You Can Now Install Linux on Your PS5, Transforming It into a Steam Machine
Developer Andy Nguyen has released a method to install Linux on PlayStation 5 consoles, enabling users to run PC games on Sony’s hardware. Nguyen previously demonstrated the proof of concept in early 2026, showcasing GTA V running with enhanced ray tracing at 60fps on an Ubuntu installation. He has now published the complete installation steps on GitHub for public use.
The method comes with significant limitations. It only works on disc-based PS5 consoles running firmware versions 3.xx or 4.xx—the latest 5.xx firmware iterations and older 1.xx or 2.xx builds are not supported. Additionally, the installation is a soft mod, meaning it does not persist between system shutdowns or restarts, requiring users to reinstall Linux each time they power on the console.
While Nguyen indicates there is no hardware risk associated with the installation, users are advised to proceed with caution. The release resonates with PlayStation community members nostalgic for the PS3’s OtherOS feature, which allowed Linux installation on that console before being removed in a system update—a decision that sparked a class action lawsuit. Despite the technical constraints and non-permanent nature of the modification, the availability of Linux on PS5 represents a significant development in console modding and opens possibilities for running PC-based software on the gaming system.