When you updated to 13.02, your previous firmware (potentially 13.00) moved to the inactive slot. The Catch: You can only revert to the firmware that was installed immediately

This is not a software hack; it requires opening the console, soldering a microcontroller (like a Teensy or Raspberry Pi Pico) to the Syscon and NOR chips , and manually patching system files. Current Exploit Status for Firmware 13.02 As of early 2026, the status for PS4 13.02 is as follows:

: Reverting even to the previous version requires advanced "Syscon" and "NOR" flashing. This involves soldering components like a Teensy or Raspberry Pi (Pico) to the motherboard and using complex software tools to rewrite the console's internal memory. Common Misconceptions

Suddenly, the console he had bought off the shelf was his again. He could back up his discs to the internal SSD. He could overclock the fan speeds. He could run emulators for retro games that Sony would never allow on the store. He wasn't playing by Sony's rules anymore; he was playing by his own.