Getting started · 5 steps

From install to first game.

PPSSPP does not ship with games. Install the emulator, point it at backups you already own, then tune graphics once for your device.

  1. 1

    Download PPSSPP

    Get the build for your platform from the download page: Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, or macOS. On Android 11+, the first launch asks you to pick a PSP data folder. Create a PSP folder at the root of storage and tap Use this folder.

  2. 2

    Prepare your game files

    PPSSPP reads ISO, CSO, and (v1.17+) CHD files. Do not extract ISOs into folders; run the disc image directly. Right-click a game in PPSSPP and choose Calculate CRC to verify a dump (green check from v1.16+).

  3. 3

    Point PPSSPP at your library

    Open the Games tab and use the folder icon to browse to where your files live, for example Documents/PPSSPP Games on PC or Internal Storage/PSP/ISO on Android. PPSSPP remembers the folder and lists every ISO/CSO/CHD inside, including subfolders.

  4. 4

    Pick a graphics backend first

    Go to Settings → Graphics → Backend. Try Vulkan on modern phones and PCs. If you get a black screen or crashes, switch to OpenGL (Android) or Direct3D 11 (Windows). Change one setting at a time so you know what fixed it. See recommended presets for your device tier.

  5. 5

    Save in-game, not only with save states

    Save states are great for quick retries, but Reddit users on r/PPSSPP regularly warn that save-state undo is disabled by default on Android and save states break across PPSSPP versions. Use in-game saves for progress you care about.

Supported file formats

FormatWhat it isSizeBest for
ISO Uncompressed disc image 100% (baseline) Maximum compatibility, no decompression overhead
CSO Compressed ISO, decompressed on the fly ~40–60% of ISO Saving space on phones; use maxcso to create
CHD Compressed hunks (MAME-style) Similar to CSO Archiving; supported from PPSSPP v1.17+

Community tip from r/Emulation: heavy CSO compression can cause stutter in graphically intense titles (God of War, Crisis Core, Dissidia). If a CSO lags, try a lower compression level or switch back to ISO.

Android folder setup

Scoped storage on Android 11+ requires you to grant PPSSPP access to one folder. The simplest layout:

  • /storage/emulated/0/PSP/ISO/ for game files
  • /storage/emulated/0/PSP/SAVEDATA/ created automatically for in-game saves
  • If games vanish after an OS update, re-browse to your ISO folder in the Games tab

Controllers and touch

Map hardware under Settings → Controls → Control Mapping. On-screen buttons can be resized and repositioned from the in-game menu. If a pad works in other apps but not PPSSPP, disable accessibility overlays and floating menu apps (see troubleshooting).