A homebrew emulator called PS5SX2 lets jailbroken PlayStation 5 consoles play PS2 discs, with 4K upscaling, widescreen support, 60fps patches, and HD texture packs. Built on open-source PCSX2, it supports fan-run online servers and trophy-like achievements. But not every disc works—the PS5 reads DVDs and Blu-rays, not CDs, so some classics like Rez and Tekken Tag Tournament must be ripped from a PC.
The catch is firmware. The Relapse jailbreak works only on PlayStation 5 System Software up to 13.60. Sony patched the exploit with version 14.00 in mid-September, then released 14.10 on October 1 and began blocking PlayStation Network sign-ins for older consoles. Users on 13.60 lose PSN, online multiplayer, the PlayStation Store, and games requiring recent firmware—reportedly including Grand Theft Auto VI, which may need 14.10 for its November 19 launch.
For most, the cost is too high. Turning a $500-plus PS5 into a machine for 20-year-old discs cuts off the PlayStation Store, online play, and newer titles. Better emulation options exist for PC, Steam Deck, and Android, making this homebrew route a tough sell unless you own multiple outdated consoles.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing