ps4-linux-initramfs-batocera

Custom initramfs designed specifically for the Batocera port for PlayStation 4.

This initramfs is responsible for bootstrapping the system, preparing the storage layout, and ensuring a safe, resilient boot process using an overlay-based filesystem — closely aligned with how official Batocera operates.

⚠️ This repository contains only the initramfs, not the full Batocera system.

🚀 Purpose

The goal of this initramfs is to provide a reliable and user-friendly installation and boot experience for Batocera on PS4 hardware, while preserving system integrity and allowing controlled persistence of system changes.

✨ Features

• 🔧 Unattended Installation

• Fully automated installation script

• Creates all required partitions for Batocera boot

• Automatically configures essential Batocera configuration files

• No manual partitioning required

• Manual updates: Copy the new version of Batocera PS4 and the sha256 file to the "SHARE/batocera/" partition or directly via Samba to the root directory and rename to "batocera_update.tar.xz" and batocera_update.tar.xz.sha256. Then restart to perform the update without losing the data on the SHARE partition.

🧱 OverlayFS-based Boot (Batocera-style)

• Boots the system using overlayfs, just like official Batocera

• The root filesystem remains read-only by default

Protects the system against:

• Filesystem corruption

• Unexpected power loss

💾 Persistent Changes (Optional)

Fully compatible with Batocera’s official tool:

batocera-save-overlay

• Allows saving internal system changes to the overlay on demand

• Gives the best of both worlds:

• Safe immutable system

• Optional persistence when needed

⚠️ Limitations & Warnings

❌ Internal HDD installation is NOT supported

✅ External USB installation only

💾 Storage Recommendations

For an acceptable and smooth experience, it is strongly recommended to use:

• USB 3.0 or higher

• External SSD or NVMe (USB enclosure)

Using slow USB flash drives will result in poor performance and is not recommended.

🧩 Compatibility

PlayStation 4:

• Fat

• Slim

• Pro (?)

Requires:

• PS4-compatible Linux kernel

• Batocera Port PS4 (42>)

• External USB boot setup

🛠️ Project Status

🚧 Work in progress

This initramfs is part of an ongoing Batocera PS4 port. The main Batocera PS4 repository will be published separately once it reaches a stable state.

Authors

better-initramfs maintained by:

• Piotr Karbowski piotr.karbowski@gmail.com

ps4-linux-initramfs-batocera authored by:

• JKeyRandom (https://github.com/JKeyRandom)

derived from:

• Ps3itaTeam (https://github.com/Ps3itaTeam)
• Nazky (https://github.com/Nazky)
• hippie68 (https://github.com/hippie68)
• noob404yt (https://github.com/noob404yt), and others.