PS5 Hacked to Run Linux and Steam Games

A security engineer has successfully ported Linux to the PlayStation 5, effectively turning the console into a PC capable of running Steam games, including Grand Theft Auto V with ray tracing. This achievement highlights the PS5’s underlying x86 architecture and potential for broader functionality.

Breaking Down Sony’s Security

Andy Nguyen, known online as “theflow0,” achieved this feat by exploiting an older version of the PS5’s firmware (versions 1.xx/2.xx) using a tool called “Byepervisor.” Byepervisor undermines Sony’s security measures, granting low-level control of the system and allowing for the bypass of the native operating system to boot a custom version of Linux.

Performance and Capabilities

Once Linux was running, Nguyen successfully installed and ran Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced Edition via Steam at 1440p resolution with ray tracing enabled, maintaining a stable 60 frames per second. The modified PS5 retains full functionality of its USB ports and currently operates with a CPU clock speed of 3.2 GHz and a GPU clock speed of 2.0 GHz. Whereas the system can be boosted to 3.5 GHz CPU and 2.23 GHz GPU, a PS5 Slim model used in the process reportedly overheats quickly at those higher clock speeds.

The system supports 4K HDMI video and audio output.

Limitations and Firmware Dependency

This modification is not universally applicable to all PS5 owners. It requires a PS5 running older firmware versions (1.xx/2.xx). Sony has since patched newer firmware versions, preventing the exploit from working. Rolling back to a compatible firmware version is currently blocked by Sony. MSN reports that this exploit targets older PS5 firmwares.

Implications and Future Potential

This successful port of Linux to the PS5 demonstrates the console’s potential as a versatile gaming and computing device. It as well echoes the functionality of upcoming Steam Machines, which will run SteamOS (based on Linux) and offer similar performance. The modded PS5 can revert to its original functionality, offering a unique blend of exclusive gaming and PC capabilities. Nguyen also contributed to the open-source Mesa graphics project to improve GPU functionality under Linux. Overclock3D details these contributions.

Key Takeaways

• A PS5 has been successfully modified to run Linux and Steam games.
• The exploit requires older PS5 firmware versions (1.xx/2.xx).
• The modified PS5 can run Grand Theft Auto V with ray tracing at 1440p 60fps.
• The system retains full USB functionality and supports 4K HDMI output.
• Overheating can be an issue when pushing the CPU and GPU to their maximum clock speeds.