Hacked PS4s can now run PS2 ISOs

The PS4 was recently hacked, allowing for a variety of homebrew software and, almost inevitably, the ability to run pirated games. But who expected PS2 ISOs to run on the PS4? Well, it’s happening.

According to a Wololo report, developer CFWProphet released a “free-ps2-pub-gen” tool which essentially taps into Sony’s PS2 emulation software for classic games on the PS4. Of course, Sony’s emulator isn’t meant to be used in this fashion, as the company only uses it for a select few classics on the PS Store.

But games that haven’t been brought to the Store are indeed running anyway, albeit with various glitches and results.

There is one downside to the hack that enabled homebrew in the first place: it’s only available on systems running version 4.05 of the firmware. So those with PS4s updated in the last year or so are out of luck.

If anything, here’s hoping the news forces Sony’s hand in terms of backwards compatibility of the PS2 — especially when the Xbox One offers such comprehensive support for its back catalogue.