Video summary

Installing Steam on the PS5

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Summary of the video (tech concepts + product/feature details)

This video is a hands-on tutorial/review-style walkthrough of installing and running Linux on a “fat” PlayStation 5 using a very fresh jailbreak/exploit. The creator explains it’s similar in spirit to earlier PS4 Linux efforts, but targets the PS5 by leveraging a patched hypervisor vulnerability—turning a compatible PS5 into a “highly capable Linux PC.”

Core prerequisites / exploit approach

  • Console model/firmware requirement
    • Linux is only attempted on a PS5 running firmware 3.xx or 4.xx.
  • Creator’s device check
    • Model: CFI1015A (launch model)
    • Firmware: 3.00
    • They therefore update to a compatible higher firmware.
  • M.2 support detail
    • M.2 only works on firmware 4.0+
    • They update toward 4.00 to use an internal M.2 SSD.

PS5 firmware update (guide steps)

  • What’s needed
    • Download the correct PUP file.
    • Use the official safe-mode reinstall approach.
  • Safe Mode process
    • Create a PS5 folder on a USB drive formatted FAT32 (X-FAT is mentioned by subtitles).
    • Place PS5 update.pup using the correct file naming.
    • Enter Safe Mode (hold power button until the second beep).
    • Choose Reinstall system software.
  • Troubleshooting included
    • Problems with flash drive formatting and USB port behavior.
    • Confusion between “recovery” vs “update” PUP file types.
    • Eventually, they succeed by:
      • using the recovery vs update file of the correct size
      • ensuring correct USB port and correct formatting.

Linux hardware/software requirements (setup checklist)

The tutorial implements a Linux setup that includes:

  • External fast storage (USB/SSD) to install/run Linux initially
  • USB Ethernet/LAN adapter (explicitly required for some stages)
  • USB keyboard + mouse
  • Optional/planned: internal M.2 SSD installation for improved booting/performance
  • Bluetooth dongle
    • Mentioned as missing some wireless drivers at the time
  • PS5 settings changes
    • Enable rest mode behavior and USB power:
      • “Supply power to USB ports… always”
    • Disable automatic updates
    • Disable automatic error reporting

Linux boot pipeline: WSL + USB port forwarding

The creator uses WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux) as part of the tooling workflow:

  • Download Ubuntu, run package updates, then install Docker and other build steps.
  • They mention constructing a “distro” image/tooling pipeline with a command workflow.

They also use a tool/process (from a GitHub workflow) to:

  • Flash/prepare the Linux image to a USB device (validated by checking file paths)
  • Run USB/IP forwarding (subtitles show “USB IPD”)
    • Forward a USB device through networking/WSL so the PS5 exploit chain can access it
  • Configure fake DNS so their PC can redirect:
    • manuals.playstation.net → their PC IP address
    • Used to serve/trigger exploit payloads via a “user guide” hosting trick

Exploit delivery + jailbreak automation

Once DNS/redirection is configured:

  • They open a “user guide” / exploit chain after handling:
    • certificate trust prompts
    • chain delivery steps
  • Troubleshooting included:
    • Windows firewall/proxy/port 443 issues (fixed by allowing TCP/UDP 443)
    • UDP port 53 confusion and Windows service management (“svc…host” confusion mentioned)

When the exploit setup succeeds:

  • They download an ELF payload
  • Use socat (or equivalent)
  • They use PS5 indicator LED behavior as a success check:
    • Wait for the orange LED to stop blinking → press power
    • If boot succeeds → LED turns white
  • The video claims the payload may optionally place the system into rest mode before final Linux boot.

First boot Linux experience (Ubuntu)

  • Result: Ubuntu boots successfully (keyboard setup + first user setup).
  • Notes
    • They adjust/avoid a buggy screen saver/screen blank behavior (disabling screen saver is mentioned).
    • They install Firefox because the system guide recommends it.
  • Driver/hardware status is incomplete
    • Audio exists but is “screwy” / routing issues
    • Ethernet appears without a driver at first
    • They use a hardware scan/probe website to verify detected components:
      • GPU, sound devices, internal/external SSDs, peripherals
    • Internal components like the internal SSD may show as “Sony branded,” but drivers can still be missing.

Installing M.2 SSD (physical installation guide)

The creator pauses software testing to install an internal M.2 SSD, following the official Sony installation guide.

  • Tools required (per guide)
    • Phillips/cross-head screwdriver
    • Ground against static electricity (touch a metal object)
    • Flashlight optional
  • Physical steps
    • Open the PS5
    • Remove the side/dvd-drive-related cover portion
    • Move the standoff, insert the SSD into the M.2 slot
    • Reattach covers and finish

After installing:

  • They reconfigure so Linux can boot from NVMe (not only USB).
  • They mention:
    • root ends up on the NVMe after a crash/reboot cycle
    • they still consider connecting the external SSD for boot reliability at that moment

Gaming performance review (Linux on PS5)

After getting Steam running (the creator credits “Windows skills” for saving the day), they test many games.

Overall theme:

  • When everything works, performance feels like an average Linux PC
  • But there are occasional driver/input/audio issues
  • The creator compares to PS4 Linux and suggests PS5 Linux is less temperamental and more stable than expected.

Notable game observations

  • Minecraft
    • Very smooth with max render distance
    • FPS discussed around ~105+ with VSync off
    • GPU stats appear missing/unfinished
  • TF2 (Team Fortress 2)
    • Surprisingly high FPS (hundreds mentioned)
    • Controls/mouse behavior becomes buggy (mouse returns to center / sensitivity problems)
  • Doom Eternal
    • Ray tracing attempted; VRAM limit issues (“Video memory exceeded”)
    • With reduced RT, FPS is high (they mention ~150 after toggling frame limiting)
  • Halo: The Master Chief Collection
    • Runs (including Halo 2 Enhanced mentioned) with 120 FPS
    • Audio is described as being in a “sorry state”
  • Hitman 3
    • Runs well at high settings
    • DLSS Frame Gen off
    • Brief crash/control issues occur
  • Cyberpunk 2077
    • Attempts maximum RT
    • Says it “actually failed” briefly, followed by a dramatic performance swing moment
  • PS5 Boost mode
    • Trying CPU/GPU boost improves FPS slightly (e.g., ~10–12 → ~15–17)
    • System runs hotter

Stability/limits

  • They report few crashes and little need to tweak Linux settings after setup.
  • Audio issues persist, varying by scenario:
    • controller acting as a speaker output device
    • OBS sometimes not showing audio consistently

Final “extra” product/tool introduced by the creator

They mention building a small helper device to simplify the process:

  • Luck Fox Pico (RJ45-capable mini board)
  • Purpose:
    • easily boot into Linux on the PS5 without repeating the full network/DNS setup
  • Provided details:
    • link to the device
    • GitHub code / SD-card image approach to replicate booting

Main speakers / sources

  • Primary source/speaker: the YouTube creator/host (solo narration throughout)
    • References GitHub tutorials, official Sony guides, and exploit/toolchain authors
  • External sources referenced
    • GitHub tutorial(s) for exploit tooling and steps (including socat/USB forwarding pipeline)
    • Official Sony PS5 guides:
      • firmware update
      • M.2 installation
    • “Flo”
      • mentioned regarding Linux project/feature work such as GPU stats support
    • Opera browser sponsor segment (ad segment only)

Original video