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Please don't fall for the fake PS4/PS3 emulators on the Google Play Store
- There are many listings on the Google Play Store for apps that claim to be a PS4/PS3 emulator for Android.
- However, none of these apps are legit. There is no real emulation solution for the PS3, PS4, or PS5 on Android.
- There is a legitimate PS3 emulator available for Windows/Linux, but it has no official Android port.
Console emulation on Android has gotten more and more popular recently. This is likely to do with the fact that even mid-range Android phones and tablets are powerful enough to emulate pretty much any fifth-generation or earlier console.
However, due to the murky legality of console emulation, the legitimate emulators out there are sometimes hard to discern from the fake ones. That couldn’t be more true when it comes to the Google Play Store and the multiple apps there that claim to be a PS4/PS3 emulator for Android. None of them are real.
Unfortunately, some folks might be confused about this because there is a legitimate PlayStation 3 emulator for Windows/Linux, called RPCS3. Although that emulator has come a long way and can play a bulk of the PS3 library without issue, there is no Android port for the software.
We’re imploring you to be careful about what you download and know this: as of right now, there is no legitimate PS4 or PS3 emulator for Android on the Play Store.
A fake PS4/PS3 emulator for Android could be dangerous
Some of the apps on the Play Store don’t try hard to hide that they are not actually emulators. A few swap out the word “emulator” and use “simulator” instead, i.e. “PlayStation 3 simulator.” When downloaded, these apps present a PS3-like interface that doesn’t actually do anything. It’s a simulator!
Others are far more deceptive. One clearly labels itself as an emulator and even describes how to install it and get started playing PS3 and PS4 games. However, at the very bottom of the description, it has a “disclaimer” that says the app listing is “not a real emulator” and is “just for you to be kidding your friends.” The app is essentially useless when installed.
See also: What is Citra 3DS emulator and how do you use it on Android?
However, this Wild West scenario could be dangerous. All it takes is for one developer to create an app that ropes in hopefuls but then delivers some sort of malware. Of course, Google would likely eventually figure this out and remove the app, but by then it would be too late for you.
The bottom line is that a legitimate PS4/PS3 emulator for Android does not exist. Don’t download any of them. If you want to stay on top of the actual state of emulation on Android, consult our emulation guide.