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The ps5-linux project can turn some PlayStation 5 consoles into a Linux gaming machine
Quoting: The ps5-linux project can turn some PlayStation 5 consoles into a Linux gaming machine | GamingOnLinux —
The open source ps5-linux project has been released, allowing you to turn a PlayStation 5 into a fully fledged Linux gaming machine. With some caveats though, it only works on the "PS5 Phat" (the original PlayStation 5 model) across a few different firmware versions.
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Your PS5 can now transform into a Linux PC | The Verge
A developer has created a method to get Linux running on some versions of Sony’s PlayStation 5 console. Andy Nguyen previously showed off a ported version of Ubuntu running PC games on a PS5 last month, and he’s now published the installation steps on GitHub this week.
This is a soft mod, so it won’t persist between power downs or restarts, but the Linux installation will let you play PC games once it’s up and running. So far we’ve seen GTA V running with enhanced ray tracing at 60fps in Ubuntu on a PS5, as well as Spider-Man running at 1440p resolution and 60fps.
Nguyen is relying on a patched vulnerability to transform a PS5 into a Linux PC, which means this exploit only works on disc-based PS5 consoles running older 3.xx or 4.xx firmware versions. The latest 5.xx versions of firmware aren’t supported yet. “Support for 1.xx and 2.xx firmwares may be added in the future, but we will not prioritize this effort,” says Nguyen.
Linux now Officially Available for PlayStation 5 | TechPowerUp
Hot on the heels of the news of Sony's new DRM that earned significant community backlash, Andy Nguyen, the developer who previously showed off running a full Linux installation on a PlayStation 5, has officially published their methodology and necessary steps to get the open-source operating system running on Sony's console. The hack requires a PS5 disc version running firmware version 3.00, 3.10, 3.20, 3.21, and 4.00, 4.02, 4.03, 4.50, 4.51, and there is only support for the M.2 drive in the 4.XX versions at the time of writing. There are supposedly ways to downgrade the PS5 firmware to one of the versions that still supports the hack, but those may not always work reliably. If you've followed the jailbreak steps, injected the payload and rebooted back into Linux, you should be greeted by a full Ubuntu 26.04 Resolute Raccoon installation, replete with the Linux kernel 7.
Interestingly, the PS5 Linux installation is quite full-featured, replete with custom VRAM allocation, fan control, and a boost mode toggling—all from within the terminal or a text file, of course. There are some caveats, and driver development is still ongoing—wireless networking, for example, may require you to manually restart the WLAN adaptor to work. The Sony DualSense controllers also don't currently work via the built-in dongle, although they do with an external dongle. The output refresh rate is also limited to 60 Hz across 1080p, 1440p, and 4K resolutions, although 120 Hz may be added later. The biggest limitation, however, is that it is a soft mod, meaning that if you restart the PS5 while in the Linux desktop, it will not boot back into the environment unless you apply the same jailbreak again. The upside of that is that the PlayStation 5's base OS isn't affected by the Linux installation, so if you want to go back to using it as a regular PS5, you can just reboot.
PS5 Linux loader goes public, turning ‘Phat’ consoles into full Linux PCs — build script includes bootable Ubuntu 24.04 image, can output 4K games at 60 FPS
Security engineer Andy Nguyen, known online as TheFlow, has publicly released ps5-linux on GitHub: a complete toolchain for booting Linux on PlayStation 5 Phat consoles running firmware versions 3.xx through 4.xx. The project, which Nguyen demonstrated running GTA V Enhanced Edition via a proof-of-concept in March, is now a documented, reproducible process that anyone with compatible hardware can follow.
The release includes a Linux payload that exploits a patched hypervisor vulnerability, a build script that produces a bootable Ubuntu 24.04 image, tools for M.2 SSD installation, and a fan and CPU/GPU boost control utility. Nguyen credits several contributors, including c0w, resulknad, flatz, and the fail0verflow and ps5-payload-dev teams.
Only PS5 Phat consoles on older firmware 3.00, 3.10, 3.20, 3.21, 4.00, 4.02, 4.03, 4.50, or 4.51 are supported, with Nguyen having said support for 1.xx and 2.xx may come later, but that it’s not a priority. Firmware 5.xx could eventually work, though Linux would run inside Sony's GameOS virtual machine with reduced performance and unknown limitations, while anything 6.xx or above is ruled out entirely. Users who want to downgrade or sideload a specific firmware version can do so using Sony's official reinstall process with the correct PUP file.
