Sony Closes PS5 Hacking Loopholes, Affecting Users on Older Firmware

Sony has stepped up its fight against PS5 hacking. Users on older console firmware report problems accessing PlayStation Network (PSN) as the Relapse exploit spreads.

PS5 owners report that connecting to PSN now requires a system update to version 14.10, while the vulnerability affects firmware 14.00 and older. Users have to choose between keeping the older system version and restoring access to online services and new games.

Interest in the exploit centers on what unofficial modifications make possible, including emulation of older platforms and the ability to run some PS2 and PS3 games. Some have also speculated that artificial intelligence is helping develop such tools, though its role in creating Relapse has not been confirmed.

Sony reportedly got the Overdrive platform shut down. Overdrive imitated the PlayStation Store and let users download games onto modified PS5 consoles. Owners of hacked consoles risk a permanent PSN ban and the loss of online features. Sony still controls system updates and its own online infrastructure, which makes things harder for piracy enthusiasts.