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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.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Tags: Hardware, Misc, Sony
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5 comments

dimko a day ago
And Sony is going to release firmware that will disable this "unintended harmful functionality" in THREE, TWO, ONE!
Seen it all before.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AJmAcpciBs&t=1s
elmapul 15 hours ago
if steam deck, and steam machines werent a thing that would be exciting news for me, but now i just want then instead.
i just hope that at least some ps5 owners convert then to 'steam machines" but i doubt it.
Gerarderloper 12 hours ago
Bet Sony spending a fair bit of money trying to patch all these holes out.
Bit of a scenario of them shooting themselves in the foot because having a way to install Linux on these consoles will make them MUCH more popular and people will naturally buy the games for them anyway.

BUT they won't see it that way; gotta waste money and ruin everyone's fun, the corporate motto!

I've read they are now putting more DRM into consoles; wonder how long until Age Verification comes and you are required to have Face and ID scans to even turn the things on.... what a world!

I do wish Steam Machines were going to be affordable alternatives, but it seems that won't be happening for quite some time! Onward and Downward into the fiery pits we go!!!! :)

Last edited by Gerarderloper on 30 Apr 2026 at 5:41 am UTC
Vex 7 hours ago
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Quoting: GerarderloperBet Sony spending a fair bit of money trying to patch all these holes out.
Bit of a scenario of them shooting themselves in the foot because having a way to install Linux on these consoles will make them MUCH more popular and people will naturally buy the games for them anyway.

BUT they won't see it that way; gotta waste money and ruin everyone's fun, the corporate motto!
It's probably the same thing as smart TV manufacturers. They sell you the TV to get you in the door. The TV doesn't actually make them anything. It's a loss. Selling your data and tracking your every habit is where they make the money.

Same thing with the PS5 most likely. The console is to get you in through the door. Once you're in, they want you buying games and subscribing to PlayStation Plus just to play online. They want you to pay them to you use the internet you pay your ISP to. A middleman extorting you for money to make a TCP connection to another companies multiplayer servers with your own internet.

Quoting: GerarderloperI've read they are now putting more DRM into consoles; wonder how long until Age Verification comes and you are required to have Face and ID scans to even turn the things on.... what a world!
That's already happening or is being tested with the PS5 in some regions, notably the UK. To use the social features from now on, you'll need to verify your age. It's been revealed by accident a week or so ago.
Caldathras 2 hours ago
Quoting: VexThey sell you the TV to get you in the door. The TV doesn't actually make them anything. It's a loss.
They used this with consumer-class printers back in the day (and still do, really). The printer itself is a loss leader. They give you a proprietary starter cartridge with your purchase. They get you when you need to replace that cartridge. Ever noticed how they fight tooth-and-nail to prevent you from using third-party options -- smear campaigns regarding product quality, special microchips so that only first-party cartridges will work, etc. The sale of ink and toner is the lifeblood of their business model.
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