Update: The blogger that initially started this rumor has now openly stated that he made it up as a practical joke.

Blogger Kiyoshi Saruwatari claims that Nintendo's upcoming Wii console runs on the open source Linux operating system. According to Saruwatari, who claims to be a Nintendo insider, the company reduced development costs by leveraging open source software and incorporating a Linux kernel into the Wii software platform. A wide variety of additional features like web browsing, video playback, file management, and emulation all run on Nintendo's custom Linux operating system, which uses a proprietary interface. Unlike the other specialized software components, the actual games will not run under the Linux platform, and can be played without booting Linux if the user holds down the "A" button while the Wii is starting up.

According to Saruwatari, third-party software developers will be able to develop new Linux applications for the platform, but homebrew developers are out of luck because "the final system [is] closed and will allow only signed code" to run. Given the console hacking community's irrepressible desire and capacity to facilitate homebrew development, it's probably just a matter of time before some clever individual finds a way to circumvent the restrictions. A group of intrepid Linux enthusiasts already set up a web site last month dedicated to coordinating efforts to get homebrew Linux running on the Wii. If Linux does in fact run on the Wii right out of the box as Saruwatari claims, the Wii-Linux.com group could find that their task is much easier than initially anticipated.

Saruwatari promises that, as a result of Linux support, we "can count on a lot of third-party add-ons, much like Opera." One wonders what sort of officially supported applications we can expect to see. Without a keyboard, functionality will be relatively limited, but there is still a lot of potential for unique and compelling new software. In a recent interview, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed that the Wii is the first console for which Nintendo will provide "operating system updates," potentially extending the functionality of the underlying Linux platform.

Given Nintendo's attitude regarding proprietary software, I'm honestly surprised that the company would choose Linux as the basis for its new game console. Although Linux provides an excellent balance of value, power, and versatility, it necessitates GPL compliance, which can create some challenges for companies like Nintendo that are fiercely protective of their intellectual property. In general, BSD kernels (which are available under a more permissive license) are a more natural choice for embedded platforms where there could be a need to incorporate proprietary code. Companies that use the Linux platform in embedded systems are required to make their modifications to the kernel available to the public. DVR maker Tivo, for instance, provides the source code of its own unique Linux kernel modifications on the official Tivo web site. Although Linux on the Wii is an exciting prospect, Saruwatari's claims have not been verified by Nintendo, and may be little more than a rumor.