Someone modded a PS5 to run Linux and play PC games
It’s now possible to run Linux on a PS5, opening up the console to PC games, including PC versions of PlayStation exclusives like Marvel’s Spider-Man. Putting Linux on a PlayStation console has been a thing since the PS3 days. Really old version of the fat PS3, which was the original console and a little more open, were able to run Linux and other PC software for things like homebrew apps. This was until Sony patched the console with new firmware.
This PS5 Linux Tool Turns Sony's Console Into a Linux-Powered Gaming PC
Early last month, we showcased modder Andy Nguyen (@theflow0 on X) successfully playing Grand Theft Auto V: Enhanced Edition running under Ubuntu Linux on his own PlayStation 5. At the time, this was a private project, but Andy has since followed it up with the official release of PS5-Linux on GitHub, now making it possible for all owners of a fat (original model) PS5 running 3.XX or 4.XX firmware to run Ubuntu on the console.
The official project page on GitHub notes the specific firmware configurations supported as "3.00, 3.10, 3.20, (and) 3.21" to run without M.2 support and firmware versions "4.00, 4.02, 4.03, 4.50, (and) 4.51" to run with M.2 support. Support for earlier firmware versions "may be added in the future" but will not will be prioritized, while 5.XX firmware is also under consideration but "may not perform as good" due to Ubuntu needing to run within the GameOS virtual machine and losing "unknown" features as a result.
It's FOSS:
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Someone Turned a PS5 Into a Linux Gaming PC, and It Actually Works
Linux gaming has been on a great trajectory these past few years.
Proton turned a massive chunk of the Steam library into playable Linux titles thanks to Wine as its backbone, and purpose-built Linux gaming consoles are now a product category that actually exists.
We recently covered the Playnix Console, a $1,179 Linux gaming machine from the EmuDeck team that ships with a custom Arch-based OS and boots straight into Steam's gaming mode.
Today, we have a project that lets you run a Linux-powered operating system on Sony's PlayStation 5 console.
OMG Ubuntu:
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Someone got Ubuntu running on a PS5 – and played Steam - OMG! Ubuntu
The hack is the work of security engineer Andy Nguyen, who this week announced a public release of his ps5-linux-boot project so more people can turn their “…PS5 Phat console on 3.xx and 4.xx [Firmware] into a fully functional Linux PC gaming device”.
Obviously, this is all unofficial.
The project exploits a patched hypervisor vulnerability to give Linux direct access to the PS5’s hardware – which with its eight Zen 2 CPU cores (16 threads) @ up to 3.5GHz, an RDNA 2 GPU @ up to 2.23GHz and 4K60 HDMI output, is quite a machine.
Andy also shared a video running GTA V Enhanced with Ray Tracing, achieving a buttery smooth 60fps at 1440p with dynamic vram enabled.
Interestingly, you’ll notice Ubuntu 26.04 LTS (Resolute Raccoon) is used in the demo, which means Andy’s PS5 is running a newer Ubuntu release than most of my actual computers.
Gadgets 360:
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PS5 Linux Loader Gets Public Release, Allowing Users to Run Steam and PC Games on Console | Technology News
A security engineer has publicly released a PS5 Linux loader that essentially turns Sony's console into a PC that can run Steam games. The Linux loader, called ps5-linux, leverages a vulnerability in the original PS5 console to turn it into a Linux PC. The engineer claims the Linux loader on PS5 can run games at 4K, 60fps.
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A New Open Source Project Can Boot Linux on Original PS5 Hardware With Full Steam Support
An open source project called ps5-linux has just dropped on GitHub, and it does exactly what it says on the tin: it turns a PlayStation 5 into a Linux gaming machine. There are caveats, but the scope of what it pulls off is genuinely impressive.
