Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

This page's audience our own tag's counts — open to see them
–Visits
–Page views
–Clicks to vendors
–Time on page
–Reading now
Clicks to vendors, by tool
  • –
Top countries
  • –
Devices
  • –

– · visits, page views and clicks counted by our own tag, which counts more than our checked analytics; every figure rounded down · how we count

StarPSX

Free#20 of 25 in PlayStation Emulators

StarPSX: A free, open-source desktop emulator with useful controls and debugging tools. Ranked #20 of 25 in PlayStation Emulators by our editors (6.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for simple open-source desktop emulation.

6.0/10Editor score
StarPSX6.0 Visit StarPSX

At a glance

  • Editor score
    6.0 / 10
  • Pricing
    Free plan
  • Best for
    Simple open-source desktop emulation
  • Free plan
    Yes
  • Paid from
    Free
  • Supported platforms
    Linux, Windows, macOS
  • Facts checked
    20 Sep 2026
StarPSX screenshot
  • Where it wins

    • Runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS
    • Supports analog gamepads and per-title memory cards
    • Offers GUI, command-line, VRAM, and debugger options
  • Where it doesn't

    • Requires a PlayStation BIOS image
    • Compatibility is still developing
    • Some components have bugs, incomplete commands, or timing issues

Our verdict on StarPSX

StarPSX is an open-source PlayStation 1 emulator written in Rust for Linux, Windows, and macOS. It suits desktop users who want a free emulator with both graphical and command-line operation. The software requires a PlayStation BIOS image, and its source code and release binaries are distributed through GitHub. Its feature set covers core emulation controls while also providing options for users who want more visibility into how a title is running.

There is no paid tier to compare: StarPSX is open source and available with a free plan. The interface supports PlayStation BIOS file selection through BIOS Settings, while command-line startup options provide an alternative way to launch the emulator. Full analog gamepad support, per-title and shared memory cards, and a full-speed emulation option address common desktop play needs. The full VRAM display mode adds a useful view for examining video output rather than treating the emulator as a purely controller-and-screen experience.

StarPSX also has a developer-oriented side. A debugger view startup option gives users access to debugging information, and the combination of GUI and command-line workflows makes the project suitable for different desktop habits. However, its compatibility status is still developing: some emulator components have bugs, incomplete commands, or timing issues. Choose StarPSX if you want a free, cross-platform, open-source PlayStation 1 emulator with memory-card, BIOS, analog-input, and diagnostic features. Those seeking mature compatibility across a broad library should consider an alternative with a more established compatibility record.

Your product? Our editors can test StarPSX in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

StarPSX pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.
See plans on github.com

StarPSX fact sheet

Free planYes
Paid fromFree
Supported platformsLinux, Windows, macOS
BIOS requiredYes
Disc-image formatsNot verified
NetplayNot verified
RetroAchievementsNot verified
Cheat supportNot verified
License modelOpen-source
DeploymentDesktop
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
Built forSolo (editorial estimate)
PricingFree plan
Websitegithub.com
Facts checked20 Sep 2026

Alternatives to StarPSX

See all StarPSX alternatives →

Used StarPSX? Be the first to review it

The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used StarPSX for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears

Reviews come only from verified accounts. Sign in or create an account first — your e-mail is never shown.

Your rating

0 characters · at least 80, up to 3,000

Posted from your verified account. Reviews appear after an editor reads them, usually within two working days.

Featured on iTechGuides

Featured on iTechGuides — StarPSX 6.0/10

StarPSX is listed in our PlayStation Emulators directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/starpsx/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/starpsx.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated · How we research and update