Summary

  • PS5-Linux has released: turns PS5 Phat on firmware 3.xx–4.xx into a full Linux gaming PC.
  • Runs desktop Linux with 8 cores (16 threads) at 3.5GHz and GPU at 2.23GHz; plays Steam games, emulators.
  • Experimental: requires USB/SSD, adapters, Bluetooth dongle; not dual-boot, must reapply exploit each power-on.

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.

Other features include 4K at 60Hz over HDMI and audio output (higher refresh rates don't seem to be supported). Additionally, it looks like the tool is currently limited to the fat PlayStation 5 and not the more recent Slim model. The console's firmware also needs to be between 3.xx and 4.xx. Support for older and newer firmware could come later, but it's still unclear (Linux would likely need to run inside a virtual machine for it to work.

This is an experimental project with notable limitations

For example, you'll need a Bluetooth adapter to use the PS5's DualSense controller

Credit: Andy Nguyen (@theflow0)

To install PS5-Linux, you'll need a USB drive with at least 64GB of storage, or an external SSD. You'll also need a USB keyboard and mouse for navigation, alongside 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 to use the PS5's DualSense controller, since built-in Bluetooth isn't supported yet.

This also isn't a dual-boot setup, so you won't be able to move between the PS5's stock operating system and Linux. It also seems you'll need to use the exploit every time you want to turn on the console. Features like standby mode don't work either.

While this is undeniably a very cool project, the limitations in PS5-Linux's initial release make it probably not worth the hassle — at least not yet. If Nguyen can expand PS5-Linux's compatibility and features, I can see it becoming a viable alternative to the PS5's stock OS, especially if dual-booting becomes an option (and, of course, you don't care about playing PS5-exclusive games).

You can find the full installation guide on GitHub.