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{{Infobox homebrewapp
{{Seealso|Wii-Linux/Distros}}
{{Infobox homebrew
| title      = Wii-Linux
| title      = Wii-Linux
| image      = [[Image:Icon_WiiLinux.png]]
| image      = [[File:Icon_WiiLinux.png]]
| desc       = Linux distro for the Wii
| type       = operating system
| type        = Operating system
| version    = 1.10 (whiite)
| licence    = Mostly GPL
| author      = GC-Linux Team
| author      = GC-Linux Team
| display    = 480i/p
| website    = http://www.gc-linux.org/
| website    = [http://www.gc-linux.org/ Wiki] and [http://sourceforge.net/projects/gc-linux/ Sourceforge]
| download    = http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/
| download    = [http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/debian-etch-4.0%2Bwhiite-0.1.tar.bz2 File System] [http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/whiite-linux-0.1a.tar.bz2 Kernel]
| source      = http://git.infradead.org/users/herraa1/gc-linux-2.6.git
| source      = [http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/whiite-linux-0.1a-src.tar.bz2 GPL]
| peripherals = {{Wiimote1}} {{GCNController}} {{USBKeyboard}} {{FrontSD}} {{USBMSD}} {{USBGecko}}
| peripherals = {{GCNController}} {{USBKeyboard}} {{USBGecko}} {{FrontSD}} {{USBMSD}} {{Wiimote1}}
}}
}}The Wii-Linux is a small Linux OS for the Wii, based on GC Linux.


'''Please note:''' The current kernel builds/code patches at gc-linux.org quite dated and it seems they are no longer being actively maintained by the original authors. However, since January 2013 someone else has continued development here [https://github.com/DeltaResero/ [1]]].  Unfortunately, even this project seems to no longer be active.  As such, [[Wii-Linux#Wii Linux Continuation Project|another continuation project]] has appeared that is still active as of July 28th, 2025.




== Summary ==
'''Wii-Linux''' or '''GC-Linux''' is a port of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux Linux] kernel and related [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_Core_Utilities GNU userspace utilities] to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii Nintendo Wii video game console]. Many [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_distribution distributions of GNU/Linux] are available for the Wii. All current distributions use a version of the "gc-linux" kernel, a port of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel Linux kernel] by the [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/Main_Page GC-Linux project].


* Creator: GC-Linux Team
Wii-Linux may be loaded through the [[Homebrew Channel]] but is recommended to be loaded through [[bootmii]]/[[Mini]] to enable Wi-Fi and USB2.0 support.
* Software type: Operating System
* Accessories needed: Computer running Linux, SD card with a FAT16 and an ext3 partition, USB keyboard
* Optional accessories: GameCube controller, [[USB Gecko]], Wiimote, [[Homebrew_apps/Wii_Linux#Compatible_ethernet_adapters|Nintendo Wii LAN Adapter]], [[Homebrew_apps/Wii_Linux#Mount_USB_Drives|USB drive]]
* Best PAL mode: 480i/p
* Loaders usable: [[Twilight Hack]], [[Homebrew Channel]]
* Button to return to loader: No
* Alternate installation: Setup USB gecko and load the software on the PC beforehand (see the readme).


== Getting Started ==
The kernel itself can communicate with nearly all Wii peripherals; Wii Remotes, Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth, GameCube controllers, USBGeckos and the DVD drive are supported. GameCube Memory Cards are currently unsupported.
Isobel has made some [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/WL:whiite-linux Official Instructions].


* 1. Make a second partition on your SD card and format as ext3.
The GC-Linux kernel can run under [[IOS]], Nintendo's official operating system that runs on the Wii's [[Starlet]] coprocessor, while other versions run under the alternate operating system by [[Team Twiizers]] known as mini or "[[Mini]]" (which stands for '''M'''INI '''I'''s '''N'''ot '''I'''OS)
** If you are not using Linux and you are encountering problems you can try the [http://gparted.sourceforge.net/livecd.php GParted Live CD] or [http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download Ubuntu 8.04 Live Desktop] which contains GParted. The [http://www.nacionarcade.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/mameonwii.doc Mame on Wii] guide explains how to format an SD card using this CD.
**Linux users can follow the [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/WL:whiite-linux#Preparation_of_the_SD_card whiite-linux] instructions to prepare the SD card.
* 2. Extract the debian-etch-4.0+whiite-0.1.tar.bz2 package to the ext3 partition of your SD card. You must extract the package as '''root''' or sudoer if you are using Linux or else files under <code>/dev</code> will not appear correctly.
* 3. Copy the whiite-linux folder from the whiite-linux-0.1a.tar.bz2 archive to <code>/apps/</code> for HBC or put the boot.elf on the root for the TP-Hack.
* 4. Load the file using TP-Hack or HBC.
* 5. Log in to access the terminal. You can now run commands and navigate directories.
* 6. Configure bluetooth with <code>hciconfig</code> then type <code>hcitool scan</code> and press 1+2 on your wiimote to connect it.


