Modder Enables PS5 to Run PS2 Disc Games

A jailbroken PS5 can now run PS2 and PS3 games from physical discs. This enthusiast milestone has sparked accusations that Sony has been dishonest and simply unwilling to add proper backward compatibility.

Modder Sword has released PS5SX2, a specialized version of the PCSX2 emulator that lets users play PlayStation 2 games directly on Sony’s console. The software requires a jailbroken PS5.

The emulator supports original PS2 DVD discs played through the built-in disc drive or an external USB device. It also supports game backups in ISO, CHD, CSO, and ZSO formats. The only exception is CD-based games, because the standard PS5 drive cannot read CDs.

PS5SX2 supports resolution scaling up to 4K, visual enhancements via filters including AMD FSR, 60 frames per second gameplay for certain titles, and widescreen aspect ratios. It also includes virtual memory cards, four-player local play, and online features.

Additionally, a solution for emulating PS3 games—historically one of the most difficult platforms for backward compatibility—already exists on modified PS5 consoles.

These enthusiast milestones have drawn criticism toward Sony. Players are frustrated that owners of modified consoles can access classic games, while standard PS5 users still cannot officially play their own physical PS2 and PS3 game discs.