PS5 Linux Gaming, Teardown Technicals & Hardware Tests
Linux on PlayStation 5
The team investigates the fascinating development of running Linux on the PlayStation 5. By utilizing an exploit, developers have successfully ported a version of the operating system that enables the console to run Steam and various PC titles.
• Performance Benchmarking: Tests revealed that the PS5 CPU performs comparably to a Ryzen 5 3600, validating longstanding theories.
• Game Compatibility: While games like Black Myth: Wukong show similar performance to the native console versions via Proton, others like Crimson Desert encounter rendering bugs (e.g., missing skies) and memory limitations.
• Potential and Limitations: The experiment highlights the potential to turn a closed console into a versatile 'Steam machine,' though the lack of native 4K output and VRAM constraints remain significant hurdles.
Teardown Engineering Insights
Alex breaks down a technical presentation regarding rendering voxels in Teardown and future projects.
"No one ever did it. So it's really cool to see developers who have an engine that only will be voxelized... actually try and leverage hardware RT for it."
• The developers move beyond the original limitations of OpenGL by rewriting their engine for Vulkan.
• They utilize custom intersection shaders for hardware ray tracing against voxel data—an approach previously considered too slow but now yielding impressive results.
• The team is exploring ray tracing primary visibility to push the technical boundaries of their future titles.
Retro Handhelds & Hardware Updates
John shares his impressions of the Ambernic RG477M, a premium aluminum handheld device.
• Display & Features: The device features an excellent 4:3 120Hz screen, capable of using RetroArch shaders and black frame insertion to simulate CRT-like motion clarity.
• Performance: With a powerful chipset, it handles PS2, Dreamcast, and GameCube emulation with ease, making it a compelling, pocketable solution for dedicated retro enthusiasts.
Industry Concerns & News: Oblivion Remastered
The team revisits the state of Oblivion Remastered, confirming it remains in a poor, practically unplayable technical state on console. Despite high sales, there has been a lack of communication or patching from the developers. This highlights a troubling trend in the industry regarding the release of broken titles that never see necessary post-launch support.
Future Testing Standards
The episode concludes with a shift in the outlet's PC hardware testing methodology.
• Based on community polls, the Ryzen 5 3600 is being retired from main testing duties in favor of the Ryzen 5 5600.
• The team discusses how aging CPUs often struggle with modern single-threaded workloads, making the upgrade to a more capable AM4 platform necessary for accurate performance benchmarking.