PlayStation 3 Gets OtherOS Feature Back Through Unofficial Hack

Linux and homebrew enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear that the PlayStation 3 home console has just received the old OtherOS feature back, thanks, of course, to an unofficial hack.

After Sony scrapped the ability to install a different operating system onto its PlayStation 3 by removing the OtherOS option through a firmware update for the device, many owners felt that they were cheated out of a feature they rightfully paid to have.

This sparked some major debates on the homebrew scene, and, ultimately, led to the PS3 being completely hacked earlier this year.

Now, seeing as how Sony still doesn't want to bring back the OtherOS feature because of "security concerns," the web has just seen the release of a very special patch called OtherOS++, which brings back the possibility of installing various Linux distributions onto the console.

According to a hacker from the PS3 homebrew scene, "Graf Chokolo," who was quoted by GamesIndustry, the feature isn't just back, but it's much better than before, as there are no limitations imposed on the abilities of the operating system, allowing it full access to the PlayStation 3 RAM and hardware.

Those that are running the newest PlayStation 3 firmware can't use this patch, however, as it requires a much older software.

Sony originally released its PlayStation 3 home console with a very special feature, called OtherOS, which allowed owners to install different operating systems based on the Linux open source system.

While this wasn't very popular with many users, it made the PlayStation 3 that much more attractive to hobbyists and homebrew enthusiasts, even if the access of the other operating systems was extremely restricted by Sony.

Now, it seems that this feature is back and better than ever, so it will no doubt attract quite a few PS3 owners, even if it means that they need to hack their own device in order to run it.