Sigh. The Push Square office has been a hotbed of communication over the past 24 hours as we consider whether to cover this PlayStation 4 hack or not. Ultimately, it sounds like console cracking crew Fail0verflow are not planning anything nefarious, so we'll give it a teensy bit of attention – if only because the footage of Pokémon playing on Sony's flagship format is pretty cool.
Essentially – and we're far from experts on the matter – the group have managed to find a way to install Linux on the system. It's had previous success opening up the PlayStation 3, Wii, and Wii U, so it's no real surprise that it found a method here. You can watch its presentation in full below, but beware: the whole thing exudes an obnoxious arrogance that's really hard to stomach at times.
Still, the group says that it won't be releasing an exploit to allow potentially dangerous low-level access to the hardware – apparently, Sony's security "is crappy enough that you don't need us for that". The platform holder will, presumably, already be working on a firmware update to plug the gaps – but to get Linux running in the first place, Fail0verflow clearly has a strong understanding of the appliance.
Perhaps the highlight here is the Pokémon footage, which the team has craftily subtitled 'PlayStation Version'. With the custom operating system installed on the console, it probably wasn't too difficult to get Nintendo's role-playing game running – but it proves a nice crowd pleaser all the same. You can watch the full presentation below – just try not to chunder over all of the intolerable snark.
[source youtube.com, via eurogamer.net]
Comments 20
I watched this the other day, everyone seems really proud lol
@Bad-MuthaAdebisi The whole video is basically this:
The same thing happended to the PS3 from what I remember but they used some kind of USB stick and that was for previous firmware. I understand that people want a challenge and to open up the system gets kudos amongst certain areas of the gaming community. I hope they are good to their word and do not release the code.
To be honest I did not think you would cover this topic.
@dryrain It's a real tricky area. On the one hand it is relevant, and there's nothing really nefarious here. But it also does potentially open up a dangerous path, which hopefully it won't come to.
I figured people would begin hacking consoles sooner or later, didn't figure this soon. But personally this doesn't appeal to me, but I'm sure some people will enjoy this.
I did a double-take when I saw a Pokémon thumbnail on the front page. Very interesting stuff.
I don't see the point in this myself as you cannot use the PS4 online, & it also uses one of the first firmware so you haven't got the benefit of added features. & the biggest con of them all is, the latest games will not run on outdated firmware it will tell you to update to the latest version.
Interesting video
Out of curiosity, I thought modding etc wasn't spoken about on here... Going by previous threads i've seen and wrists being slapped at times.
I feel like this whole thing is absolutely pointless. What is truly accomplished? Oh boy, yet another elaborate way to play Pokemon.
@B3ND3R youre pretty stupid or trolling. its not about pokemon, its that they found a vulnerability and are exploiting it. This is the beginning. Just look at the history of the PS3 hacking scene. Its been completely blown open for years now.
What's cool about this is that Steam OS could be installed, according to the team. Imagine PS4 as a Steam machine. How awesome is that?
@adamswagem I know it's not about Pokemon, everyone knows that. It's called a joke, something I tend to do a lot around these parts. Of course, this is the internet, and for all you know I'm the biggest genius in the world, but have an arse for a face.
In all seriousness, I just think hacking a console is a massive waste of time. Especially when you could be earning hard earned cash.
It might be a few years away if the NX fails.
@dellyrascal Discussion of such stuff is not allowed here. If you want to discuss that sort of thing there are plenty of other places out there to do so.
@Tasuki yeah I assumed that was the case, Cant say i'm interested in that sort of stuff myself, just that this article is in a bit of grey area regarding said subject, Thanks for reply anyway,
Interesting stuff hats off to them, no doubt anyone who wants to do this with their ps4 will be locked out of future firmware updates so it's a non issue really
interesting stuff hopefully they don't use it for evil thou
You know even if it gets hacked and maybe someone can load bootleg stuff onto it. As a working bloke i actually prefer paying for a game - it helps all the hard working souls working their guts to provide us great games. And all that cash creates new IPs, more game studios and keeps the world going around. Maybe the hacking group could share their findings with Sony to update the ps4 thus protecting the hundreds of thousands of people, families so they can keep their jobs safe - that's if the hackers will do the right thing.
I really don't see why they're so proud, why don't they put their skills to good use.
@B3ND3R often times these people are getting paid enough either through donations, they already work, or having evidence(like this) that you are a more than competent programmer will get you a high paying job easily.
and its not always about money
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