DuckStation on Mac: how to set it up
DuckStation runs on a Mac. It emulates the PlayStation. One app for Apple Silicon and Intel. Not signed: its developer says a signing certificate costs too much, so macOS warns on first launch. Since 2024 its licence (CC BY-NC-ND) rules out commercial use and modified versions; it is still free to download.
- Mac download
- GitHub releases
- Chips
- One app that runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs
- macOS
- 13.3 or later
- Signed by Apple
- No: macOS warns the first time you open it (steps below)
- Graphics
- Metal, Vulkan or OpenGL
- You need
- A PS1 BIOS dumped from your own console, and your own game dumps.
- Latest version
- rolling release, October 13, 2026
How to install DuckStation on a Mac
- Download it from the official source. Get the Mac version from DuckStation's own site or its official repository. Sites that bundle an emulator with games or BIOS files are distributing pirated files, and often malware.
- Move it to Applications. Open the .dmg or .zip and drag DuckStation into your Applications folder.
- Get past macOS's warning. If macOS says the app can't be opened because Apple can't check it, Control-click it in Applications and choose Open. On macOS 13 or later, if there is no Open button, go to System Settings, then Privacy & Security, and click Open Anyway (it appears for about an hour after the first try).
- Add the files it needs. A PS1 BIOS dumped from your own console, and your own game dumps.
- Add your games and play. Point DuckStation at the folder with your game dumps, pick a game and start it. Set up your controller in DuckStation's settings.
Other emulators on Mac
Checked October 19, 2026 against: GitHub README, LICENSE, LICENSE file history, Rolling release assets, Releases Atom feed.
Common questions
Does DuckStation work on a Mac?
Yes. DuckStation rolling release has an official Mac version. One app that runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. It needs macOS 13.3 or later.
Does DuckStation run natively on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)?
Yes. One app that runs natively on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
What do I need to play games in DuckStation?
A PS1 BIOS dumped from your own console, and your own game dumps.
Is DuckStation legal?
DuckStation itself is a legal, open-source emulator. The BIOS files, firmware and games it runs are copyrighted, so dump them from a console and games you own. Downloading them from the internet is piracy in most countries.
Why won't DuckStation open on my Mac?
If macOS says the app can't be opened because Apple can't check it, Control-click it in Applications and choose Open. On macOS 13 or later, if there is no Open button, go to System Settings, then Privacy & Security, and click Open Anyway (it appears for about an hour after the first try).