DuckStation

DuckStation is intended for players who keep their own original PlayStation game collection and want to use it on an Android phone. It organizes and launches supported PS1 and PSX game images after you add the required files.

DuckStation features

Support for common PS1 image files

DuckStation can open game images in CUE, ISO, IMG, ECM, MDS, CHD, and unencrypted PBP formats. This gives players options when adding games from an existing library. For a single track BIN file without a CUE sheet, the official CUE Maker can be used to create the needed CUE file.

Graphics settings for each game

DuckStation offers OpenGL, Vulkan, and software rendering options. You can adjust internal resolution, texture filtering, 24 bit color, widescreen rendering, and post processing shaders when a game needs a different visual setup. Per game profiles let you keep separate graphics settings instead of changing the whole app every time.

PGXP corrections for supported titles

DuckStation includes PGXP geometry and texture correction options. These settings can reduce texture wobble and some polygon display issues found in certain original PlayStation games. Since results depend on the game, you can enable or adjust these options in that title’s individual settings.

Controls for touchscreens and external devices

You can customize the on screen touch controls to suit the way you hold your phone. DuckStation also supports controller and keyboard mapping, along with vibration where supported. Compatible multiplayer games can use multitap support for up to eight controllers.

Progress, saves, and game extras

DuckStation provides save states with screenshot previews, which can help identify the right point when several saves exist. You can also manage memory cards, edit them, and import supported saves from another source. Rewind, runahead, turbo speed, CPU overclock settings, patch codes, and optional RetroAchievements support give players more ways to manage compatible games.

What to prepare for DuckStation

DuckStation is a PS1 emulator and PSX emulator only. It does not emulate PlayStation 2 titles, so users looking for PS2 support will need a different type of app. Check that each game file is in a supported format before adding it to your library.

You need a BIOS file dumped legally from an original PlayStation console, plus game images created from games you own. DuckStation does not provide BIOS files, games, or game downloads. Keeping BIOS files and game images in clearly named folders can make it easier to locate and add them later.

Managing a larger game library

Players with many games may benefit from setting up each title separately. For example, one game may need different touchscreen button placement, while another may work better with a specific graphics renderer or resolution. Per game settings avoid changing those choices for every game in the library.

Memory card tools and save state previews are also useful when several games are in progress at once. The built in patch code database can apply compatible cheat patches, while RetroAchievements is optional and works only with supported games and accounts.

How to use DuckStation on Android

After you download DuckStation, add your own PlayStation BIOS and compatible game files to begin setting up your library. The first setup may take a few minutes because the app needs to locate the folders that contain these files. Once the library is ready, you can choose a game and adjust its settings as needed.

1. Open DuckStation and select the folder that contains your legally dumped PlayStation BIOS file when the app asks for it.

2. Add the folder where your PS1 game images are stored, then allow the app to scan supported CUE, ISO, CHD, PBP, or other compatible files.

3. Select a game from the library and start it. If the game does not appear, check that its image format is supported and that any required CUE sheet is present.

4. Open the game settings to map touch controls or an external controller, then adjust graphics options for that specific title if necessary.

5. Use save states or the virtual memory card during play, and return to the same game profile later to keep its control and graphics choices.

Get started with DuckStation

DuckStation lets Android users run their own compatible original PlayStation game files with configurable controls, graphics, and save tools. Check the DuckStation latest version details before installation if you want the current available build for your device.

Official information is available from the developer:

• Website: https://www.duckstation.org/