== Logging in ==
MINI has some advantages over IOS: full and complete access to Wii internal hardware, such as Wi-Fi, USB2.0, the DVD Drive. See [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/Wii:Hardware_Support here].
After you have booted Linux you will have 60 minutes to log on with the credentials below before it times out.


* For debian-etch-4.0+whiite-0.1:
The IOS-based kernels can be loaded through the [[Homebrew Channel]], or the [[Twilight Hack]]. But MINI-based kernels must be loaded through MINI (which means "[[BootMii]]" must be installed). BootMii can be installed in two ways. First in [[boot2]] (where the Wii powers up into BootMii) or second in IOS (where BootMii is loaded through the Homebrew Channel). Confusing, but this is current the state of Wii homebrew.
    Username: root
    Password: whiite
* For POC:
    Username: root
    Password: cube


== Things that work ==
The latest version of GC-Linux is [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewFive#.27Mini.27_Kernel_Preview_Five_.28aka_MIKE_p5.29 MIKEp5] (which stands for '''MI'''NI '''Ke'''rnel '''P'''review '''Five'''). The MIKEp5 kernel has an IOS and MINI version available.


The Debian release comes with a lot of news, only available if you boot using the kernel that comes with that package. '''You will need a USB keyboard to use this release.''' If you are able to boot with it and login, you will stop in a command line where you can navigate through the filesystem, and execute some applications. There are working drivers for the USB bus and internal bluetooth, but '''not for the internal wireless adapter.''' Here are some things that you can do:
== Hardware Required ==


=== Edit text files ===
* Nintendo Wii Console ([[Homebrew Channel]] or an alternate loader installed. [[bootmii]] installed in boot2 and/or ios)
    nano [text file]
* SD Card (Will be formatted. 512MB Required. 2GB Recommended)
* USB Keyboard


=== Play MP3s ===
Note: A computer already running Linux is useful for manual installation.
    mp3-decoder <mp3 file>


There is an mp3 sample in the /root directory. You can play it if you type:
Note: The SD Card or USB Drive will likely be formatted and repartitioned.
    mp3-decoder Synapse-Stealing_Science.mp3


You can also use this:
== Installing ==
    mpg321 <mp3 file>
===Whiite-Linux Installer ===
The GC-Linux team has released a [http://web.archive.org/web/20230527055421/http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/WL:whiite-linux-installer Simple GUI-based installer] can be used with Whiite, Bliight and XWhiite distributions. The installer can be loaded via the [[Homebrew Channel]] or [[Twilight Hack]].  Note that these instructions are for a very old version of Debian Linux which predates the version 5.0 mentioned in here.


Type & after the command to have the mp3 play in the background:
An ext3 filesystem is created on a removable disk (SD card or USB drive). The kernel image ELF can be loaded through [[Homebrew Channel]]. It is recommended to replace the kernel image ELF with the compatible MIKE (MIni KErnal) ELF binary. This will enable Wi-Fi and the DVD drive to be used. The latest MIKE version is currently [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewFive MIKEp5].
    mpg321 Synapse-Stealing_Science.mp3 &


To play MP3s from a USB drive, mount the drive (see below). Navigate to the directory where they are stored on your USB stick, and use the "mp3-decoder" or the "mpg321" tool to play them.
=== Manual Installation ===
Users may install a Wii-Linux distribution manually. Isobel has written the [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/WL:whiite-linux#Manual_Installation official instructions] for manual installation.


