The ps5-linux project can turn some PlayStation 5 consoles into a Linux gaming machine

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.

From the GitHub page, the developers explain:

ps5-linux leverages a patched HV vulnerability to transform your PS5 Phat console running 3.xx or 4.xx firmwares into a highly capable Linux PC, unlocking its full hardware potential for desktop use. Powered by 8 CPU cores (16 threads) at 3.5 GHz and a GPU at 2.23 GHz, it provides enough performance to run Steam games and various emulators with impressive fluidity. It supports HDMI 4K60 video and audio output. Furthermore, it allows you to utilize an M.2 SSD as a dedicated Linux partition, as well as all USB ports on the console.

The current firmware supported:

• 3.00, 3.10, 3.20, 3.21, without M.2 support
• 4.00, 4.02, 4.03, 4.50, 4.51 with M.2 support

They say that older firmware 1.xx and 2.xx may be added in future but it's not a priority, and firmware 5.xx may also come in future but there's an limitations that would require Linux to run inside a virtual machine and have access to less features. As for firmware 6.xx, they said no plans to support that currently.

Impressive work, even with some limitations in place it shows how Linux can run on everything. As impressive as it is, I'm of the opinion that when you buy such hardware - it should be yours to do with what you want anyway. This is why I appreciate Valve's use of Linux and keeping their devices open.

See more on the GitHub page.