An apparent Nintendo "insider" who blogs under the internet moniker Kiyoshi Saruwatari claims that the Wii console runs on the open source Linux OS. This has not been confirmed or announced by Nintendo, but Saruwatari claims that Linux was used to help reduce dev costs and help run features like web browsing, video playback, file management and emulation. Apparently, the actual games won't run under Linux. He claims:

How could Nintendo cut the cost? It's very simple. Simply Wii will have software based on a industry standard platform that's open source. Linux. You read that right.

What does this mean for homebrews? Saruwatari claims the OS is "closed and will allow only signed code." Meaning it's only a matter of time before it is hacked if this rumor is not total hogwash. Saruwatari claims that Linux will lead to "a lot of third-party add-ons, much like Opera." None of this has been verified, and it very well could be a pack of dirty lies, but we'll ping Nintendo in the morning and keep you updated. Brian Ashcraft

Kiyoshi Makes Linux Claims [ArsTechnica]

Contact information for this author is not available.