=== Mount USB Drives===
* Mount an external USB hard disk
Not all USB hard disks work, but if they are formatted in FAT or EXT2 they might be recognized. Connect a pendrive to the USB, and type:
  dmesg


The dmesg command will show you the last kernel message. If the pendrive is compatible, it will show you some debug messages, and a message with the status of the new drive. If it is recogniced as sda, you can mount and navigate to that using these commands:
=== Disk Image ===
  mkdir mnt
Some distributions, like the [[Wii-Linux#Wii Linux Continuation Project|Wii Linux Continuation Project]] offer disk images that can be flashed to an SD Card and just be ready to go.
  mount /dev/sda1 mnt
  cd mnt
  ls


* To show the identifiers of the devices connected to the USB: Type <code>lsusb</code>
== Using Wii-Linux ==
* USB hubs work.
{{Main|Using Wii-Linux}}


=== Use the internal bluetooth ===
Once a Wii has booted Linux, there are lot's of things for users new to Linux to do.
There is a driver that manages the Wii internal bluetooth. You can connect to the wiimote, but there isn’t any application to manage it yet. You can type these commands to configure it:


; <code>hciconfig</code> : Shows you the bluetooth configuration.
* A [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphical_user_interface GUI] is available, in the form of an [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X.Org_Server X.org server]. Although it is ''not'' optimized for a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10-foot_user_interface "10-foot user interface"], like that found in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii_Menu Wii Menu]. A Wii Remote may be used as a pointing device with the X.org server, but manual configuration is needed. (See xwhiite)
; <code>hcitool scan</code> and press "1&2" on the wiimote
: This will find the wiimote and show some information.


=== Chat on IRC===
*It's possible for a Wii to powerup directly into Wii-Linux. BootMii must be installed in boot2 for this feature. To enable this, replace the file /bootmii/ppcboot.elf (on the front SD Card) with the GC-Linux kernel of your choice (Remember to back up the original ppcboot.elf somewhere!!)
    irssi


=== Install Debian Packages===
== Hardware Compatibility ==
If you find a USB network adapter that works with this kernel such as the Nintendo USB network adapter, you will be able to install new Debian packages directly onto the Wii using apt-get. Or you can download on a PC then use dpkg to install packages manually.
{{Main|Wii-Linux Hardware Compatibility}}
 
Before Wii-Linux supported internal Wi-Fi, users were forced to use USB Ethernet Adapters and USB Wi-Fi dongles for an Internet connection. Supported external hardware is listed.
 
Note that currently all internal "native" Wii hardware is supported. Some classic hardware (such as GameCube Memory Cards) are still unsupported. A full list of supported hardware is available [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/Wii:Hardware_Support here].
 
Also note that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NDISwrapper NDISwrapper] is '''not''' available for Wii-Linux since the Nintendo Wii uses a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PowerPC PowerPC]-based CPU (NDISwrapper does not have a PPC version and it would take a lot of work to port it)
 
== Troubleshooting ==
{{Main|Troubleshooting Wii-Linux}}
 
For frequent problems when installing and setting up Wii-Linux
 
== Distributions ==
{{Main|Distributions of Wii-Linux}}
 
Many distributions of GNU/Linux are available for the Nintendo Wii.
 
=== Ubuntu 14.04.5 ===
*Ubuntu PPC for the Wii
*Designed to be as easy as flash and boot.
*Made By Wiibuntu
*TERMINAL ONLY! NO DESKTOP ENVIROMENT!
*Downloads and .tar's found [https://github.com/Wiibuntu/Ubuntu14-Wii here.]
*Last updated: 12 March 2024


* [http://packages.debian.org/etch/cmatrix cmatrix] is confirmed to run which displays a simple curses screensaver. The font suggested for it has not been tested.
=== Ubuntu Server 13.10 ===
* [http://packages.debian.org/etch/ninvaders ninvaders] is a simple curses based game played like Space Invaders. Seems to work 100%
*Ubuntu PPC for the Wii
* [http://doctormike.googlepages.com/pacman.html pacman] is a curses pacman game.  Currently the Linux console is not large enough to view the lives, levels, and score. The game is compiled from scratch with wiiuse and bluetooth and ncurses devs.<br>''If you would like the source for pacman with wiimote support check out my website. --[[User:Skibur|Skibur]] 22:53, 21 July 2008 (CEST)''
*Designed to be as easy as flash and boot.
* [http://packages.debian.org/etch/sc sc] is a curses spreadsheet application.
*Made By Wiibuntu
*Downloads found [https://github.com/Wiibuntu/Ubuntu-13.10-Wii here.]
*Last updated: 11 March 2024


