Xbox Cloud Gaming on PS5: Homebrew Capabilities
Users with modified PlayStation 5 consoles can now access the Xbox ecosystem. A new open-source project called PSBox Cloud Gaming, developed by RafaelNGP, enables streaming Microsoft games on the PS5 via Homebrew software.
Streaming vs. Emulation
Unlike the XPSemu emulator, which attempts to run original Xbox titles locally on the Zen-2 processor, PSBox Cloud Gaming relies on cloud streaming. This approach bypasses the heavy computational requirements of local emulation: Microsoft's data centers handle the rendering, while the PS5 acts as a receiver for the video stream and a transmitter for controller inputs.
By logging in with a Microsoft account, users can browse the Game Pass catalog (most titles require a Game Pass Ultimate subscription) and access purchased or Free-to-Play games. The stream is capped at 1920 × 1080p at 60 FPS, though the PS5 GPU can upscale the image to 4K using AMD FSR 1 or Anime4K.
Control and Remote Play Features
The software supports the DualSense controller, which identifies itself as an Xbox controller. Features include haptic feedback, dynamic light bar adjustments, and support for up to four gamepads. The latest version, 0.9.5, introduced improved audio stability and voice chat support via the controller's built-in microphone or a connected headset.
Additionally, PSBox Cloud Gaming supports Xbox Remote Play. This allows users to stream games installed on their own physical Xbox console directly to the PS5.
Requirements and Limitations
It is important to note that this is not an official collaboration between Sony and Microsoft. The software requires a jailbroken PS5 with a compatible runtime environment, such as ShadowMountPlus. Standard, unmodified consoles cannot run this software. Furthermore, the developer noted that Microsoft could change its APIs at any time, which might affect the service's long-term stability.