Linux ported to ancient Nintendo 64

It works! Linus is ported to Nintendo 64

29.Dec.20 12:03 PM
By Shawn Highstraw
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The Linux operating system has been ported for the Nintendo 64 game computer, now nearly 25 years old, reports Phoronix.

Linux is not in the possession of one company or developer, but is made available open source. This means that everyone can contribute to the further development of the software. This was also done by software maker Lauri Kasanen, who ported the software to the hardware of the Nintendo 64. This changes the game console into a computer that can run other types of software.

"Some may wonder why I did this," writes Kasanen. "By making Linux available it is easier to release emulation software for old game computers on the Nintendo 64."

"And the main reason why I did this: because I can", the developer adds to the email.

This is an early version of the operating system, which can only be installed on the game computer with a special gamecartridge.

Software makers tried to bring Linux to the Nintendo 64 before, but stopped development early. Kasanen argues that his version is not based on these previous attempts, but runs entirely on its own code.

The Nintendo 64 was released in 1996. In the following years, games such as Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time were released for the machine.

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