There is no Windows (any more) for PowerPC processors, and besides, Windows is not Open Source. Parts of Mac OS X are open source, and it runs on the PowerPC, but the GameCube has too little memory. Linux is Open Source, powerful, and it's available for the PowerPC CPU.

Is the GameCube a Mac?

No. Although Apple Macintosh computers and the GameCube share the PowerPC CPU, the architectures of these systems are completely different.

Why not do homebrew development with the GameCube SDK?

The GameCube SDK is unlicensed software to anyone who is no official GameCube game developer. There is an excellent Open Source replacement out there, though: GCLIB. The Linux runtime environment has the advantage that, using it, it is easier to port existing applications to the GameCube.

The GameCube has been released for over 2 years - why did you start so late?

The Xbox had to come first.

I'm a newbie. Where can I get information about Linux and how to use it?

A good starting point is The Linux Documentation Project: http://www.tldp.org/

2 Running Homebrew Code

Can I just burn a 8 cm DVD and use it in the GameCube?

Yes, with the help of a volatile firmware extension as the DVD Interface driver currently does. This extension makes the GameCube DVD drive interoperable with DVD-R media as of today. The firmware extensions are not permanent and disappear as soon as the drive is reset.

So how do I run homebrew code on the GameCube?

The PSOload method is one of the available ways.

What do I need in order to run homebrew code?

A GameCube, a supported version of "Phantasy Star Online" (see PSOload), a "Broadband Adapter", a memory card, and PSOload.

Do I need a modchip?

No.

Will any of this disable the ability to play games?

No.

3 Helping

I have access to Nintendo confidential data / the GameCube SDK. Can I help?

Using this information or the SDK would risk the legality of our project.

How can I help?

The start page explains how you can contribute.

I want to join your project. Can you send me Nintendo's GameCube SDK?

No. We do not have it, we do not know where to get it, and if we had it, we would not use it. There is no legal way for a hobbyist to use the SDK. We don't need it anyway: The only part of the project that depends on the GameCube executable file format and the IPL is the DOL bootloader, but its structure is trivial.

4 The Law

Is your project illegal? Doesn't the DMCA forbid all this?

The DMCA forbids circumventing copy protection, but this is not our goal. We develop an alternative operating system for the GameCube gaming console. Nevertheless, if you live inside the USA or another country with a similar legislation, and you work on GameCube hacking rather than on Linux developing, you can of course join the project anonymously.

If you are either a lawyer or a Nintendo representative, you are of course welcome to talk to us about any changes.

Will I lose my warranty when doing anything as shown on this site?

As long as you do not open your GameCube, there is no evidence.

Everything done on this project is for the sole purpose of writing interoperable software under Sect. 1201 (f) Reverse Engineering exception of the DMCA.

The GameCube Linux Project