PPSSPP on Mac: how to set it up
PPSSPP runs on a Mac. It emulates the PSP. PPSSPP offers a Mac .dmg, free or as the paid Gold version, but doesn't say which chips it is built for.
- Mac download
- ppsspp.org (free, or the paid PPSSPP Gold that funds it)
- Chips
- Mac version available; the project does not say which chips it is built for
- macOS
- 12.0 or later
- Signed by Apple
- Not stated by the project
- Graphics
- Vulkan (MoltenVK)
- You need
- Your own PSP game dumps (ISO or CSO). No BIOS needed.
- Latest version
- 1.20.4, May 16, 2026
How to install PPSSPP on a Mac
- Download it from the official source. Get the Mac version from PPSSPP'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 PPSSPP 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. Your own PSP game dumps (ISO or CSO). No BIOS needed.
- Add your games and play. Point PPSSPP at the folder with your game dumps, pick a game and start it. Set up your controller in PPSSPP's settings.
Other emulators on Mac
Checked October 19, 2026 against: Download page, macOS info doc, News, GitHub release v1.20.4, CMakeLists (deployment target / MoltenVK).
Common questions
Does PPSSPP work on a Mac?
Yes. PPSSPP 1.20.4 has an official Mac version. Mac version available; the project does not say which chips it is built for. It needs macOS 12.0 or later.
Does PPSSPP run natively on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)?
PPSSPP has a Mac version, but the project doesn't say whether it is built for Apple Silicon.
What do I need to play games in PPSSPP?
Your own PSP game dumps (ISO or CSO). No BIOS needed.
Is PPSSPP legal?
PPSSPP 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 PPSSPP 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).