=== Install Mplayer ===
=== xUbuntu 9.04 ===
* Download the source to [[Homebrew apps/Wii_MFE_Port|Wii MFE]]
*xUbuntu PPC for the Wii
* Copy these files to the corresponding places on your SD card:
*Designed to be as easy as flash and boot.
/src/native/fs/shipped/'''lib/'''
*Made By Wiibuntu
/src/native/fs/shipped/'''root/'''
*xorg already installed along with xfce4
/src/native/fs/shipped/'''usr/'''
*All repository's are set to old-releases already
* Extract the contents of these archives to your SD card:
*Downloads and .tar's found [https://github.com/Wiibuntu/Xubuntu-9.04-Wii/tree/main here.]
/src/native/libsdl/'''mfe-libsdl.tar.gz'''
*Last updated: 7 February 2024
/home/zach/Desktop/src/native/mplayer/'''mfe-mplayer.tar.gz'''
* Log on to whiite and type (you only need to do this once):
  mknod /dev/fb0 c 29 0
* Type:
  mplayer <file>.avi


== Hardware Compatibility ==
=== Wii-Linux-NGX ===
*Based on Debian Jessie 8.0
*Made by [https://github.com/neagix neagix], who keeps the repository for the distribution on github
 
Includes several different branches of implementations of the GNU/Linux kernel:
 
*[https://github.com/neagix/linux/tree/stable-v3.x stable-v3.x], latest working v3.x kernel with most up to date upstream patches
*[https://github.com/neagix/linux/tree/experimental-v3.x experimental-v3.x], some features might be broken (SDHC)
*[https://github.com/neagix/linux/tree/experimental-v4.x experimental-v4.x], some features might be broken (SDHC)


=== Compatible ethernet adapters ===
Current working features:
{|class="wikitable"
! Device
! Hardware ID String
! Description
! Cost
|-
|[http://store.nintendo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=117712&currency=USD&catalogId=10001&categoryId=62707 Nintendo Wii LAN Adapter]
|
|Official Nintendo Product
|[http://store.nintendo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=117712&currency=USD&catalogId=10001&categoryId=62707 $24.99 US]
|-
|Datel's LAN Adapter
|
|
|[http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-10v-49-en-70-1slw.html $29.90]
|-
|.
|.
|.
|.
|}


=== Incompatible ethernet adapters ===
*WiFi
{|class="wikitable"
*Reading DVD-ROMs
! Device
*Xorg (using the framebuffer)
! Hardware ID String
! Description
|-
|[http://www.superclearance.com/shop/image.php?productid=44905 Linksys USB Network Adapter USB10T]
|VID_0x066b & PID_0x2206
|device not supported
|-
|.
|.
|.
|-
|}


Last Update: 6 September 2017.


== Troubleshooting ==
=== Whiite ===
; I get a black screen when I load the DOL.
[http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/WL:whiite-linux#Introduction Whiite-linux] is a Debian 5.0 (lenny) based Linux distribution for the Nintendo Wii.
: Something is wrong with the filesystem format your SD card and try again.
*Wifi, USB2.0 and DVD drive support when running with [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewFive MikeP5]
*Easy Wifi configuration tool in /root/ to run type ./whiite-ez-wifi-config
*[http://sourceforge.net/projects/gc-linux/files/wii-linux/whiite-linux-1.10/debian-lenny-5.0%2Bwhiite-1.10.tar.bz2/download Version 1.10 (Debian Lenny 5.0) Download]
*Currently uses kernel [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewFive 2.6.32]
*Written by the gc-linux team.
*Last updated: 21 Oct 2009


; It boots up with a lot of errors saying file system read-only then it freezes.
=== WiiToo! ===
: Turn off Wiiconnect24 or load from TP-Hack.
[[WiiToo!]] is a minimal precompiled stage4  made to let you run [http://www.gentoo.org/ Gentoo] on your Wii using [http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewFour MIKE] and [[Mini]]. It provides all the basic software required to compile and install new programs on it, and some other software ready to be used. The kernel used is plain vanilla-sources & [[Wii-Linux]] patches, so expect WiFi working out of the box.
*Ready to use, uncompress, copy, configure and run
*Highly configurable, like Gentoo
*USB keyboard isn't a requirement, simply configure your network and use SSH
*Can use all the hardware that Wii-Linux is able to use
* Last update: 29 October 2009


