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PS4 Jailbreak - worth it?

Since the PS4 jailbreak for firmware version 9.0.0 was released, almost everyone can jailbreak their console. Previously, it was only possible to jailbreak the PS4 on firmware 7.5.5. Anyone who had a newer firmware could not jailbreak. Furthermore, the jailbreak on version 7.5.5 did not run 100% stable, which is why the only true jailbreak ran on firmware version 5.0.5. At the end of 2021, a file system exploit was found in firmware version 9.0.0, which makes it possible to jailbreak the PS4. I’ve been waiting for being on the right firmware to jailbreak my PS4 for a long time, so

The new jailbreak only works on firmware version 9.0.0, if you have updated to a newer version, you will not be able to jailbreak your PS4 at this time. I can only recommend anyone who is thinking about jailbreaking their PlayStation to turn off automatic updates. You should keep the firmware as old as possible.

However, if you have an older firmware version than 9.0.0, then you can use a USB stick to upgrade your PS4 to 9.0.0 and install the GoldHEN exploit. I can recommend this tutorial from Modern Vintage Gamer, if you want to jailbreak your PS4. You need a USB stick, a computer and a PS4 with firmware 9.0.0 or lower. Firstly, you need to upgrade to FW 9.0.0 to install the Jailbreak, it doesn’t work on any other version so far. Secondly, you can start off installing the GoldHEN exploit. The installation is pretty simple anyway, so really anyone can do it.

Unfortunately, you have to rejailbreak the PlayStation after every reboot because the jailbreak is not untethered. You will not be able to play cracked games or use homebrew. However, it only takes a few minutes until the PS4 is completely jailbroken again.

Why should you jailbreak your PS4?

The reason is similar to iPhones, you jailbreak to be the real owner of your PS4. For example, you can personalize the PlayStation better. Another advantage is that you can connect to the PS4’s file system via FTP. Furthermore, you can patch the games, which allows you to play special mods from other users. Theoretically, you could also install cheats or mod menus in the games, but this often means that the game is no longer fun to play. You can also install the HomeBrew Store, which allows you to install various emulators. This makes it possible to play PS1 or PS2 games on the PS4. Unfortunately, the PS4 is not backwards compatible with PS3 games and the emulation requires too many resources. Unfortunately, to play PS3 games you either have to have a powerful computer or own a PS3 yourself.

Disadvantages of a jailbroken PS4

Even though a jailbroken PS4 has tons of advantages, there are unfortunately also some hefty disadvantages. With a jailbroken PS4 you can’t play online and you can’t use the PS-Network. Sony takes extreme action against users who jailbreak their PS4. Most users who have jailbroken their PS4 block Sony’s servers on the PS4. It can happen that if you accidentally log into Sony’s servers in the jailbroken state, you will be completely banned and will never be able to access the PS network with that PS4 again, even if you remove the jailbreak. This means that you also can’t chat with your friends in a lobby. If you want to play online with your friends, I can only recommend that you do not jailbreak your PS4.

Is it worth the price you pay?

It depends on what you do with your PlayStation! In my case, I only play offline games occasionally. When I play online, I’m always on the computer. So it wasn’t a problem for me that I can’t play online anymore with the PS4. Furthermore, the PlayStation’s warranty had long since expired anyway. But if you play online with your friends, it’s definitely not worth it. I still think it’s worth staying on firmware 9.0.0, even if you don’t want to jailbreak. If you ever want to sell your console, it’s always the case that consoles that have the possibility to be jailbroken thanks to a low firmware will be sold at a higher price. In the end, everyone has to decide for themselves if they want to keep their PlayStation clean or if they want to dive into the jailbreak world.