"The bout between Sony, Nintendo, and Microsoft with their video
game consoles could become even more heated when Linux enters the
fray this spring. Sony will sell online the "Linux (for PlayStation
2)" Release 1.0 in the U.S. in May 2002. (A European version will
come out that month, too, and the Japanese version earlier in
April.)
"This kit will include a Linux distribution on DVD that runs on
the PS2 hardware, additional software, documentation, a 40GB hard
drive, an Ethernet adapter, a USB mouse, a USB keyboard, and a
computer monitor cable. The package will cost $200. (The
PlayStation 2 is sold separately, though.)
"While Linux has been brought to other consoles (such as the
SEGA Dreamcast) by hobbyist programmers in the Linux community,
this is the first distribution officially released, sold, and
supported by a major hardware manufacturer for its game console.
Since the demonstration of the kit in January this year at
LinuxWorld, over four thousand people have registered at the Linux
for PlayStation 2 Community Web site. The site offers discussion
forums and file space to help Linux PS2 developers coordinate with
one another on projects..."