==GUI?==
=== Archii ===
A GUI is still needed.
*Arch Linux PPC for the Wii
*Designed for use with the new MIKE p1 kernel but can be made to work with Boot it or any other kernel release.
*Made By TheStorm/JonimusPrime and zc00gii
*Is designed for more advanced users to create from scratch but minimal and X11 file-system tars are available
**The X11 tar has X.Org installed along with the OpenBox3 WM and Cwiid for Wii Remote input
**It also includes the Opera Browser, X-Chat IRC client and Pidgin IM client
**The Minimal image is just enough to get you booted and the end user can install any packages they wish using pacman
*File-system tars can be found [http://jonimoose.net/archii/ here.]
*Last updated: 11 July 2009


There is a work in progress project to create an Xorg driver for Wii/Gamecube. You can download and find more information here:
=== XWhiite ===
http://www.tehskeen.com/forums/showthread.php?p=44124&posted=1#post44124
*[[Wii Linux#Whiite|Whiite]] but with the X.Org environment successfully implemented.
*It currently uses [[Wii Linux#Kernel 2.6.27|kernel 2.6.32]].
*It also includes some applications including Firefox.
*It uses the whiite method of installation
*It has now been updated to v0.2
*Made by bertjan
*[https://mega.nz/#!O0tjXCrK!etpJQMHvTOzQtORQw_J8J1twOLXfo5O1cPQfEASLVZY v0.2 Download]
*Last updated: 02 December 2008


== Releases ==
=== Wii Linux Continuation Project ===
===  Wii Linux 2.6.27 ===
*A kernel based on [[Wii-Linux#Wii-Linux-NGX|Wii-Linux-NGX]], with upgrades and patches, now at 4.19 LTS
*New drivers with SDHC support, and optimized memory [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=98581&package_id=108737&release_id=640693]
*Modern (2025) [https://github.com/kth5/archpower ArchPOWER]-based rootfs
=== Debian etch 4.0 and Whiite 0.1 ===
*Xorg can optionally be installed, and works properly, however does not come with the base system
*Major update with many new apps and features [http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/debian-etch-4.0%2Bwhiite-0.1.tar.bz2]
*Kernel previously updated by TheOtherOne, work continued by [[User:Techflash|Techflash]]
=== Proof of Concept 0.4 ===
*Includes a custom Linux text console based boot menu written in C to pick a distro to boot.
*adds support for USB keyboards through the IOS keyboard interface [http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/wii-linux-PoC-0.4.tar.gz Main] [http://ostsoft.net/go?to=wiidl&dl=19 Mirror]
*[https://wii-linux.org Website, including download links]
=== Proof of Concept 0.3 ===
*[https://github.com/Wii-Linux All code relating to the project]
*adds read and write support for the front SD card slot [http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/wii-linux-PoC-0.3.tar.gz]
*Last updated: 28 July 2025
=== Proof of Concept 0.2 ===
*[http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/wii-linux-PoC-0.2.tar.gz]
=== Proof of Concept 0.1 ===
*[http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/wii-linux-PoC-0.1.tgz]


== External links ==
== External links ==
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiYbQfDhGKg video] showing a playable '''pacman console game with wiimote support'''
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hUSkOLWMZ8 video] showing '''Arch Linux on the Wii''' called, "Archii."
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpDcnaeftsc video] showing '''how wii-linux debian boots''', with some features and applications
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiYbQfDhGKg video] showing a playable '''pacman console game with Wii Remote support'''
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1UCQEMO8yc video] showing '''T2 SDE 6.0 linux booting from an external HDD using the SD card as pivot root. X runs!'''
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpDcnaeftsc video] showing '''how Wii-Linux Debian boots''', with some features and applications
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pvHvcq8qJ8 video] showing T2 SDE 6.0 linux booting from an external HDD using a ramdisk card as pivot root. In this video '''the xserver works with a driver for Wii/Gamecube and has correct colours'''
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1UCQEMO8yc video] showing '''T2 SDE 6.0 Linux booting from an external HDD using the SD card as pivot root. X runs!'''
* [http://www.gc-linux.org/ gc-linux.org]
* A [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pvHvcq8qJ8 video] showing T2 SDE 6.0 Linux booting from an external HDD using a ramdisk card as pivot root. In this video '''the xserver works with a driver for Wii/GameCube and has correct colours'''
* [http://www.tehskeen.com/forums/showpost.php?p=33699&postcount=19 tehskeen forum]


