The price of a 2002 Star Wars racing game has skyrocketed on resale sites due to its unexpected role in exploiting a vulnerability on the PlayStation 5. Collectors and hackers alike are driving up demand for the limited-edition PS4 port. This surge highlights how niche software can gain new relevance in modern console hacking.
Star Wars Racer Revenge, originally a PlayStation 2 title released in 2002, saw its PS4 version ported by Limited Run Games in 2019. That edition, produced in just 8,500 copies, was initially available for between $14.99 and $37.50. However, following the announcement on December 31 of its utility in a new PS5 jailbreak method, used copies have appeared on eBay for as much as $411.
The exploit targets firmware version 12.00 on the PS5 and relies on a bug in the game's Hall of Fame feature. This flaw enables the injection of custom code into Sony's console, allowing users to bypass restrictions. Since the PS5 supports backward compatibility with PS4 discs, physical copies of Racer Revenge provide a straightforward vector for the hack. Unlike digital downloads, retail discs cannot be patched remotely by the manufacturer, making them ideal for such purposes.
Limited Run Games specializes in small-batch re-releases of older titles as collectibles, which already contributed to the game's scarcity. The recent jailbreak revelation has amplified interest from the modding community, prompting sellers to hike prices accordingly. Eurogamer first reported the connection, noting the dramatic price increase over the past few days. This development underscores the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between console hackers and hardware makers like Sony, where obscure games can become pivotal tools in unlocking new capabilities.
