Summary
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PS5-Linux released: Turns PS5 Phat on firmware 3.xx–4.xx into a full Linux gaming PC.
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Runs desktop Linux with 8 cores (16 threads) at 3.5 GHz and GPU at 2.23 GHz; plays Steam games, emulators.
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Experimental: requires USB/SSD, adapters, Bluetooth dongle; no dual boot, must reapply to operate each power on.
Following a presentation of the project in March, modder Andy Nguyen has officially released PS5-Linux, giving users a way to turn their PlayStation 5 into a fully functional Linux gaming PC.
According to PS5-Linux’s GitHub notes, the installation uses a patched hypervisor vulnerability to unlock the console’s hardware. Once PS5-Linux is installed, it runs like a standard Linux desktop PC powered by 8 CPU cores (16 threads) clocked at 3.5 GHz, along with a GPU running at 2.23 GHz. This means that the PS5 running Linux is able to run games and Steam emulators very easily.
Other features include 4K at 60Hz over HDMI and audio output. It appears the tool is currently limited to the larger PlayStation 5 and not the newer Slim model. The console firmware must also be between 3.xx and 4.xx. Support for older and newer firmware might come later, but it’s still unclear (Linux will probably need to run in a virtual machine).
This is an experimental project with notable limitations
You will need a Bluetooth adapter to use the PS5 DualSense controller
The installation process involves a USB drive with at least 64 GB of storage or an external SSD. You’ll also need a USB keyboard and mouse for navigation, and a USB Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapter to access the Internet. Optional support for an M.2 SSD can also be added to the installation. Additionally, you’ll need a Bluetooth dongle if you want to use the PS5’s DualSense controller, as built-in Bluetooth isn’t supported yet.
It’s also not a dual-boot setup, so you won’t be able to switch from the PS5’s stock OS to Linux. It also looks like you’ll have to take advantage of the exploit every time you want to turn on the console. Features like sleep mode also don’t work. While this seems like a very cool project, the limitations of the initial release make it seem like it’s probably not worth it – at least not yet. If Nguyen is able to expand the compatibility and features of PS5-Linux, I can see it potentially becoming a viable alternative to the original PS5 OS, especially if dual booting becomes an option.
You can find the complete installation guide on GitHub.
Valve isn’t abandoning Windows or x86, but it’s making both optional
Valve wants to allow players to play anywhere.