PS2 Linux?


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Anyone try this? I've been thinking about getting it. I'd like to hook it up to my USB/VGA switchbox if possible and treat it like a PC. I never hear about what people do with it.

Mike

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I had one ordered but then Sony cancelled the order (after 2 months of waiting I finally called to figure out what was going on). It appears you have to call them to confirm your actually buying one or they can or order right away (go figure). I'm just telling you this so you know that if you order it you will have to call to confirm it's purchase (they also don't send any notification of cancelation). Of coarse after that whole headache I just decided it wasn't worth it and never re-ordered it. But I still have some information about it you might like.

First you will need a monitor that is capable of sync on green. The best way to find out if your monitor will work is to check out the PS2 linux community at http://playstation2-linux.com/sog.php and see what they say about your particular monitor. Another thing to rember is that the PS2 has completly different hardware then an x86 machine or a G4/5 based system as I'm sure your aware. This isn't to much of a deal, you'll just have to compile every program you want to use instead of using binaries (if you even use binaries the way it is). But from everybody I've asked so far it's a pretty cool deal. I haven't heard any complaints from people who have this yet. I'd say go for it and have fun (then report back to us and tell us what you thought of it).

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It's an intriguing project. I don't know what I'd get out of it personally. If course, you could look at it another way - buy an Xbox for $179, get a mod chip for $40, and Linux for free (not including cost of a new HD if you choose to do that), and a VGA cable that will work with the Xbox - it still costs less than the $179 for the PS2 and $199 for the kit.

I've always wanted to program SOMETHING on a game console, but the licensing and hardware costs to get something real out the door is astronomical. To even get considered for a PS2 NDA you need "executive biographies". Sheesh.

How does someone start getting into videogame programming?

Mike

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You usually start on the computer, either that or your an established company that has been making console games since the early days. Also if you have something extremely interesting your can sometimes pull a licence for console programming. If you want to get into game programming I'd advise you make a few on the computer games first.

But this is a unique idea. But you make a point it's cheaper to just get an Xbox, modchip (which you don't need anymore, they found a way around the Xbox security), and load Linux up.

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