The PlayStation 3 briefly made buying a console a way to buy a Linux computer
It was a little too good at what it did, though.
The PlayStation 3, once a gaming console, briefly transformed into a Linux computer, enabling users to run alternative operating systems. This was made possible due to the "OtherOS" feature present in the console, designed to make it versatile beyond gaming. Although initially, Sony didn't explicitly clarify why "OtherOS" was included, it was believed that they sought to avoid high EU import taxes on consoles by portraying the PS3 as a computer.
Ken Kutaragi, Sony's VP, even referred to the PS3 as a "computer for the purpose of entertainment". Despite its high price of $599, the console was estimated to cost $840 to manufacture, leading to a loss for Sony on each console sold. Consequently, users found it more economical to use OtherOS to run Linux, enjoying a powerful PC at a lower cost.
The most impressive example was the Condor Cluster, a supercomputer built using 1,760 PS3s, owned by the US Air Force, which was the 33rd most powerful supercomputer at the time. The cluster was primarily used for analyzing high-resolution satellite imagery and radar. However, Sony's decision to disable "OtherOS" in 2010 due to piracy concerns led to chaos for users who relied on it for legitimate purposes, including the US Air Force, who had to purchase new consoles, as newer models didn't support "OtherOS".
The situation worsened when Sony was sued in 2016 for disabling "OtherOS", paying out $55 to users who could prove they used the feature.
Written by urgent.news from XDA Developers's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
