How to Install PPSSPP Emulator on Linux

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PPSSPP Gold

The PSP (a.k.a. PlayStation Portable) was once a popular portable gaming console that allowed us to enjoy games such as God of War, Resident Evil, Tekken, and many more from the comfort of our bed or while traveling.

As technology accelerated with more advanced hardware and software, a new gaming console, such as the Steam Deck, entered the market, leading to the discontinuation of PSP devices in 2014.

ppsspp emulator

However, if you still hold your PSP games or want to relive that nostalgic childhood feeling, you’ll be pleased to know that you can still play PSP games on your Android, Windows, or Linux devices using PPSSPP (a PSP emulator).

If you’re wondering whether playing your PSP games using an emulator is legal, rest assured—it’s completely legal if you’ve purchased the games from the official store. In this quick guide, I’ll demonstrate how to install PPSSPP to play PSP games on Linux.

Features of PPSSPP

The following are some standout features of this emulator:

  • It is completely free, open-source, and cross-platform.
  • Easily customize the control settings as per your requirements.
  • It is capable of upscaling game textures to enhance graphic experiences.
  • Adjust the game’s brightness and color by enabling post-processing shaders.
  • Played games can be saved locally in their original PSP format, allowing you to transfer and use saved data across devices.

Steps to Install PPSSPP on Linux

The PPSSPP can be installed via two methods: if you’re using a Debian or Ubuntu-based distribution, you can opt for the LaunchPad PPA; for Red Hat, Fedora, Alma Linux, or Arch users, the official Flatpak package is available.

Both methods will work on modern 64-bit AMD/Intel PCs and AArch64 processors, such as the Raspberry Pi and Apple Silicon. The packages are actively maintained and regularly introduced with new features, bug fixes, and hardware support.

Method 1: Install PPSSPP via LaunchPad PPA

Step 1: Open your Linux terminal from the activities overview or by using the “Ctrl+Alt+T” keyboard shortcut. Then, run the following command to add the PPA:

$ sudo add-apt-repository ppa:xuzhen666/ppsspp

Step 2: Next, update the package list and install PPSSPP on Ubuntu with these commands:

$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt install ppsspp

Method 2: Install PPSSPP via Flatpak

Step 1: To install PPSSPP using the Flatpak package, first open your terminal and execute the following command to install Flatpak (it comes pre-installed in Fedora):

# For Debian and Ubuntu-based distributions:
$ sudo apt install flatpak

# For Red Hat and Fedora-based distributions:
$ sudo dnf install flatpak

Step 2: Next, add the official Flathub repository to be able to install Flatpak packages.

$ flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

Step 3: Finally, install the PPSSPP Flatpak package with this command:

$ flatpak install flathub org.ppsspp.PPSSPP

Usage of PPSSPP

Once the installation is complete, you can launch PPSSPP by searching for it in the activities overview.

When you launch it for the first time, you will interact with the following screen:

Note: If you encounter rendering issues with the element and have installed it via PPA, uninstall it and reinstall it using the Flatpak package.

You can now browse the directory containing your PSP games and enjoy them!

How to Uninstall PPSSPP from Linux

If you installed it on Ubuntu via the LaunchPad PPA, consider removing the PPSSPP package along with the PPA.

$ sudo apt remove --purge ppsspp
$ sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:xuzhen666/ppsspp

If you have installed it via Flatpak, you can quickly remove it using this command:

$ flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.ppsspp.PPSSPP

Conclusion

PPSSPP is a fantastic emulator that is completely compatible with over 1000 games across various platforms like Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. If you have a Raspberry Pi, you can buy suitable cases and an analog to build your own PSP.

Install PPSSPP Emulator on Linux – FAQs

What is PPSSPP?

PPSSPP is a PSP emulator that allows you to play PlayStation Portable games on Android, Windows, or Linux devices.

Is it legal to use PPSSPP?

Yes, it’s legal to use PPSSPP if you’ve purchased the games from the official store.

How can I install PPSSPP on Linux?

There are two main methods: using LaunchPad PPA for Debian/Ubuntu-based distributions, or using Flatpak for various Linux distributions including Red Hat, Fedora, and Arch.

Can PPSSPP run on Raspberry Pi?

Yes, PPSSPP can run on devices with AArch64 processors, including Raspberry Pi.

What should I do if I encounter rendering issues with PPSSPP installed via PPA?

Uninstall it and reinstall using the Flatpak package instead.

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