The big one to know upfront is hardware compatibility. This only works on the original PS5 model, often called the PS5 Phat, and only on specific firmware versions. Firmware 3.xx is supported without M.2 SSD support, while 4.xx firmware versions, including 4.00, 4.02, 4.03, 4.50, and 4.51, are supported with M.2 access. Older 1.xx and 2.xx firmware may be added down the line, but is not a current priority. Firmware 5.xx is a possibility in the future, though with limitations that would require Linux to run inside a virtual machine with reduced feature access. Firmware 6.xx has no current support plans.
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Video Cardz ☛ PS5 Linux loader released for older firmware 3.xx and 4.xx consoles
Andy Nguyen, also known as TheOfficialFloW, has released the PS5 Linux loader project. This is not an official Sony feature, but a public homebrew release for older PlayStation 5 consoles.
Perhaps the most important detail is that this distro will not work with just any console, only those that have been jailbroken before. The project supports PlayStation 5 Phat models running firmware 3.xx and 4.xx. Supported versions include 3.00, 3.10, 3.20 and 3.21 without M.2 support. Firmware 4.00, 4.02, 4.03, 4.50 and 4.51 can use M.2 SSD storage for Linux. The developers state that firmware 5.xx support may be added later, but Linux would run inside the GameOS VM and may have fewer features or lower performance.
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PS5 Linux project released to unlock PlayStation 5’s PC potential
Last month, a modder called Andy Nguyen, also known as “theflow0” and “TheOfficialFloW”, showcased their Linux-powered PlayStation 5 (PS5) and its PC gaming capabilities. Now, the modder has officially released a PS5 Linux Loader on GitHub, allowing others to turn their PlayStation 5 consoles into Linux PCs.
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Notebook Check ☛ Modder releases PS5-Linux that turns the console into a fully functional Linux gaming PC
After months of testing and improvements, security engineer and modder Andy Nguyen has finally released PS5-Linux, allowing users to turn their console into a functional Linux gaming PC.
Valnet:
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You can turn your PS5 into a Linux-powered gaming PC now, but there are big trade-offs
Following a tease of the project back 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 you have PS5-Linux installed, it runs just like a standard desktop Linux PC powered by 8 CPU cores (16 threads) clocked at 3.5Ghz, alongside a GPU running at 2.23Ghz. This means the Linux-powered PS5 can run Steam games and emulators with ease.
Lors more today:
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LinuxStans ☛ You Can Now Turn Your PS5 Into a Powerful GNU/Linux Gaming PC (But There’s a Catch)
The PS5 hacking scene just dropped something huge. A group of developers have released ps5-linux, a project that completely transforms your PlayStation 5 into a legitimate GNU/Linux desktop PC. We’re talking full hardware access, 8-core CPU at 3.5GHz, GPU at 2.23GHz, and the ability to run Steam games and emulators.
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Modder releases PS5-Linux project, turning some consoles into a Linux gaming machine
Security engineer Andy Nguyen developed PS5-Linux, enabling PS5 Phat consoles on specific firmware versions to run Ubuntu and play Steam games smoothly using a patched hypervisor exploit. The softmod requires extra hardware, has limitations like no dual-boot or standby, and is recommended for advanced users.
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Adafruit ☛ Load Linux on your “phat” PS5 console
Security engineer Andy Nguyen, known online as TheFlow, has publicly released ps5-linux on GitHub: a complete toolchain for booting Linux on PlayStation 5 Phat consoles running firmware versions 3.xx through 4.xx. The project, which Nguyen demonstrated running GTA V Enhanced Edition via a proof-of-concept in March, is now a documented, reproducible process that anyone with compatible hardware can follow.
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PS5 Linux Port That Turns The Console Into A Fully Functional Steam Machine Is Now Publicly Available
The previously reported PS5 port of the Linux OS that turns the console into a fully functional Steam Machine is now publicly available.
Modder Andy Nguyen (theflow0) took to Twitter/X to share an update on his recent post regarding the Linux OS running on Sony Interactive Entertainment’s current-gen console. The PS5 Linux port is now publicly available, allowing users running supported versions of the console’s firmware to get a fully functional Steam Machine experience. The project’s Github is available here.
