We Hacked & Overclocked a PS5 to Install Linux and Steam

This video details the process of jailbreaking a PlayStation 5 (PS5) to install Linux and subsequently play games like Halo: Combat Evolved on it. The endeavor was primarily undertaken for fun, to demonstrate what's possible with hardware ownership, and to explore academic interests, rather than for practical utility or benchmarking. The method, published by infosec engineer and Sony exploit finder Andy Nguyen, also known as The Flow, allows for a softmod that boots Linux from an external storage device without permanently altering the console. Once Linux is running, the PS5 functions like a normal Linux desktop, capable of installing Steam and running games. This differs from previous instances where PS5 APUs ran Linux in specialized mining systems, as this mod works on a standard, retail PS5. The process involved several key steps: jailbreaking the PS5, setting up an HTTPS server and fake DNS on a laptop, and delivering payloads to the console. A crucial initial hurdle was firmware compatibility; only PS5 3.x and 4.x firmware versions are supported. The team used an older PS5 unit that had been in storage, preserving an eligible firmware version. Newer units that had automatically updated were incompatible. Additionally, only 4.x firmware versions support the PS5's internal M.2 storage, so for the older firmware, an external M.2 SSD connected via USB Type-C was used for the Linux installation. The setup began with installing Debian on a test bench for easier configuration. The team then cloned an Ubuntu 26.04 LTS image (though other distributions like Arch Linux and Alpine are supported). Despite some initial build failures, the image was eventually built overnight. This image was then flashed to an external Samsung 980 Pro M.2 SSD housed in an ROG Strix Areion enclosure, chosen for its speed over USB Type-C, as the console's firmware didn't support internal M.2. On the console side, power and HDMI settings were adjusted as per the PS5 Linux readme. The next step was running the umtx jailbreak exploit, a general-purpose tool. To facilitate this, a cheap router was purchased to create an isolated local network, preventing accidental internet updates or detection by Sony. A laptop was configured to run both a fake DNS server and an HTTPS server. The PS5's DNS settings were pointed to the laptop's IP, effectively redirecting the console's "User's Guide" webpage to the laptop's hosted jailbreak page. Upon selecting "User's Guide" on the PS5, the jailbreak page appeared, allowing the execution of the jailbreak. This softmod theoretically makes no permanent changes to the PS5. The jailbreak page offered various payloads, but not the specific "PS5 Linux loader.elf" needed. To deliver this, Netcat GUI was used on the laptop, pointed at the PS5's IP and port on the local network. Sending the .elf file automatically put the PS5 into rest mode. After the orange light stopped blinking, pressing the power button booted the PS5 directly into the Ubuntu Linux environment. The choice of Ubuntu was based on the developer's walkthrough, but the team noted issues with its snap package manager, which caused significant delays and difficulties, especially with Steam. Had they done it again, they would likely choose a different distro. The local network setup was crucial to avoid potential hardware bans or automatic updates. The PS5 and laptop were connected to the new, internet-disconnected router. The fake DNS tool and HTTPS server on the laptop replaced the PS5's user guide, delivering payloads. Multiple Windows services on the laptop had to be disabled for this to work. The "PS5 Linux loader.elf" was then injected using Netcat GUI, which triggered the PS5 into rest mode, followed by a boot into Linux. Display compatibility proved spotty; a 4K screen had to be swapped for an older 1080p display, as higher resolutions were unreliable. The final setup involved the laptop, router, PS5, capture card, monitor, external Linux drive, and various peripherals (mouse, keyboard, USB NIC for internet, PS5 controller via hub) all connected. Many built-in PS5 functionalities like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wireless controller support do not work with this mod, necessitating external solutions. Suspend and screensavers are also unsupported. While not primarily a benchmarking exercise, some tests were conducted. The Flow's tools allow boosting fan curves and clock speeds (CPU to 3500 MHz, GPU to 2230 MHz), effectively overclocking the PS5. VRAM allocation can also be manually adjusted, offering avenues for academic research into console vs. PC game optimization. Playing Halo: Combat Evolved (Master Chief Collection via Steam) on the PS5 running Linux was a core objective. Despite significant hitching, crashes, and launch failures, the game was technically playable at an enhanced preset with anti-cheat on. Average FPS was 91, but 0.1% lows were a poor 10.4 FPS, reflecting the constant hitches. Boosting fan curves and clock speeds improved average FPS slightly to 93 and 95 respectively, but the hitching persisted. Stellaris, a PC game, was also tested. With fans boosted, average simulation completion time was 117 seconds, dropping to 108 seconds with boosted clocks (a 7% reduction). These results, while not directly comparable due to OS and hardware differences, offered perspective against desktop CPUs. Crimson Desert was benchmarked with the cinematic preset, revealing visual issues like muddy textures, pop-in, and long load times (one load time clocked at 97 seconds). Average FPS with fan boost was 35, rising to 37 with clock boost (a 6% improvement). Hitching was also observed. 3DMark Fire Strike, run through Steam via Proton, yielded inconsistent results, as it's not intended for this setup. The highest score without boosts was 15,939 (21,731 graphics, 14,713 physics, 5,546 combined). Physics scores were lower than an R5 1600AF, while graphics scores were comparable to a GTX 1070. The team emphasized that these numbers do not reflect the PS5's native performance, as it was running an unsupported OS and benchmark tool. The mod is described as 100% softmod, with no permanent changes to the PS5. Rebooting returns the console to its regular PlayStation OS. Switching back to Linux requires repeating the mod and payload delivery steps. Changes made within Linux are saved, as the OS operates entirely from the external drive. The hope is that this separation reduces the risk of hardware bans, though the team could not guarantee it, as they avoided connecting the modified console to the internet. Inconveniences include the limited USB ports (four, one being USB 2.0, another often dedicated to the boot drive), necessitating hubs. The lack of built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wireless controller support requires USB alternatives. Suspend and screen savers are unsupported, and stable resolutions above 1080p are highly situational. The team also experienced difficulties with Ubuntu's default snap package manager, which caused issues with Steam and data management. Despite the challenges, the project demonstrated that it's possible to install Linux on a PS5, offering opportunities for fun, academic research into console hardware, and long-term utility for older consoles. The team stressed that while they successfully performed the mod, they do not advise others to do so due to potential risks like hardware bans, despite their lawyers affirming the legality of their own actions and video publication. They advocate for hardware ownership rights, allowing users to modify their purchased devices as they see fit.