A new PS5 jailbreak works on almost every firmware version, and it already runs the latest games

[Alfonso Maruccia]

Modding FTW: A recently unveiled exploit can allegedly unlock the PlayStation 5's compatibility with unlicensed content on a larger number of consoles. The underlying security issue works with almost any PS5 firmware version, and newer games can apparently be played on unlocked consoles already.

Code hackers focused on the PlayStation 5 have just released another massive contribution to the homebrew scene for Sony's console. The "Relapse" exploit can be used to jailbreak most PS5 machines, turning the DRM-ridden device into a custom computing powerhouse. Needless to say, a jailbroken PS5 also plays pirated games.

The Relapse exploit is a further addition to the growing list of "useful" security issues developers and white hat hackers have discovered in the PS5 platform over the years. Unlike other exploits, Relapse can apparently work on most PS5 firmware versions except the most recent one (14.00.00). The 14.00.00 firmware was only released a couple of weeks ago, which means Sony is now going to have a much bigger security problem to deal with.

Most PS5 and PS5 Pro consoles currently available at retail use the vulnerable firmware versions, so they should be compatible with the Relapse exploit. Newer game releases usually come with a mandatory firmware update, but modding enthusiasts are currently having a field day trying to run open-source operating systems, custom applications, and pirated game releases on jailbroken consoles.

– Lance McDonald (@manfightdragon) September 29, 2026

Thanks to Relapse, users can apparently run the latest PS5 games without paying Sony and publishers a single cent. Marvel's Wolverine, a game released on September 15, seems to work fine. The same applies to The Witcher III Remastered, a free update to the Witcher III experience released just yesterday. Relapse can also turn a stock PS5 into a homebrew-compatible console in less than a minute.

Relapse couldn't have come at a worse time for Sony. The Japanese gaming giant is facing growing user distrust after announcing that physical disc releases will soon be dead. Furthermore, an over-excited community of programmers and vibe-coding fans is rapidly turning PlayStation 5 emulation on PC into a tangible goal.

PlayStation is one of the leading platforms in the console gaming industry, and people will likely target these machines for much longer than Sony could ever anticipate. Enthusiasts are still uncovering technical secrets related to the ancient, legendary PlayStation 2 console decades after the machine's retail debut.

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A new PS5 jailbreak works on almost every firmware version, and it already runs the latest games

 

[Taroo]

Well I guess... "no way to turn back, this is the payback".

 

[GeoffreyA]

Can imagine the stress at Sony HQ :- )

 

[ActualViking]

This sucks. Piracy undermines the gaming industry and therefore hurt gamers.

Plus it also makes those that make hardware trying even harder to lock down their systems, meaning it makes it more difficult to use them for non-gaming stuff for those that like to do so.

 

[dangh]

Good we are close to the end of the cycle. But that will again make next gen more expensive.

 

[havok585]

This sucks. Piracy undermines the gaming industry and therefore hurt gamers.

Plus it also makes those that make hardware trying even harder to lock down their systems, meaning it makes it more difficult to use them for non-gaming stuff for those that like to do so.

EXCEPT it does not.

it's all BS spewed by the producers of garbage games and then blaming "pirates".

 

[torvuswalds]

This sucks. Piracy undermines the gaming industry and therefore hurt gamers.

Plus it also makes those that make hardware trying even harder to lock down their systems, meaning it makes it more difficult to use them for non-gaming stuff for those that like to do so.

Due to Sony's track record right now: "If buying isn't owning, piracy isn't stealing" and there are plenty of other ways to support developers besides game sales.

 

[m4a4]

It is nice to see that at least a few gamers took Sony being the worst of the 3 this gen and channeled it into breaking into their hardware, and quickly.

Nothing like a bit of motivation to fast-track such a well deserved feat.

 

[fadingfool]

Now if I could install SteamOS on a jail broken PS5 - that would be sweet.......

 

[yRaz]

This sucks. Piracy undermines the gaming industry and therefore hurt gamers.

Plus it also makes those that make hardware trying even harder to lock down their systems, meaning it makes it more difficult to use them for non-gaming stuff for those that like to do so.

It hurts publishers, executives and middle managers. The same people that enshitify games

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Now if I could install SteamOS on a jail broken PS5 - that would be sweet.......

It's one of the few things ms is getting right with helix. Alt is support on consoles should have happened back when they went full x86 PC.

 

[yRaz]

It's one of the few things ms is getting right with helix. Alt is support on consoles should have happened back when they went full x86 PC.

They'll find someway to screw it up. They'll take the worst of Xbox, combine it with the worst of Windows and then charge a monthly subscription for it.