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KitGuru ☛ You can now install Linux on your PS5
The developer published the guide and all things necessary for this procedure on GitHub (via VideoCardz). Once the OS is installed, users are greeted by a Ubuntu 26.04 Resolute Raccoon environment running on Linux kernel 7. Surprisingly, the installation is quite sophisticated, offering custom VRAM allocation, granular fan control, and a boost mode that can be toggled through system files. It essentially turns the console into a pseudo-Steam Machine, though it is currently limited to 60 Hz across all resolutions. Future updates may unlock 120 Hz support, but for now, the driver development team is focusing on the stability of 2K and 4K output at 60 FPS.
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Linux Can Now Be Installed On PS5, But You’ll Need A Disc-Based Console Running Specific Firmwares - PlayStation Universe
PS5 owners can now install Linux on their machine thanks to steps shared by tech wizard Andy Nguyen, who had previously revealed that he had got Grand Theft Auto V Enhanced running with Linux installed on Sony’s console at 60 FPS.
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Cybernews ☛ Security researcher hacks PS5 to run Linux and Steam games, releases code publicly
Any PlayStation 5 can be turned into a highly capable Linux computer. A public Linux loader has been released by Andy Nguyen, an information security engineer, who exploited a firmware vulnerability. Users are already using it to play Steam or other third-party games, but for the soft-mod to work, the console needs to run an older firmware version.
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This PS5 Mod Installs Linux, Turning the Console into a Steam Machine
You can now install Linux on your PlayStation 5 with a custom solution from modder Andy Nguyen, who ported Linux to the PS5, turning it into a Steam Machine. Earlier, the modder demonstrated the system in action, running Grand Theft Auto 5 enhanced with ray tracing.
Hackaday:
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Running Linux On The PS5 With A Hypervisor Exploit
Since Sony’s PlayStation 5 console is quite literally an AMD-based gaming PC with a custom mainboard, the only thing that really keeps anyone from just installing another operating system on it is the hypervisor-based firmware. Since in older firmware for the original ‘phat’ PlayStation 5 there exists a hypervisor exploit, this logically means that you can totally run Linux on them, as demonstrated by [Andy Nguyen] with the PS5-linux project on GitHub.
PS5 firmware version 5.x from 2022 seems to have at least partially addressed this particular vulnerability, so this leaves firmware versions 3.x and 4.x supported by PS5-linux for now. Firmware versions 1.x and 2.x also have this vulnerability, but [Andy] hasn’t added support for these yet. As for the prospect of running PS5-linux on 5.x firmware the prospect is less certain, but it’s reckoned that since the OS would then run inside the hypervisor it’d be quite limited in its functionality. Firmware versions 6+ are currently still firmly locked-down.
If you have an original PS5 kicking around with the right firmware version, to use the project you need a 64+ GB USB drive to run from and USB dongles for Wi-Fi/Ethernet. For Bluetooth support you also need a dongle. With the USB drive inserted into the console, on boot it runs the jailbreak exploit and sends the bootloader as payload. If all goes well you should then see the desktop of Ubuntu 26.04 Resolute Raccoon pop up.
3 more late articles:
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Hackaday ☛ Running Linux On The PS5 With A Hypervisor Exploit
PS5 firmware version 5.x from 2022 seems to have at least partially addressed this particular vulnerability, so this leaves firmware versions 3.x and 4.x supported by PS5-linux for now. Firmware versions 1.x and 2.x also have this vulnerability, but [Andy] hasn’t added support for these yet. As for the prospect of running PS5-linux on 5.x firmware the prospect is less certain, but it’s reckoned that since the OS would then run inside the hypervisor it’d be quite limited in its functionality. Firmware versions 6+ are currently still firmly locked-down.
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Ghacks ☛ Security Researcher Publishes Method to Run GNU/Linux on PS5, Demonstrating GTA V at 60fps With Ray Tracing
Security researcher Andy Nguyen has shared a method for running GNU/Linux on certain PlayStation 5 units, along with setup instructions available on Microsoft's proprietary prison GitHub.
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The Verge ☛ Your PS5 can now transform into a Linux PC
This is a soft mod, so it won’t persist between power downs or restarts, but the Linux installation will let you play PC games once it’s up and running. So far we’ve seen GTA V running with enhanced ray tracing at 60fps in Ubuntu on a PS5, as well as Spider-Man running at 1440p resolution and 60fps.