Two years after its release, the PS5 was jailbroken, unlocking the ability to install unofficial content on Sony's flagship console.
Demonstrating the PS5 jailbreak in action, content creator Lance McDonald posted a clip on Twitter showing that the jailbroken console grants access to features not usually available to console owners. These include a full debug menu and the ability to download games and apps that are no longer available on the PlayStation Store, such as Konami's PT, which hasn't been listed in a long time.
The jailbreak seems to work only on PS5 with firmware version 4.03. The jailbreak process may not be as easy to perform on the PS5 as it is on other consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch.
Proceed with caution
It's magnificent. The PlayStation 5 has been jailbroken. pic.twitter.com/54fvBGoQGwOctober 3, 2022
Read more
The PS5 jailbreak could end up being a thorn in Sony's side, especially after a PS5 dev kit was discovered in the wild. Jailbreaking a console can give access to delisted products, but it also allows gamers to download paid content for free through hacking.
However, jailbreaks are not used for totally unpleasant purposes. Bringing deleted content back from the dead is often used for game preservation. For example, PT, a beloved horror demo that you can't play unless you've downloaded it at the time or bought a console from someone who did.
However, jailbreaking is obviously not without its risks. You will lose access to PS Plus and online multiplayer, your warranty will be voided and you will be immediately bailed out by Sony if you attempt to access any of the PlayStation Network online ecosystems. You could even risk being sued for it.
So the PS5 jailbreak scene in its current state is pretty volatile. And I can't tolerate PS5 owners trying this on their own consoles, especially since the risks are so high. Still, it's fascinating to watch from a distance, if only to see the discoveries modders are making and the customizations they can add to their newly cracked machines.