A jailbroken PlayStation 5 can play PS2 discs, but Sony is giving users a tough choice

We mean that in the Faustian bargain sense.

By Will Shanklin Oct. 27, 2026 9:15 am EST Amanz / Unsplash Add Engadget on Google: Google Discover

If you've ever dreamt of popping a PS2 disc into your PS5 and kicking it like it's 2004, a new homebrew emulator can make it happen. But the trade-offs make this a terrible idea for most people.

Meet PS5SX2

u/Difficult_Cover3559 / Reddit

The homebrew emulator, PS5SX2, is built on the similarly named PCSX2, a long-running, open-source PS2 emulator. The software offers 4K upscaling, widescreen support, 60fps patches and HD texture packs. For some games, you can use fan-run servers for online play, and there are even achievements that pop up like PS5 trophies. It's a surprisingly polished package.