal resolution, widescreen patches, texture filtering, and per-game profiles.

The people behind DuckStation

Community-maintained accuracy work

DuckStation is developed in public by contributors who test hardware behavior, improve rendering and timing, review compatibility reports, and maintain builds across desktop and mobile platforms.

What DuckStation supports

  • PlayStation disc images and homebrew from your own dumps.
  • Software and hardware rendering with resolution scaling and widescreen options.
  • Memory-card management, save states, rewind, and controller remapping.
  • Per-game patches and profiles for demanding or unusual titles.

Download and availability

OFFICIAL DOWNLOADS

DuckStation releases

Get the current desktop or mobile build from the project’s official release page and read the release notes before upgrading.

Open official downloads ↗
Broken or missing download? Projects move and archives disappear. If a link no longer works, please contact Retro Replay so it can be verified and updated.

DuckStation setup guide

Before you begin: DuckStation does not include games or copyrighted BIOS files. Use a BIOS dump and game images from your own PlayStation hardware.
  1. Download the current build and extract or install it in a writable folder.
  2. On first launch, select your PlayStation BIOS file and confirm the region you intend to use.
  3. Add your own BIN/CUE, CHD, or other supported disc images to the game list.
  4. Start with hardware rendering and 2x internal resolution; raise the scale only after frame pacing is stable.
  5. Map a controller, create a memory card, and save a per-game profile for titles that need special patches.
  6. Keep backups of memory-card files and recheck the compatibility notes after emulator updates.
ROM reminder: DuckStation does not include commercial games or BIOS downloads. Use software dumped from your own discs and console.

Sources and further reading

Detailed guides and tutorials

Explore step-by-step guides for DuckStation as they are published.