PS5 Linux loader goes public, turning console into full Linux gaming PC
Comments
c-c-c-c-c
standardly
Genuine question, no snark intended, bc this is interesting... but:
Why would someone want to do this? What is the benefit (besides satisfying a technical challenge)?
hgoel
When I was still dependent on my parents, I was stuck with a pretty outdated PC, but was allowed to get a PSP and then a PS Vita (but also only 1 game ever). The reasoning was that a separate console could be taken away easily if my grades dropped, while an outdated computer couldn't do much besides schoolwork.
One of the ways I got into computing was making the most of this dumb situation by trying to run custom software (emulators, homebrew games, PDF viewers etc) on my console. So, something like this would've been handy.
Ultimately though, the devs probably made it because it was an interesting technical challenge .
incangold
Console hardware is subsidized by games sales- it’s much cheaper than a similarly capable PC.
AngryData
Well they use to be, this last generation seemed break even in hardware cost around release. But with hardware supply issues now that may not be true at this moment still.
rangestransform
There were hardware supply issues around launch time that made consoles a much better deal than the equivalent PC
cogman10
I'd also point out that the latest versions of consoles are simply glorified x86 machines. When viewed in that light, you can evaluate if you want a PC with a pretty decent graphics card for the price point.
These are literally x86 AMD machines with AMD graphics cards.
The original XBox was the same way. It made a great media server which is the origin of the likes of plex and kodi.
dartharva
But are PC software and games compatible and tuned for console hardware even if you hotwire Linux onto it?
Pwntastic
i use my steam deck on my tv all the time as a fairly weak steam machine. i also have a ps5 that i haven't bothered to turn on in at least a year. being able to convert my disused ps5 into a more powerful steam machine actually seems like a bit of an upgrade to my current setup.
standardly
I didn't consider SteamOS. That in itself is an amazing use case. I wonder if simply having the linux kernel installed is enough to run it?
oliwarner
In raw grunt, it's equivalent to a PC with a ~3060Ti/6700XT.
You can get a refurb PS5 for £250. Good luck building the equivalent PC for that.
ChocolateGod
You could get a board built on the PS5 APU (BC-250) for cheaper than that.
oliwarner
£150 plus taxes. By the time you add a PSU, a case, and a good controller, it's pretty close.
estimator7292
Consoles aren't really a useful object. You can only play the heavily locked down titles the vendor approves for you, and nothing else. You have to pay a monthly subscription for the damn thing. And if you want to do anything at all than engage with the DRM lootbox subscription machine, no you don't.
With this you can use the console to do anything that a PC can do. Which is literally everything.
You could, for instance, play all of your old legally-backed-up games without paying for them yet again. You could run productivity software, or play literally any game that isn't blessed by Sony. It also doesn't try to extract money from you at every opportunity.
abrookewood
Can anyone comment on the performance vs stock PS5??
drzaiusx11
I used to run Linux on my PS2 until Sony nuked it
manytimesaway
PS2 Linux was never nuked, you can still run it with the right disc.
selfsigned
PS3 right ?
> Users who want to downgrade or sideload a specific firmware version can do so using Sony's official reinstall process with the correct PUP file.
this is not true, you can only upgrade using a PUP not downgrade.
Super excited for this, havent been involved since the bd-jb exploit and finally i can use my ps5 the way i want to.