Linux kernel booted on Nintendo DS

A breakthrough in the DS Linux project: developers have gotten the kernel booted on the Nintendo DS as well as a simple sash shell and some text games; input to the shell is done with the D-pad. The code is booted via modified firmware that should work with the PassMe, FlashMe and WifiMe boot methods, although not with the wireless multiboot method.

[Thanks, Matt]

[Kent Pribbernow @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

And the next question is...why? Why in God's name would I want to boot the Linux kernal on my DS? What possible purpose would it serve, especially without GUI support?

[Lazerdye @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

We do it because we can.

[Frangible @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

... because given enough development, it *will* have a GUI, a ton of features, and a soft keyboard, etc.

The practical upshot would be, wireless internet access from the DS, PIM/PDA functionality using the touch screen, game emulation, and whatever else you want to do with it.

It would actually be in Nintendo's best financial interests to officially sanction this, and a good Linux port would give the DS a huge boost over the PSP, assuming it was wrapped in an easy enough shell for non-geeks.

[Andrew @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Sorry, couldn't resist:

http://www.strangehorizons.com/2004/20040405/badger.shtml

[cafn8 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

I've thought that this could be a very cool thing since the first time I heard about the DS. I don't have the time or the expertise to pull this off, but I'd more than likely buy a DS if somebody made this happen.

[mr.karmalicious @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Wow, this looks really interesting!



/NOTHING TO ADD

[Prince Michael @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Because you can, asshole. That's why I run LInux becuase I can. WINDOWZE and OSX Kitty sux

"And the next question is...why? Why in God's name would I want to boot the Linux kernal on my DS? What possible purpose would it serve, especially without GUI support?"

[David @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Prince Michael,

You know what you can do with your potty mouth; what would your girlfriend say? Oh right, you're too busy installing linux everywhere . . .

[Mr.Ydobon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

Take a pill, Prince Michael. Frangible gave a great answer. There's no reason to get rude. Remember you're writing to a real human being, not a computer screen. Show some class.

[Ben @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

And the best "hack" is PSP Tetris written in JavaScript?

[Gwyn @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

err...
just nitpicking here:

"should work with the PassMe, FlashMe and WifiMe boot methods, although not with the wireless multiboot method"

I may be mistaken, but I believe the WifiMe and the WMB method you link to are in fact on and the same.

[Gwyn @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

*one and the same.

[mizuno @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

No, I'm pretty sure Wifime allows you to boot code from the GBA cart, WMB doesn't require a GBA cart. Instead it stores and launches the code from DS memory.

[010111 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

i mean... i *guess* this is *sort of* cool... but really... it's not really THAT HARD to do. not nearly as much skill goes into something like this useless project compared to the mind-blowing complexity of pointing a really crappy web browser towards some random page you made that lets you do most things various web apps can do. that's what i call the true hacker spirit.

these DS developers need to wake up and smell the coffee... face it... all the real hacks are on the PSP.

[Manfesto @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

PSP Linux is underway too - just felt the need to toss this in here.

I don't own either - being a poor college student doesn't afford me such luxuries.

[Kim Hedg?s @ Dec 19th 2005 1:21AM]

I have to say I do not give much for if the PSP has Linux support (sort of) or not, as I do not give much for the same in Nintendo DS.

Still I really like that someone likes to do it, as if it will support a form of X later on it will be great for those who hate Sony for some reason.
If you CAN get linux on a DS and want it, why buy a PSP if you don't want one?
I myself will soon have both, and will use Linux on Both if available.

And also, a DS with true internet capabilities? Talk about nice hacking abilities and almost untracability ;)

Don't diss the DS 'cause you're all hung up on Sony commercial, sure, the PSP is far greater in hardware, but DS is Nintendo! Listen to the word: NINTENDO! Says it all ;)