Avocado
Avocado is a free, open-source PlayStation 1 emulator for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
What Avocado is
Avocado is a free, open-source PlayStation 1 emulator for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. It loads disc and related files including .cue, .bin, .img, .chd, .ecm, .exe, .psexe, .psf, and .minipsf by drag and drop. Its listed save tools include save states, quick save and load, and rewinding one second. Controller options include digital controller, DualShock, and mouse support, with up to two controllers and no multitap. Avocado supports XA-ADPCM and Red Book audio and uses OpenGL hardware rendering. The project also lists support for Anti-Modchip and LibCrypt protected games; PAL LibCrypt games need extra .SBI or .LSD subchannel information. A BIOS from a real console is required and must be placed in the data/bios directory, with BIOS selection prompted on first run. The project is in early development, and many games may fail to start or crash shortly after launch. It is single-threaded, and its audio synchronization to NTSC 60 Hz can cause stuttering in PAL games. The README specifies supported operating system versions, an OpenGL 3.1 GPU, and an SSE3-compatible x86 or x64 processor.
Good
- Supports several disc-image and related file formats.
- Includes save states, quick save, quick load, and rewind.
- Supports DualShock, digital controller, and mouse input.
- Project identifies its license as GPL-2.0.
Watch out
- Requires a BIOS from a real console.
- Many games may fail to boot or crash.
- PAL game audio can stutter.
- No multitap support.
Who it suits
Avocado may suit users seeking a free PlayStation 1 emulator across desktop and Android platforms who can provide a console BIOS. Its early-development status makes game compatibility uncertain.
Verdict
Avocado offers a broad set of file, controller, and save options at no cost. Its BIOS requirement and early-development compatibility caveat are central considerations before using it.
Plans and prices
From Avocado's own pricing page, checked 30 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado | Free | early development · requires PlayStation BIOS · game compatibility varies |
The facts
Each one read from Avocado's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Audio and graphics
- The README lists XA-ADPCM and Red Book audio support and hardware rendering through OpenGL.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Controllers
- The README lists digital controller, DualShock, and mouse support, with two controllers supported and no multitap.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Game compatibility
- The project says it is in early development and that many games may not boot or may crash shortly after booting.checked 30 Sep 2026
- License
- The repository identifies its license as GPL-2.0.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Performance limit
- The README says the emulator is single-threaded and currently hard-syncs audio to NTSC 60 Hz, which can make PAL game audio stutter.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Product
- Avocado describes itself as a modern PlayStation 1 emulator.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Protected games
- The README says Anti-Modchip and LibCrypt protected games are supported, and PAL LibCrypt games require additional .SBI or .LSD subchannel information.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Save features
- The README lists save states, quick save, quick load, and rewind by one second.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- The maintainer directs users to the GitHub issue tracker, Twitter, and a Discord server for questions and bug reports.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Supported game files
- The README says users can load .cue, .bin, .img, .chd, .ecm, .exe, .psexe, .psf, and .minipsf files by drag and drop.checked 30 Sep 2026
- System requirements
- The README specifies Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, or Linux Ubuntu 16.04 or later, plus an OpenGL 3.1 GPU and an SSE3-compatible x86 or x64 processor.checked 30 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- BIOS requirement
- Avocado requires a BIOS from a real console, placed in the data/bios directory, and prompts for BIOS selection on first run.checked 30 Sep 2026
- Build platforms
- The project README links builds for Linux, macOS, Android, and Windows 32-bit and 64-bit.checked 30 Sep 2026
The full review of Avocado
Overview
Avocado is a free, open-source emulator for PlayStation 1 games on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. It suits users who want flexible file loading and save controls and are prepared to supply a console BIOS. Its broad format and controller support are appealing, but early development makes compatibility unpredictable.
Key features
Avocado accepts disc images in .cue, .bin, .img, .chd, and .ecm formats, as well as .exe, .psexe, .psf, and .minipsf files, which gives users several ways to load game and related files by drag and drop. Save states, quick save and load, and a one-second rewind help recover from mistakes or revisit a recent moment.
Input support includes digital controllers, DualShock, and mouse, with two controllers at once. That covers standard two-player play, but the lack of multitap makes Avocado a poor fit for games or groups that need more simultaneous players. Audio support includes XA-ADPCM and Red Book, while graphics use OpenGL hardware rendering.