[[Category:Homebrew applications]]
[[Category:Homebrew applications]]

Latest revision as of 14:27, 28 July 2025

See also: Wii-Linux/Distros
Wii-Linux
General
Author(s)GC-Linux Team
TypeOperating system
Version1.10 (whiite)
LicenceMostly GPL
Links
Download
Website
Source
Peripherals
GameCube Controller USB Keyboard Loads files from the Front SD slot USB mass storage device

Please note: The current kernel builds/code patches at gc-linux.org quite dated and it seems they are no longer being actively maintained by the original authors. However, since January 2013 someone else has continued development here [1]]. Unfortunately, even this project seems to no longer be active. As such, another continuation project has appeared that is still active as of July 28th, 2025.


Wii-Linux or GC-Linux is a port of the Linux kernel and related GNU userspace utilities to the Nintendo Wii video game console. Many distributions of GNU/Linux are available for the Wii. All current distributions use a version of the "gc-linux" kernel, a port of the Linux kernel by the GC-Linux project.

Wii-Linux may be loaded through the Homebrew Channel but is recommended to be loaded through bootmii/Mini to enable Wi-Fi and USB2.0 support.

The kernel itself can communicate with nearly all Wii peripherals; Wii Remotes, Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth, GameCube controllers, USBGeckos and the DVD drive are supported. GameCube Memory Cards are currently unsupported.

The GC-Linux kernel can run under IOS, Nintendo's official operating system that runs on the Wii's Starlet coprocessor, while other versions run under the alternate operating system by Team Twiizers known as mini or "Mini" (which stands for MINI Is Not IOS)

MINI has some advantages over IOS: full and complete access to Wii internal hardware, such as Wi-Fi, USB2.0, the DVD Drive. See here.

The IOS-based kernels can be loaded through the Homebrew Channel, or the Twilight Hack. But MINI-based kernels must be loaded through MINI (which means "BootMii" must be installed). BootMii can be installed in two ways. First in boot2 (where the Wii powers up into BootMii) or second in IOS (where BootMii is loaded through the Homebrew Channel). Confusing, but this is current the state of Wii homebrew.

The latest version of GC-Linux is MIKEp5 (which stands for MINI Kernel Preview Five). The MIKEp5 kernel has an IOS and MINI version available.

Hardware Required

  • Nintendo Wii Console (Homebrew Channel or an alternate loader installed. bootmii installed in boot2 and/or ios)
  • SD Card (Will be formatted. 512MB Required. 2GB Recommended)
  • USB Keyboard

Note: A computer already running Linux is useful for manual installation.

Note: The SD Card or USB Drive will likely be formatted and repartitioned.

Installing

Whiite-Linux Installer

The GC-Linux team has released a Simple GUI-based installer can be used with Whiite, Bliight and XWhiite distributions. The installer can be loaded via the Homebrew Channel or Twilight Hack. Note that these instructions are for a very old version of Debian Linux which predates the version 5.0 mentioned in here.

An ext3 filesystem is created on a removable disk (SD card or USB drive). The kernel image ELF can be loaded through Homebrew Channel. It is recommended to replace the kernel image ELF with the compatible MIKE (MIni KErnal) ELF binary. This will enable Wi-Fi and the DVD drive to be used. The latest MIKE version is currently MIKEp5.

Manual Installation

Users may install a Wii-Linux distribution manually. Isobel has written the official instructions for manual installation.


Disk Image

Some distributions, like the Wii Linux Continuation Project offer disk images that can be flashed to an SD Card and just be ready to go.

Using Wii-Linux

Main article: Using Wii-Linux

Once a Wii has booted Linux, there are lot's of things for users new to Linux to do.

  • A GUI is available, in the form of an X.org server. Although it is not optimized for a "10-foot user interface", like that found in the Wii Menu. A Wii Remote may be used as a pointing device with the X.org server, but manual configuration is needed. (See xwhiite)
  • It's possible for a Wii to powerup directly into Wii-Linux. BootMii must be installed in boot2 for this feature. To enable this, replace the file /bootmii/ppcboot.elf (on the front SD Card) with the GC-Linux kernel of your choice (Remember to back up the original ppcboot.elf somewhere!!)

Hardware Compatibility

Main article: Wii-Linux Hardware Compatibility

Before Wii-Linux supported internal Wi-Fi, users were forced to use USB Ethernet Adapters and USB Wi-Fi dongles for an Internet connection. Supported external hardware is listed.

