PS5 now runs PS2 discs via PS5SX2 emulator on jailbroken units
The story in short
The PS5SX2 emulator now lets jailbroken PlayStation 5 consoles read original PS2 DVDs, though the feature is limited to a single tested console and requires disc copying.
On 10 October 2026, homebrew developer Sword released version 2.01 of the PS5SX2 emulator, enabling jail‑broken PS5 owners to insert original PlayStation 2 DVDs and play them on the console.
What we know
According to TechPowerUp, the update adds physical disc support by first copying the disc’s data to the console’s storage and then launching the game from that copy. The emulator is a native port of the PCSX2 PS2 emulator and runs only on a jail‑broken system. Notebookcheck confirms the feature works with original PS2 discs but notes “a few limitations,” including the need for a beta version and testing on only one hardware revision. Tom’s Hardware adds that the mod also offers 4K upscaling, something Sony never provided for PS2 titles.
The implementation has only been tested on a single, unmodified PS5 unit, and the developers warn that it may not work on all hardware revisions. Performance is generally solid, but occasional frame‑rate drops have been reported during the initial copy process.
In a related development, Push Square reported that the upcoming Forza Horizon 6 will ship on a physical PS5 disc, but the release comes with “a catch” because Sony plans to cease disc production in just over a year.
Why it matters for gamers
- Preservation of physical libraries – Players who own PS2 discs can finally revisit them without keeping an older console.
- Enhanced visuals – The emulator’s 4K upscaling gives classic titles a modern look, something the original hardware never achieved.
- Market context – With Xbox sales tumble 33% and PS5 drops 25% as console market slumps, Sony’s continued support for physical media, even via unofficial means, may influence collector sentiment.
- Audio considerations – Upscaled games benefit from better sound; readers may compare headphones in our Audeze Maxwell 2 vs Audio-Technica ATH-M50x guide.
- Potential risks – Jailbreaking voids warranty and may expose the console to bans from online services.
What to do now
If you own a jail‑broken PS5 and a stash of PS2 discs, back up your console’s storage before inserting a game, as the emulator copies the disc first. Follow Sword’s instructions on X for the latest beta build and keep an eye on future updates that may broaden hardware compatibility.
For players interested in the broader PlayStation ecosystem, check our Sony PlayStation guide for hardware specs and official features.
And if you’re curious about how physical releases like Forza Horizon 6 fit into the shifting market, read our analysis of the upcoming disc launch.
See it on Run On Console
- Sony PlayStation guide: the consoles, games and gear
Sources
Verified by 4 trusted sources. This story was written from the reports below and checked against them before it was published.
- PS5 can now play original PS2 discs – but there's a catch (Notebookcheck)
- Forza Horizon 6 Will Have a Physical PS5 Disc, But There's a Catch (Push Square)
- PS2 Discs Now Load on Jailbroken PS5 Consoles Through PS5SX2 Emulator (TechPowerUp)
- PS5 hack delivers native PS2 disc support and 4K upscaling where Sony refused to (Tom's Hardware)