A homebrew emulator now lets a jailbroken PS5 read PS2 DVDs, but the price is losing access to the PlayStation Store and online play.
Key points
- A jailbroken PS5 can run PS2 DVDs via the PS5SX2 emulator, offering 4K upscaling and other enhancements.
- The jailbreak works only on firmware 13.60 or lower; updating or downgrading the system is impossible without losing the jailbreak.
- Consoles on the jailbreak lose PlayStation Network access, the Store, online multiplayer, and may be unable to run upcoming games that require newer firmware.
- Alternative emulation solutions on PC or handheld devices provide similar PS2 experiences without sacrificing the PS5’s online functionality.
Engadget reports that a homebrew emulator called PS5SX2, built on the open‑source PCSX2 project, can run PlayStation 2 DVDs directly from a jailbroken PlayStation 5, giving owners a nostalgic way to pop a PS2 disc into a modern console.
The emulator adds 4K upscaling, widescreen support, 60 fps patches and high‑definition texture packs, and even offers fan‑run servers for online play and trophy‑style achievements. However, because the PS5 hardware reads only DVDs and Blu‑rays, any PS2 titles that were released on CD‑ROM—such as early releases like Rez and Tekken Tag Tournament—cannot be played straight from disc, though they may work if ripped to a PC first.
How PS5SX2 brings PS2 discs to the PS5
Running PS5SX2 requires a jailbreak, most commonly the public Relapse tool, which only works on system software up to version 13.60. Sony patched the underlying exploit in version 14.00 and began blocking PlayStation Network sign‑ins for consoles on firmware older than 14.10, meaning a jailbroken PS5 on 13.60 loses access to PSN, the Store, online multiplayer and any future titles that demand newer firmware, including the anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI.
Engadget notes that the trade‑off is steep: a $500‑plus PS5 turned into a PS2‑disc player forfeits the console’s core online services, while alternative emulation options exist for PC, Steam Deck or Android devices that do not require compromising the console.
The firmware catch and Sony’s response
The article suggests Sony is counting on this high penalty to deter most users, even as the homebrew community hints at future jailbreaks for newer firmware, potentially aided by AI‑driven development tools.
Reader questions
Can a jailbroken PS5 play PS2 games that were released on CD‑ROM?
No. The PS5 hardware cannot read CD‑ROM discs, so CD‑based PS2 titles are incompatible unless the game is first ripped to a PC and transferred as a file.
What happens if I update my PS5 firmware after installing the jailbreak?
Updating the firmware patches the exploit the jailbreak relies on, rendering the console unjailbroken and preventing you from downgrading back to a jailbreak‑compatible version.
Are there easier ways to play PS2 games without jailbreaking my PS5?
Yes. Emulators are available for PC, the Steam Deck and Android phones, allowing you to play PS2 classics without modifying your console.
Source: engadget.com