Note that currently all internal "native" Wii hardware is supported. Some classic hardware (such as GameCube Memory Cards) are still unsupported. A full list of supported hardware is available here.

Also note that NDISwrapper is not available for Wii-Linux since the Nintendo Wii uses a PowerPC-based CPU (NDISwrapper does not have a PPC version and it would take a lot of work to port it)

Troubleshooting

Main article: Troubleshooting Wii-Linux

For frequent problems when installing and setting up Wii-Linux

Distributions

Main article: Distributions of Wii-Linux

Many distributions of GNU/Linux are available for the Nintendo Wii.

Ubuntu 14.04.5

  • Ubuntu PPC for the Wii
  • Designed to be as easy as flash and boot.
  • Made By Wiibuntu
  • TERMINAL ONLY! NO DESKTOP ENVIROMENT!
  • Downloads and .tar's found here.
  • Last updated: 12 March 2024

Ubuntu Server 13.10

  • Ubuntu PPC for the Wii
  • Designed to be as easy as flash and boot.
  • Made By Wiibuntu
  • Downloads found here.
  • Last updated: 11 March 2024

xUbuntu 9.04

  • xUbuntu PPC for the Wii
  • Designed to be as easy as flash and boot.
  • Made By Wiibuntu
  • xorg already installed along with xfce4
  • All repository's are set to old-releases already
  • Downloads and .tar's found here.
  • Last updated: 7 February 2024

Wii-Linux-NGX

  • Based on Debian Jessie 8.0
  • Made by neagix, who keeps the repository for the distribution on github

Includes several different branches of implementations of the GNU/Linux kernel:

Current working features:

  • WiFi
  • Reading DVD-ROMs
  • Xorg (using the framebuffer)

Last Update: 6 September 2017.

Whiite

Whiite-linux is a Debian 5.0 (lenny) based Linux distribution for the Nintendo Wii.

  • Wifi, USB2.0 and DVD drive support when running with MikeP5
  • Easy Wifi configuration tool in /root/ to run type ./whiite-ez-wifi-config
  • Version 1.10 (Debian Lenny 5.0) Download
  • Currently uses kernel 2.6.32
  • Written by the gc-linux team.
  • Last updated: 21 Oct 2009

WiiToo!

WiiToo! is a minimal precompiled stage4 made to let you run Gentoo on your Wii using MIKE and Mini. It provides all the basic software required to compile and install new programs on it, and some other software ready to be used. The kernel used is plain vanilla-sources & Wii-Linux patches, so expect WiFi working out of the box.

  • Ready to use, uncompress, copy, configure and run
  • Highly configurable, like Gentoo
  • USB keyboard isn't a requirement, simply configure your network and use SSH
  • Can use all the hardware that Wii-Linux is able to use
  • Last update: 29 October 2009

Archii

  • Arch Linux PPC for the Wii
  • Designed for use with the new MIKE p1 kernel but can be made to work with Boot it or any other kernel release.
  • Made By TheStorm/JonimusPrime and zc00gii
  • Is designed for more advanced users to create from scratch but minimal and X11 file-system tars are available
    • The X11 tar has X.Org installed along with the OpenBox3 WM and Cwiid for Wii Remote input
    • It also includes the Opera Browser, X-Chat IRC client and Pidgin IM client
    • The Minimal image is just enough to get you booted and the end user can install any packages they wish using pacman
  • File-system tars can be found here.
  • Last updated: 11 July 2009

XWhiite

  • Whiite but with the X.Org environment successfully implemented.
  • It currently uses kernel 2.6.32.
  • It also includes some applications including Firefox.
  • It uses the whiite method of installation
  • It has now been updated to v0.2
  • Made by bertjan
  • v0.2 Download
  • Last updated: 02 December 2008

Wii Linux Continuation Project

External links

  • A video showing Arch Linux on the Wii called, "Archii."
  • A video showing a playable pacman console game with Wii Remote support
  • A video showing how Wii-Linux Debian boots, with some features and applications
  • A video showing T2 SDE 6.0 Linux booting from an external HDD using the SD card as pivot root. X runs!
  • A video showing T2 SDE 6.0 Linux booting from an external HDD using a ramdisk card as pivot root. In this video the xserver works with a driver for Wii/GameCube and has correct colours
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