Can Steam Run on PS5 Now and Is the Linux Mod Worth It

Security engineer and mod developer Andy Nguyen has published a PS5-Linux experimental method on Twitter, aiming to turn a launch-model PS5 into a Linux machine that can run Steam games and emulators. The method relies on a Hypervisor exploit, targets firmware 3.xx to 4.xx, and supports HDMI 4K60Hz output.

What stands out is that this does not feel like a flashy one-off trick. It feels more like teaching a familiar console a second language. After installation, it can access the PS5’s 3.5GHz 8-core 16-thread CPU and 2.23GHz GPU. That means it is not limited to basic desktop use or scripts, and has a real chance of handling actual gaming workloads. For players who want to experiment with Linux on a living-room device, that practical upside is appealing.

If “player experience” is the main storyline, this project is still in its early setup phase, far from a stable finale. It is not a dual-boot solution: every time you boot into Linux, you must rerun the exploit chain. That repeatedly interrupts day-to-day usability. Add known issues like broken standby and HDMI compatibility quirks, and the overall experience can feel noticeably awkward, especially for console users who expect one-click convenience.

The part many people misread is equating “can run Steam” with “can replace a PC.” That is not the current reality. Right now, support is limited to the original PS5, with a clear firmware window: 3.xx to 4.xx. Some 3.xx versions do not support M.2 storage, while 4.xx allows fuller use of expansion storage. Even if higher firmware versions are supported later, they may run only in a virtualized environment, with expected trade-offs in both performance and compatibility.

If you ask for a recommendation, I would split users into two groups. First: technical players with Linux experience, tolerance for failed installs and retries, plus a 64GB+ USB drive and required peripherals. For them, this is a worthwhile experimental platform, and the system can even be installed directly to an M.2 drive for deeper testing. Second: regular players who mainly want stable gaming and only occasional tinkering. For them, the entry cost in time and effort is still high; it makes more sense to wait for community iterations and revisit when boot flow and compatibility mature.

From a trend perspective, projects like this feel like meeting an old friend again: still the same person, but now opened to new possibilities. Its biggest value is not only whether it runs, but that it creates a testable bridge between closed hardware and player creativity. That bridge is still under construction, so anyone crossing it should put risk first.