Linux OS will restrict Wii homebrew developers?
Back in August, we had a dose of rumor saying that Wii will run on Linux operating system. Kiyoshi Saruwatari, who claims to be a Nintendo designer, said that Nintendo is incorporating the Linux into Wii’s software platform as one of their cost-cutting measures for developing the console. This may raise some eyebrows but Saruwatari claimed, “third-party software developers will be able to develop new Linux applications for the platform”. He further noted that Linux would also restrict homebrew developers as the final system only allows signed code to run in its system. Well, we don’t know if Saruwatari is aware but we across a website called Wii Linux Project which ” aims to provide a version of GNU/Linux for the soon to be released Nintendo Wii video game console.” We can’t undermine the fact that there are so many great hackers that dotted the world wide web community and it may only take some time before some genius finally break through the restrictions.
Saruwatari further adds, “Given Nintendo’s attitude regarding proprietary software, I’m honestly surprised that the company chose Linux as the basis for its new game console. Although Linux provides an excellent balance of value, power, and versatility, it necessitates GPL compliance, which can create some challenges for companies like Nintendo that are fiercely protective of their intellectual property. In general, BSD kernels (which are available under a more permissive license) are a more natural choice for embedded platforms where there could be a need to incorporate proprietary code.”
Looking back, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata hinted that new updates will be expected for Nintendo Wii after its release? Could this be related to the claims of Saruwatari? Share us your thoughts!
Note: I would back link this article to my article on Iwata’s announcement that they will update Wii’s OS, once it has been approved. Thanks
Back in August, we had a dose of rumor saying that Wii will run on Linux operating system. Kiyoshi Saruwatari, who claims to be a Nintendo designer, said that Nintendo is incorporating the Linux into Wii’s software platform as one of their cost-cutting measures for developing the console. This may raise some eyebrows but Saruwatari claimed, “third-party software developers will be able to develop new Linux applications for the platform”. He further noted that Linux would also restrict homebrew developers as the final system only allows signed code to run in its system. Well, we don’t know if Saruwatari is aware but we across a website called Wii Linux Project which ” aims to provide a version of GNU/Linux for the soon to be released Nintendo Wii video game console.” We can’t undermine the fact that there are so many great hackers that dotted the world wide web community and it may only take some time before some genius finally break through the restrictions.
Saruwatari further adds, “Given Nintendo’s attitude regarding proprietary software, I’m honestly surprised that the company chose Linux as the basis for its new game console. Although Linux provides an excellent balance of value, power, and versatility, it necessitates GPL compliance, which can create some challenges for companies like Nintendo that are fiercely protective of their intellectual property. In general, BSD kernels (which are available under a more permissive license) are a more natural choice for embedded platforms where there could be a need to incorporate proprietary code.”
Looking back, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata hinted that new updates will be expected for Nintendo Wii after its release? Could this be related to the claims of Saruwatari? Share us your thoughts!
Note: I would back link this article to my article on Iwata’s announcement that they will update Wii’s OS, once it has been approved. Thanks
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