Does the Wii run Linux?
Blogger Kiyoshi Saruwatari claims that Nintendo's upcoming Wii console runs on the open source Linux operating system. According to Saruwatari, who claims to be a Nintendo insider, the company reduced development costs by leveraging open source software and incorporating a Linux kernel into the Wii software platform. A wide variety of additional features like web browsing, video playback, file management, and emulation all run on Nintendo's custom Linux operating system, which uses a proprietary interface. Unlike the other specialized software components, the actual games will not run under the Linux platform, and can be played without booting Linux if the user holds down the "A" button while the Wii is starting up.
According to Saruwatari, third-party software developers will be able to develop new Linux applications for the platform, but homebrew developers are out of luck because "the final system [is] closed and will allow only signed code" to run. Given the console hacking community's irrepressible desire and capacity to facilitate homebrew development, it's probably just a matter of time before some clever individual finds a way to circumvent the restrictions. A group of intrepid Linux enthusiasts already set up a web site ( http://www.wii-linux.co...
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