Running Linux on video game consoles is old hat. Not only can you cram various Linux distros onto an original Xbox or a Sony PS3, but they can even play Doom. You know, and other video games too. But the Nintendo Wii has been a bit tougher to crack than hacker-friendly hardware like the PS3, which even has a Sony-approved Linux distro. But now the Wii hacking community has figured out how to run homebrew applications on Nintendo's latest console, and that includes a rather unpolished "proof of concept" version of Linux that can run on the Wii.
Now, keep in mind, the hacking process is not simple. You need an SD card, SD card adapter for the Wii, a copy of Zelda: Twilight Princess, the ability to follow complex instructions, infinite patience, and the willingness to completely muck up your video game console if things go wrong. But hey, if you're lucky when it's all done you'll be able to boot up your Wii and stare at a command prompt while wondering how to get back to the video game menu.
[via Slashdot]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-27-2008 @ 7:45AM
brian said...
while wondering how to get back to the video game menu.
Erm...power off then power back on.
Simple, eh? *sighs*
Reply
2-27-2008 @ 10:39AM
James said...
If I didn't already also have a PS3 (and a PC sitting right next to my TV...), this would be awesome. As it stands... meh? I mean, normally I think homebrew-enabling a console is awesome, but frankly my PC can do everything the Wii can do (thank you, GlovePIE) and then some. I have my Wii for exactly one thing: first- and second-party Nintendo games. If somebody other than Nintendo or Capcom releases something I want to play, bonus, but otherwise the thing stays powered down.
Reply
3-07-2008 @ 2:25PM
know it all said...
dumb ass
"But the Nintendo Wii has been a bit tougher to crack than hacker-friendly hardware like the PS3"
last time i checked the PS3 is the only system that has not been cracked
"But hey, if you're lucky when it's all done you'll be able to boot up your Wii and stare at a command prompt while wondering how to get back to the video game menu."
ever heard of something called rebooting? and "command prompt" is part of windows nt and up, in linux it is called command line or terminal.
Reply
3-14-2008 @ 12:40PM
burden said...
I think you're completely missing the point here Brad. These are just the first successful phases of a project to enable booting Linux on the Wii. Now that it has been proven, more develpers will work on the base of this and create a fully functional Linux distro for the Wii. It will happen, it's just a matter of time. And when that happens, it'll be TOTALLY SWEET for those who want proper multimedia functions (albeit not the BEST quality) from their Wii... not just crappy Flash conversion. I'll have my Wii and my Media Center in one box, not two and anything that saves space under the TV is fine by me.
Also, why pay for your VC games when you could run a VC on Linux for free? Why pay for the, frankly, crappy Opera browser when you can use Firefox for free?
Sure it's been done before and it will be done again for new consoles, but that doesn't mean it's not wanted.
Reply