PS5 jailbreak released, allowing custom code and homebrew apps

Key facts

• A jailbreak for the PlayStation 5, called Relapse, allows users to run custom code and homebrew apps.
• The exploit is compatible with PS5 consoles running firmware versions 7.00 through 13.60.
• Users must reapply the exploit after every console restart as it is not persistent.
• Consoles updated to firmware 14.00 or later are not compatible with the jailbreak.
• Sony recently told a federal court that consumers do not own the digital games they purchase.

A jailbreak for the PlayStation 5, dubbed Relapse, has been made publicly available, allowing users to run custom code and third-party applications on consoles with firmware versions 7.00 through 13.60. The exploit, published on GitHub under an MIT license, requires users to change their PS5's primary DNS to 45.56.67.85 and navigate to a specific exploit page via the User Guide. This jailbreak is tethered, meaning it must be reapplied after every console restart, and is not compatible with consoles updated to firmware 14.00 or later, which was released on September 16.

The release comes at a time when Sony is facing scrutiny over digital game ownership. In a federal court filing on August 21, the company argued that consumers are not misled into believing they own the digital games they purchase, citing license terms that state the software is "licensed to you, not sold."

The Relapse jailbreak enables users to load payloads through an ELF loader, potentially allowing for the use of homebrew apps and game backups. While the project's disclaimer states it is for "educational and security research purposes only" and does not endorse piracy, discussions on related subreddits indicate interest in running unauthorized game copies. The project also warns of potential risks, including system failures, data loss, and account bans.