Gamecube Linux Port Announced, In Progress

NiteStar writes "A group of people from the homebrew scene and Xbox Linux have now started a new project to port Linux to the Nintendo Gamecube. A small preview version has already been released, it's a small application that draws Tux the penguin on the GameCube screen. The roadmap explains a small client will run on the Gamecube, so the 'GameCube could be used as a desktop computer, which stores its data on a server on the network. The GameCube has a CPU that is powerful enough to decode common multimedia data like MPEG-4/DivX and MP3. It can serve as a display unit for content stored on a server'."

Comments

Re:Next Gen...

[TiMac]

Well, one of the arguments for Xbox Linux that the Xbox was a really cheap PC (essentially) so running Linux on it was a good way to get a solid machine for not much money. I can see this as much of the same thing--GameCube is cheaper still. So that's one reason you might want to run Linux on a brand-new machine--it'll be cheaper than a lot of PCs out there for what it will be used for.

Accourse, I could be wrong....but this whole thing seems extraneous.

Excellent point

[Sheetrock]

But unfortunately, the extensibility of a product once it is in the hands of the consumer has been realized by corporate culture to be something that is better controlled than given away.

There were any number of hobbyist platforms in the 70s and 80s. They're not around anymore. The people that control the industry today got their start on programming and hardware on these machines and are all too happy to remove that opportunity for the next generation. Some might think it's a bit hypocritical, but it's really about cutting out the competition.

Besides, if just anyone can write for or modify these things, that cuts out the revenue stream from licensing. The future will be in renting, not buying. And really, they've got every right to control the product if we keep buying it.

Re:I hope Nintendo has more decency than Microsoft

[wheresdrew]

Well, the Gamecube is the most import-friendly console there is. Even before the Freeloader boot disc (or the Action Replay with Freeloader code), the Cube was the easiest mod ever.

A gamebit, screwdriver and some solder are all you need to change a US system to a Japanese one, or vice-versa. Add a switch and some wire and you have a dual-mode system - no chip required. The ROMs on the board even have the system menus in both Japanese and English.

Sure, it still voids your warranty, but it's a lot less hassle than modding a PS2 or Xbox. Heck, it's even easier than modding a PS1. Thanks, Nintendo!

How they run the homebrew code

[galaga79]

For anyone like myself wondering how they run the homebrew code on something that doesn't employ a standard CD format the FAQ has some - ableit brief - answers.

### Can I just burn a 8 cm CD/DVD and use it in the GameCube? ###

No. The GameCube reads no CDs/DVDs. There is no way to produce a GameCube compatible optical media using a CD/DVD burner.

### So do I run homebrew code on the GameCube? ###

The PSOload method is the only way.

### What do I need in order to run homebrew code? ###

A GameCube, any version of "Phantasy Star Online", a "Broadband Adapter", a memory card, and PSOload.

### Do I need a modchip? ###

There are no modchips.

All sounds kind of cumbersome IMHO.

Re:Next Gen...

[Anonymous Coward]

Maybe you should read the stuff you comment on.

GC Linux project is actually from the guys who
also started XBOX Linux. And the webpage also
says...

Q: GC is old... why now?
A: The XBOX had to come first

and as a side notice. All looks like XBOX2 will
be a PPC. So why not learn on GC how PPC works.
All the XBOX Linux guys are x86 experts, but
they need to learn PPC *BEFORE* xbox2 is out