A new PS5SX2 emulator update allows modified PlayStation 5 consoles to read and play original PS2 game discs, bringing unofficial disc-based backward compatibility to Sony’s current-generation console.
Following a major PS5 jailbreak released in September, developers have introduced another improvement to PlayStation 2 emulation on the console.
The latest PS5SX2 version 2.02 update adds support for inserting compatible PS2 DVDs directly into a jailbroken PS5, without requiring players to manually prepare game files beforehand.
How PS2 Disc Support Works on PS5
The new feature does not run PlayStation 2 games natively from the disc. Instead, PS5SX2 copies the disc’s contents to the console before launching the game through emulation.
During the process, players can monitor copying progress, while previously copied games can launch without repeating the process.
The update also introduces several improvements:
- Support for over 2,000 PS2 games
- CRT, VHS and scanline visual filters
- Faster startup and improved stability
- Live disc-copying progress indicators
- Guitar Hero controller compatibility fix
- Dedicated God of War II preset
PS5 Jailbreak Compatibility and Limitations
The feature currently requires a jailbroken PS5 running system software version 7.00 through 13.60.
There are also limitations. PS2 games released on blue CD-ROM discs cannot be read by the PS5’s disc drive, meaning only compatible DVD-based titles can use the new disc feature.
PS5SX2 developer sword_pdf has also teased upcoming PS3 disc emulation support, although no release date or technical details have been confirmed.
This remains an unofficial homebrew solution rather than native backward compatibility provided by Sony. Standard, unmodified PS5 consoles cannot use the feature.
The PS5SX2 2.02 update marks another step toward making older PlayStation games accessible on modern hardware.
