Security Researcher Unlocks Ubuntu on PS5, Enables Steam Gaming – But Only on Old Firmware

Breaking: Ubuntu Now Runs on PS5 – With Steam Support

A newly released project by security engineer Andy Nguyen allows users to boot Ubuntu on a PlayStation 5 and play Steam games—but only if the console is running older firmware versions 3.xx or 4.xx. The exploit, made public this week, transforms a PS5 into a fully functional Linux PC gaming device.

“You can turn your PS5 Phat console on 3.xx and 4.xx firmware into a fully functional Linux PC gaming device,” Nguyen announced in a post detailing the project. The hack is entirely unofficial and leverages a patched hypervisor vulnerability to give Linux direct access to the PS5’s hardware—including its eight Zen 2 CPU cores and 16 threads.

How It Works

The project, dubbed ps5-linux-boot, exploits a security flaw in Sony’s hypervisor that was present in early firmware versions. Once exploited, Linux gains full control over the console’s AMD RDNA 2 GPU and memory, enabling Steam to run natively.

Nguyen has posted a step-by-step guide for users willing to risk their warranty. The process requires a USB drive with Ubuntu 22.04 or newer, a modified bootloader, and, critically, a PS5 on one of the supported firmware builds.

Background

Sony has long locked the PS5’s hardware to its proprietary operating system, barring any alternative OSes. Previous attempts to run Linux on the console were limited to virtual machines or emulation, with poor performance.

The ps5-linux-boot project is the first to provide near-native hardware access, thanks to a now-patched hypervisor vulnerability discovered by Nguyen earlier this year. Sony reportedly fixed the bug in firmware version 5.00, meaning only consoles never updated beyond 4.xx are eligible.

Security Implications

While the exploit is a boon for homebrew enthusiasts, it also raises security concerns. “This exposes a critical flaw that could be weaponized for piracy or custom firmware,” noted Dr. Elena Torres, a cybersecurity analyst at CyberSafe Labs. “But for now, it’s a fascinating demonstration of what the PS5 can do under the hood.”

What This Means

For gamers and developers, this breakthrough could widen the PS5’s utility beyond console gaming. Owners of older, unupdated PS5s can now use the device as a low-cost Linux desktop or even a Steam gaming machine.

However, the requirement for obsolete firmware significantly limits adoption. Most PS5 owners have updated their consoles, and those who haven’t may face degraded online functionality. Nguyen advises against updating if you wish to attempt the hack.

Community Reaction

The PS5 homebrew community has reacted with excitement. On Reddit’s r/ps5homebrew, users are sharing early benchmarks showing strong performance in Steam games like Portal 2 and Stardew Valley. “It’s not a replacement for a gaming PC, but it’s impressive for a console that cost $500,” wrote user linux_console_fan.

Technical Details & Limitations

• Firmware required: 3.xx or 4.xx (any subversion)
• Storage: Must be connected via USB 3.0 (internal SSD not accessible)
• GPU: Full RDNA 2 support via open-source drivers
• Audio/input: Limited—DualSense controller works, but no 3D audio or rumble
• Online: No PSN access while running Linux

Nguyen warns that the exploit is “experimental and unstable”, and users should expect crashes and missing features. A full list of known issues is available on the GitHub repository.

What’s Next?

Nguyen says he has no plans to update the project for newer firmware, citing the difficulty of finding new vulnerabilities. “Sony patches aggressively. This is a one-shot for old consoles.”

Nevertheless, the release could spur other researchers to hunt for similar exploits, potentially opening the door for dual-boot solutions on current hardware.

Final Note

This is a breaking development in console Linux hacking, but it remains a niche experiment. For most PS5 owners, waiting for official support—unlikely as it is—remains the only safe path.