Free Emulation Applications

The PPSSPP app, a renowned emulator for PlayStation Portable (PSP) games, has officially made its way to iOS devices. This application allows users to play their PSP games on their iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch in high definition, offering an enhanced gaming experience. The app is compatible with devices running iOS 12.0 or later and is also available for Apple Vision Pro. It is important to note that the app does not include any games; users must own their PSP games, which they can convert into .ISO or .CSO files to play on their iOS device. Additionally, the app features a built-in “Homebrew Store” where users can find free homemade games. The developer, Henrik Rydgård, has ensured that the app’s privacy practices do not involve the collection of any data from its users.

The release of PPSSPP for iOS marks a significant shift in Apple’s policy towards emulators. Historically, the App Store has prohibited apps that run external code, effectively banning emulators for console and classic games. However, a recent change in April to guideline 4.7 of the App Store has modified this policy, now allowing “software that is not embedded in the binary” to run within apps available in the App Store. This includes “retro game console emulator apps.” Developers are required to ensure that any software loaded into an app complies with all applicable laws, including add-ons and ROMs. This development opens the door for a wider range of emulation software to be available for iOS users, potentially expanding the library of classic games accessible on Apple devices.

Image Credit: PPSSPP