Security researcher Andy Nguyen, widely known online as theflow0 or TheOfficialFloW, announced the expanded support on May 17, 2026, via his X (formerly Twitter) account. The update comes just weeks after the first public release of the ps5-linux project in late April 2026, which had already attracted significant attention in the console modding and Linux gaming communities.

How It Works

The ps5-linux-loader exploits a patched hypervisor (HV) heap out-of-bounds vulnerability in the PS5’s firmware to bypass Sony’s security layer and boot a custom Linux environment. Because each firmware version uses a different exploit chain, the loader is updated incrementally as developers identify and implement new exploits for each target firmware range.

ps5-linux leverages a patched HV vulnerability to transform your PS5 Phat console running 3.00–6.02 firmwares into a highly capable Linux PC, unlocking its full hardware potential for desktop use.

— ps5-linux GitHub repository description

It is worth noting that the current official PS5 firmware is version 13.20, meaning this project only works on consoles that have not been updated for several years and are well behind on system software.

Firmware Compatibility at a Glance

Firmware Version(s) Linux Support M.2 SSD Support
3.00, 3.10, 3.20, 3.21✓ Yes✗ No
4.00, 4.02, 4.03, 4.50, 4.51✓ Yes✓ Yes
5.00, 5.02, 5.10, 5.50✓ Yes (New)✓ Yes
6.00, 6.02✓ Yes (New)✓ Yes
6.50 and above✗ Not Supported✗ No

The project currently remains limited to original PS5 “Phat” models only. Slim versions and the PS5 Digital Edition with revised internals are not supported at this time.

What Linux Distros Can Run on the PS5?

Developers have been experimenting with multiple Linux distributions tailored to different use cases on the PS5 hardware:

  • Linux Mint — Successfully ported and aimed at users familiar with Windows-style desktop environments. Offers a familiar GUI experience on PS5 hardware.
  • CachyOS — An Arch Linux-based gaming distribution adapted with Steam Big Picture integration, designed for controller-focused gaming setups directly on the PS5.
  • General Debian/Ubuntu-based distros — The underlying loader is distribution-agnostic; any Linux distribution can theoretically be booted once the loader initializes the hardware.

PS5 Hardware Unlocked by Linux

CPU
8× Zen 2 Cores (16 Threads)
CPU Clock
3.5 GHz
GPU Architecture
AMD RDNA 2
GPU Clock
2.23 GHz
Display Output
1080p / 1440p / 4K @ 60Hz
Wireless
WLAN Driver Now Supported

A notable improvement in this latest release is the addition of driver support for the PS5’s built-in WLAN (wireless network) chip, resolving the connectivity issues that plagued earlier Linux sessions and significantly improving the day-to-day usability of Linux on the console.

What About Future Firmware Support?

The developers have been explicit: support will not be extended beyond firmware 6.02, and users are asked not to inquire further about updates for newer firmware versions. Each new firmware patch closes previously exploited vulnerabilities, and identifying new exploit chains for more recent firmware (up to 13.20) would require significant new security research.

⚠ Important Warning: Running Linux on a PS5 involves exploiting firmware vulnerabilities and is entirely unofficial. This process is irreversible in some configurations and voids any warranty. The current PS5 firmware is version 13.20 — users who have kept their consoles updated are not affected by or eligible for this mod. Ordinary users should carefully assess the risks before attempting any modification.

A Nod to History

For long-time PlayStation fans, this project echoes Sony’s own OtherOS feature on the PlayStation 3, which officially allowed Linux installation before being removed in a 2010 firmware update. The ps5-linux project essentially recreates — and arguably surpasses — that capability on much more powerful hardware, entirely through community effort.

As the scene continues to mature, the PS5 is quietly becoming one of the more capable pieces of Linux-compatible gaming hardware available — at least for those who haven’t touched a system update in several years.