The PlayStation 5 shares x86 architecture with PCs, but Sony controls its entire ecosystem. Now, Andy Nguyen's (TheFlow) ps5-linux project allows booting Ubuntu 24.04 on launch consoles with old firmware. It uses a hypervisor vulnerability that has already been patched, turning the console into a functional desktop computer with a Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU.
How the exploit works on PS5 Phat 🛠️
The method only works on PS5 Phat models with specific 3.xx or 4.xx firmwares. It requires an external exploit and a fake DNS server to inject the loader. Once Linux is installed from a 64 GB USB drive, the system utilizes all eight cores at 3.5 GHz and the GPU at 2.23 GHz. HDMI output reaches 4K at 60 Hz and the USB ports are functional. This is not a process for beginners: it requires advanced technical knowledge and access to specific hardware.
Steam runs on your PS5, but don't tell Sony 🎮
Yes, you read that right: you can play Steam titles and emulators on your PS5 as if it were a living room PC. But before you get excited, remember you need a launch console with firmware from two years ago, a homebrew DNS server, and the patience of a monk. If you have a PS5 Slim or one with recent firmware, forget it. It's like having an F1 car but only being able to use it in an empty parking lot on Sundays at 3 AM.