📰 New article from Retro Handhelds
A New Open Source Project Can Boot Linux on Original PS5 Hardware With Full Steam Support
The PS5 Just Got a Major Identity Crisis
Ever looked at your PlayStation 5 and thought, “This is great, but I really wish it functioned like a high-end Linux desktop”? Well, thanks to a new open-source project called ps5-linux, you can now make that weirdly specific dream a reality.
The developers have successfully figured out how to exploit a hypervisor vulnerability to boot Linux directly on the console’s hardware. We aren’t talking about a glorified slideshow, either; once it’s running, you get access to all eight CPU cores and a beefy GPU. The end goal? Turning your console into a legitimate Steam gaming machine capable of running PC titles and emulators with impressive results.
Before you go rushing to eBay to hunt for an old console, there are some serious “fine print” vibes here:
- The Hardware: This only works on the original “Phat” PS5 models.
- The Software: You need to be running specific older firmware (3.xx or certain 4.xx versions) to get the full experience.
- The Catch: If your console is up-to-date with Sony’s latest security patches, you’re likely out of luck for now.
It’s a massive win for hardware enthusiasts and a fascinating peek at just how much power is locked behind Sony’s walled garden.