PlayStation 5 Hacked to Run Linux and GTA 5, But With Caveats

A modder has successfully ported Linux to the PlayStation 5, transforming Sony’s console into a PC capable of running games like Grand Theft Auto V. The achievement, spearheaded by Andy Nguyen, known online as “theflow0,” demonstrates the potential for unlocking the PS5’s hardware capabilities, but is currently limited to older, unpatched firmware versions.

Linux on PS5: A Technical Breakdown

Nguyen’s work involves bypassing the PS5’s operating system to boot a custom version of Linux. This was achieved using a tool called “Byepervisor,” which exploits vulnerabilities in older PS5 firmware to gain low-level control of the system. With this access, the PS5’s standard OS can be circumvented, allowing Linux to take its place.

Gaming Performance: GTA 5 at 1440p with Ray Tracing

As a proof of concept, Nguyen ran Grand Theft Auto 5 Enhanced Edition via Steam on the modified PS5. The game achieved a stable 60 frames per second at 1440p resolution with ray tracing enabled. The setup also supports 4K HDMI video and audio output, and all USB ports remain functional.

Hardware Limitations and Overheating

Whereas impressive, the Linux-powered PS5 isn’t without its limitations. Nguyen reports that the CPU is currently running at 3.2 GHz, with the GPU at 2.0 GHz. Boosting these clocks to 3.5 GHz and 2.23 GHz respectively is possible, but causes a PS5 Slim model to overheat rapidly.

Firmware Compatibility: A Key Restriction

A significant constraint is that this mod only works with PS5 consoles running older firmware versions, specifically in the 1.xx to 2.xx range. This means that newer PS5s with updated firmware are currently immune to this exploit. According to Nguyen, a full exploit chain, such as Byepervisor, is required, limiting compatibility to a little pool of older, unpatched systems.

Future Implications and Community Contributions

Nguyen has submitted a merge request to Mesa to add support for the PS5 GPU, potentially paving the way for broader compatibility and optimization. This development follows recent discussions surrounding PS5 ROM keys and jailbreak progress, though Nguyen emphasizes that leaked keys alone do not constitute a jailbreak.

The modding community is watching these developments closely, hoping for a more accessible and stable solution that could turn the PS5 into a true console-PC hybrid.

Source: VideoCardz, Tom’s Hardware, X (formerly Twitter)