Owners of PlayStation 5 Slim consoles running firmware 7.61 can now boot Linux systems using the latest loader update. This change expands the range of supported hardware for the open-source project, allowing users to run alternative operating systems on a console model that was previously unsupported at this firmware level. The update matters because it extends the lifespan of the Slim variant for tinkerers who rely on Linux for development or retro gaming.
Loader update enables Linux boot on Slim consoles running firmware 7.61
The new release is available as ps5-linux-loader v2.2, which targets the specific hardware configuration of the PlayStation 5 Slim. The project exposes the console as an x86 Linux system, making the hardware recognizable to standard Linux distributions. This compatibility layer allows the system to utilize the console's internal components as if they were standard PC hardware.
The loader exposes the console as an x86 Linux system with 8 CPU cores and 16 threads. It also activates the RDNA 2 GPU, which runs at frequencies up to 2.23 GHz. These specifications match the underlying hardware capabilities of the PlayStation 5 Slim, ensuring that the Linux environment can access the full processing power of the device.
The GitHub release notes list one primary change for this version: added support for firmware 7.61. Users running firmware versions between the previous supported range and 7.61 must update their consoles specifically to version 7.61 to use this loader. The project does not support firmware 8.0 or newer, nor does it support the PlayStation 5 Pro. This restriction ensures that the exploit used for booting remains viable on older firmware versions.
We looked at the last playstation 5 linux loader update earlier while tracking balance and stability themes in the community. The current update focuses on expanding hardware compatibility rather than introducing new performance features. Users should verify their firmware version before attempting to install the new loader to avoid compatibility issues.
The PS5 Linux loader v2.2 update enables Linux boot on PlayStation 5 Slim consoles running firmware 7.61. The project continues to rely on a patched hypervisor vulnerability that is specific to this firmware range. Users interested in running Linux on their consoles should update to firmware 7.61 and install the v2.2 loader.
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