DuckStation Review

DuckStation is a free PlayStation emulator that's easy to set up, but doesn't skimp on features. It supports multiple controllers, rewinds in some games, and can even play in the same 24 bits as the original PS1. It pulls fewer resources from your computer than other emulators, so it's more likely to run smoothly and not overheat.

While emulation is often a hit or miss with different computers and operating systems, DuckStation offers the best performance of any other PlayStation emulator currently available. It can play virtually every game in its library and also has a wealth of configuration options that will let you customize how the games look and feel.

In the Settings menu, you can enable Pause on Focus Loss to have the game automatically pause when the window loses focus (such as when you click to open an email or a website). DuckStation also allows you to save different memory card configurations (though it's better to leave those settings alone - changing them can break some games). It will also detect the region of your games and offer NTSC or PAL.

Unlike other emulators, such as ePSXe, DuckStation doesn't use plugins, making it easier to get from download to gameplay. It's also more compatible with Windows than many of the competing software, enabling you to use your keyboard and mouse instead of a controller. It's a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy playing classic games again or introduce their younger family members to the magic of PlayStation emulation.