iOS
The separate Gold app was retired and replaced with an in-app purchase inside the App Store build.
Optional support
Gold pays for the work. It does not unlock a better emulator.
Henrik Rydgård has described Gold as a paid thanks that funds devices, hosting, and maintenance. The GPL source stays public. You are not missing HD rendering, save states, ad-hoc, or VR by staying on the free build.
Where to buy
Buy Gold only from this site, never a “cracked Gold” APK.
Pirated Gold packages are a known malware source. Pay through Google Play Gold, the iOS in-app purchase, or the desktop Gold installers below.
Free vs Gold
| Capability | Free | Gold |
|---|---|---|
| PSP emulation | Yes | Yes |
| HD resolution and shaders | Yes | Yes |
| Save states and memstick saves | Yes | Yes |
| Ad-hoc and infrastructure multiplayer | Yes | Yes |
| VR builds | Yes | Yes |
| Funds development | No | Yes |
| Gold icon / cosmetic thank-you | No | Yes |
How Gold is sold now
Android
PPSSPP Gold on Google Play. Do not sideload random “Gold” APKs.
Windows and macOS
Gold installer (Windows), Gold DMG (macOS). Gold cross-unlock works if you already paid on Android.
Why it exists
PPSSPP is GPL. Some stores make a paid listing more practical than a donate button. Gold revenue is how the project has described paying for hardware, build infrastructure, and time. It is not a DLC pack of extra games or extra accuracy modes.