- There are plenty of listings on the Google Play Store for apps that claim to be a PS4 / PS3 emulator for Android.
- However, none of these apps are legitimate. There is no real emulation solution for PS3, PS4 or PS5 on Android.
- There is a legitimate PS3 emulator for Windows / Linux, but no official Android port.
Console emulation on Android has become increasingly popular lately. This is likely related to the fact that even mid-range Android phones and tablets are powerful enough to emulate pretty much any console of the fifth generation or earlier.
Because of the murky legality of console emulation, the legitimate emulators out there are sometimes difficult to distinguish from the fake ones. That couldn’t be truer when it comes to the Google Play Store and the numerous apps that claim to be a PS4 / PS3 emulator for Android. None of them are real.
Connected: Best emulators for Android to play old favorites
Unfortunately, some people might be confused about it because of there is a legitimate PlayStation 3 emulator for Windows / Linux called RPCS3. Although this emulator has come a long way and can play much of the PS3 library with no problems, there is no Android port for the software.
We ask that you be careful what you download and know this: there is currently 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 in the Play Store don’t try to hide the fact that they aren’t actually emulators. Some exchange the word “emulator” and use “simulator” instead, which means “PlayStation 3 simulator”. When downloaded, these apps offer a PS3-like interface that actually does nothing. It’s a simulator!
Others deceive a lot more. It clearly describes itself as an emulator and even describes how to install it and start playing PS3 and PS4 games. However, at the very bottom of the description there is a “disclaimer” that says the app list is “not a real emulator” and “just for you to fool your friends”. The app is essentially useless to install.
See also: What is the Citra 3DS emulator and how do you use it on Android?
However, this wild west scenario could be dangerous. All a developer has to do is create an app that fulfills all hope and then deliver some kind of malware. Of course, Google would probably find out at some point and remove the app, but by then it would be too late for you.
The bottom line is that there is no legitimate PS4 / PS3 emulator for Android. Don’t download any of these. If you want to stay up to date on the current emulation status on Android, consult the trusted emulation wiki.