Avocado supports Anti-Modchip and LibCrypt protection. PAL LibCrypt games also require .SBI or .LSD subchannel information, adding a file-preparation step. The emulator needs a BIOS from a real console, placed in the data/bios directory; it prompts for BIOS selection on first run. That requirement makes Avocado less convenient for anyone seeking a setup with no separate console files.
Compatibility is the larger concern: the project is in early development, and many games may fail to boot or crash soon after starting. Avocado is single-threaded and hard-syncs audio to NTSC 60 Hz, which can cause stutter with PAL game audio. Those limitations make it difficult to recommend as a dependable choice for a broad game library, even with its generous format and save support.
Pricing
Avocado has one plan, Avocado, at no cost. There is no paid tier or free trial; the free plan is the product. It includes the emulator, but users still need to provide a PlayStation BIOS, and compatibility varies while development is early. Its GPL-2.0 license makes the project open-source.
Platforms
Avocado has builds for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows, including Windows 32-bit and 64-bit builds. System requirements are Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, or Ubuntu 16.04 or later, an OpenGL 3.1-capable GPU, and an SSE3-compatible x86 or x64 processor. The processor requirement may exclude systems outside those architectures.
Who it's for
Avocado is best for technically comfortable PlayStation fans who want a free, open-source emulator across desktop and Android, value varied file support and quick save controls, and can provide their own BIOS. It is not the right first choice for players who need reliable game compatibility, smooth PAL audio, or more than two controllers.
Pros and cons
- Pro: Broad support for disc-image and related file formats means users are not limited to a single loading format.
- Pro: Save states, quick save and load, and rewind provide several recovery options during play.
- Pro: Builds span Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows, and the GPL-2.0 license keeps the project open-source.
- Con: Early-development compatibility means games may not start or may crash shortly after boot.
- Con: A real-console BIOS is required, so installation alone is not enough to get started.
- Con: PAL audio can stutter, and two-controller support with no multitap limits multiplayer flexibility.
Alternatives
For a more straightforward alternative while keeping Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows coverage, consider DuckStation: it is free and also requires a user-provided BIOS and legally purchased, dumped games. PCSX-Redux is another free, GPL-2.0-licensed option for Windows, Linux, and macOS if Android support is not needed. Gamma is worth considering for iOS or macOS users; its free version may show ads. QuackStation is another free option across Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. ScePSX is also free for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. HopStation is a free option for Linux, macOS, and Windows, while psxe is another free choice for those three desktop platforms.
PlayStation Emulators is the relevant category for comparing more options.
Verdict
Choose Avocado if you want a free, open-source PlayStation emulator with broad file support and useful save controls, and you are comfortable supplying a BIOS and accepting uneven compatibility. If consistent game support or smooth PAL audio matters more, look elsewhere.
Getting started
- Get a build for Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android from the project’s GitHub repository.
- Check that your system meets the listed operating system, OpenGL, and processor requirements.
- Place a BIOS from a real console in the data/bios directory.
- Start Avocado and select the BIOS when prompted.
- Drag and drop a supported game file into the emulator.
Limits worth knowing
Avocado is in early development, and games may fail to boot or crash soon after starting. It is single-threaded, and audio synchronized to NTSC 60 Hz can stutter in PAL games. PAL LibCrypt titles require additional .SBI or .LSD subchannel information.
Questions
How much does Avocado cost?
The Avocado plan is free.
Is Avocado open-source?
Yes. The repository identifies its license as GPL-2.0.
Which platforms are supported?
Builds are linked for Windows 32-bit and 64-bit, macOS, Linux, and Android. The listed system requirements include Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, or Ubuntu 16.04 or later.
Does Avocado require a PlayStation BIOS?
Yes. It requires a BIOS from a real console, placed in the data/bios directory, and prompts for BIOS selection on first run.
Which game files can it load?
It can load .cue, .bin, .img, .chd, .ecm, .exe, .psexe, .psf, and .minipsf files by drag and drop.
What are the system requirements?
The README specifies an OpenGL 3.1 GPU and an SSE3-compatible x86 or x64 processor, along with Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, or Ubuntu 16.04 or later.
