I'm feeling uninterested, so I'm thinking about creating a sleek, modern Linux version tailored for a PlayStation 2.
I'm feeling uninterested, so I'm thinking about creating a sleek, modern Linux version tailored for a PlayStation 2.
I understand your perspective... it’s been a while since we were together, and I’m stuck in quarantine for a while more. There’s something intriguing about giving these old consoles a new purpose. I own a couple of PS2s—both stylish and slim—that I’ve been upgrading, planning to add some upgrades like better optics, an SSD, and maybe even an SSD if it makes sense.
I’m dreaming of turning them into a lightweight PC for managing files, coding, browsing the web, and watching some Linux tutorials on YouTube. I know Sony released a Linux version for these devices, but I want something more modern, efficient, with a clean interface and potentially faster performance.
My background in development is minimal, but I’m eager to learn and improve this project to boost my skills. I’ve got some knowledge of the PS2 and basic modding tricks. Ideally, I’d run the OS via a DVD in the optical bay so both sizes can use it. For the hardware, I have a few free MCBoot cards that could start the system, though a spare card in the second slot or MultiTap might be useful for extra space.
The front USB port is only 1.1 inches, so it won’t be ideal for storage, but it should work fine for mice and keyboards. What do you think? Is this a hopeless effort, or are there existing solutions that match what I’m aiming for? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Consider beginning with a much more basic option. The page at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_for_PlayStation_2 is quite outdated.
It looks like you're in good shape with Debian 8.11, as it supported CPUs similar to the PS2 architecture, making porting easier. If I were you, I'd begin by exploring LFS and understanding how a Linux distribution functions before attempting an older hardware setup.
Consider adding a Raspberry Pi or similar mini board inside the PlayStation instead of creating an OS tailored for it. This older system can run more efficiently with a modern device. The main challenge will be handling streaming platforms and DVDs that need extra tools to play.