PS5 can now play original PS2 discs – but there's a catch

The PlayStation 5's backward compatibility only extends to the PS4. Sony's console can't play original PS2 or PS3 discs – at least, not until now. Homebrew developer Sword has created a way to read original PS2 DVDs through a PlayStation 5's disc drive using his PS5SX2 emulator and then run the games on the console. The developer announced the breakthrough on X on October 8 and followed up with a video a day later.

PS5SX2 is based on the well-known PC emulator PCSX2 and runs PS2 games directly on the PS5's hardware. To do this, the inserted DVD must first be read and saved as a digital copy. Once the disc is inserted again later, the game can be launched directly. Graphical enhancements are also said to be possible, including up to six times the original internal resolution, 4K output and widescreen and FPS patches for supported games. However, the process isn't entirely without limitations.

Several limitations

First of all, a jailbroken PS5 is required, as PS5SX2 cannot be used on an unmodified console. Jailbreaking bypasses the console's software restrictions, allowing users to install programs that Sony normally doesn't permit. However, this comes with certain risks: In addition to potential software issues, users could face PlayStation Network bans and the loss of warranty coverage.

Another limitation concerns the PS5's disc drive: It can read DVDs, but not CDs. This means older PS2 games released on CD are left out. External USB drives are now supported, although the feature is still experimental. Development of PS5SX2 is continuing, however. Recent updates have introduced new graphics filters that recreate the look of old CRT televisions. Startup times have also been reduced and several bugs have been fixed. The latest version, 2.03, has been available for free on GitHub since October 11.

Community celebrates the emulator, criticizes Sony and gets an answer about PS3 support

The new feature has been well received in the comments under the X posts. Many users have responded with comments such as "This is insanity!" or "This is massive," praising the homebrew developer for his work. Sony, however, hasn't fared quite as well in the community reactions. Some users accuse the PlayStation manufacturer of deliberately neglecting backward compatibility to make money from digital re-releases and subscriptions.

Also interesting: One user wrote on X: "If that’s the case and PS5 jailbreak plays PS3 discs too, will jail break my PS5 ASAP" Developer Sword simply replied: "It will." This suggests that it may eventually be possible to play PS3 discs on the PS5 as well. As VideoCardz, among others, reports, early experimental ports of the PS3 emulator RPCS3 already exist. However, it currently cannot play discs. Whether that will change in the near future remains to be seen.

As a child in the 90s, my Gameboy was my steady companion. After school, the PlayStation was fired up. When I finally got my first PC, I was completely hooked. My passion for gaming has never waned since. For me, writing for Notebookcheck means reporting on topics that are really close to my heart - in addition to gaming, I also like to write about e-mobility, photovoltaics and innovative gadgets. When I'm not sitting at my computer, I'm probably on water rescue duty on the Baltic coast or trying to counteract the downsides of my geek life - namely sitting for long periods - at the local swimming pool.