RPCS3 on Mac: how to set it up
RPCS3 runs on a Mac. It emulates the PlayStation 3. Separate native builds for Apple Silicon and Intel. Current builds are set to need macOS 15. Not notarized, so macOS warns the first time you open it.
- Mac download
- rpcs3.net or GitHub releases
- Chips
- Separate native builds for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs
- macOS
- 15.0 or later
- Signed by Apple
- No: macOS warns the first time you open it (steps below)
- Graphics
- Vulkan (MoltenVK)
- You need
- The official PS3 system software (PS3UPDAT.PUP from Sony), and games dumped from discs or digital copies you own.
- Latest version
- 0.0.43, October 19, 2026
How to install RPCS3 on a Mac
- Download it from the official source. Get the Mac version from RPCS3'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 RPCS3 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. The official PS3 system software (PS3UPDAT.PUP from Sony), and games dumped from discs or digital copies you own.
- Add your games and play. Point RPCS3 at the folder with your game dumps, pick a game and start it. Set up your controller in RPCS3's settings.
Other emulators on Mac
Checked October 19, 2026 against: GitHub README, Mac arm64 binaries (latest), Mac x86_64 binaries (latest), Info.plist template (LSMinimumSystemVersion), macOS deploy script (ad-hoc codesign, MoltenVK).
Common questions
Does RPCS3 work on a Mac?
Yes. RPCS3 0.0.43 has an official Mac version. Separate native builds for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. It needs macOS 15.0 or later.
Does RPCS3 run natively on Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4)?
Yes. Separate native builds for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
What do I need to play games in RPCS3?
The official PS3 system software (PS3UPDAT.PUP from Sony), and games dumped from discs or digital copies you own.
Is RPCS3 legal?
RPCS3 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 RPCS3 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).