Gentoo Linux on the PlayStation 3

The Sony PlayStation 3 is a game console from 2009, featuring a unique CPU known as the CELL Broadband Engine. This processor includes 2 PPC64 cores and 8 SPU cores designed for accelerated vector operations. It is possible to install Linux on the PS3 using a feature called OtherOS. Gentoo is an excellent Linux distribution for the PS3 because, being source-based, it allows users to install up-to-date software, a feature not commonly supported by other distributions for the PS3. This document will guide you through installing Gentoo Linux on the PS3 and configuring various aspects of the system to work effectively with the PlayStation 3 architecture.

Important
This documentation and the resources mentioned herein are not officially part of the Gentoo project. They are provided as part of a personal project and may not be endorsed or supported by Gentoo.

Sony PS3 Linux History

Sony initially introduced the OtherOS feature in the PlayStation 3 at launch, allowing users to install alternative operating systems such as Linux alongside the default PS3 GameOS. This feature was appreciated for providing flexibility and enabling users to utilize their console for more than just gaming. However, in April 2010, Sony removed OtherOS support with firmware update 3.21, which was implemented to address security concerns and protect system integrity. This update effectively disabled the ability to install and run alternative operating systems on PS3 units that were updated to this firmware version or newer.

In response to this restriction, the homebrew community and hackers developed custom firmware solutions to restore the functionality. They introduced features like OtherOS++, which are integrated into custom firmware packages. OtherOS++ enables the installation of alternative operating systems by circumventing Sony's firmware restrictions. It works by tricking the PS3's hypervisor into believing that the console is still running the official GameOS, thereby granting expanded access to system resources, including unrestricted access to the PS3's graphics hardware. This development has allowed users with newer PS3 models to once again install and use Linux distributions, despite the original removal of OtherOS support.

Supported Models

Not all revisions of the PlayStation 3 allow the installation of alternative operating systems. Since Sony removed the OtherOS feature in firmware version 3.21, installing different operating systems officially is no longer possible. Fortunately, there are still options available to enable this functionality, even if you are using a newer version of the firmware.

If you have a Fat model of the PS3, one option is to revert the firmware to a version lower than 3.21. This is only possible on Fat models because newer revisions never supported reverting to firmware versions older than 3.21 and never allowed the installation of alternative operating systems.

For newer revisions of the PS3, you can install an alternative operating system using custom firmware that includes a feature called OtherOS++. Custom firmware is a modified version of the official firmware created by third parties and is not provided or supported by Sony. By installing custom firmware, you can use the OtherOS++ feature, which allows you to install alternative operating systems on PS3 models that did not originally support this functionality.

PS3 Revisions OtherOS/OtherOS++ support
PS3 Model	OtherOS Support	OtherOS++ Support
FAT Models	Yes	Yes
Slim Models up to CECH-2500	No	Yes
Slim Models CECH-3000 and above	No	No
Super Slim Models	No	No

OtherOS or OtherOS++

This section compares OtherOS and OtherOS++, covering their introduction, functionality, and availability. It also offers guidance on choosing between the two options based on model support and installation preferences.

OtherOS

Introduction: OtherOS was introduced with the launch of the PlayStation 3. It allowed users to install Linux-based operating systems, providing more flexibility and customization beyond the standard GameOS environment.

Functionality: With OtherOS, users could access the PlayStation 3’s hardware to run Linux distributions, enabling development and experimentation with different software environments. However, it had limitations, particularly in terms of restricted access to the PS3’s GPU and certain system resources.

Availability: Initially available on FAT models of the PS3, OtherOS was fully supported until firmware version 3.21, which disabled the feature. Slim and Super Slim models never supported OtherOS.

OtherOS++

Introduction: OtherOS++ is a feature found within custom firmware developed by third parties. It restores and extends the functionality of OtherOS on models that officially lost support.

Functionality: Unlike its predecessor, OtherOS++ not only re-enables the ability to install alternative operating systems on models affected by the firmware restriction but also provides enhanced capabilities. For instance, OtherOS++ allows unrestricted access to the PS3’s GPU, offering greater performance and functionality for Linux-based systems. It essentially tricks the PS3’s hypervisor into thinking it is still running the official GameOS, thereby bypassing some of the original limitations.

Availability: OtherOS++ can be used on both older FAT models and some newer Slim models where custom firmware is installed. This feature effectively extends the life of alternative operating system support, allowing users of compatible hardware to benefit from Linux installations that were otherwise blocked.

Which option to choose

When deciding between OtherOS and OtherOS++, consider the following factors:

Model Support: The choice depends on whether your PS3 model supports the feature. OtherOS is available on FAT models but was removed from all models after firmware 3.21. If you are using a FAT model and have not updated beyond firmware 3.21, OtherOS remains an option. For newer models or those with updated firmware, OtherOS++ is the relevant choice.

Installation Preferences: If you prefer an official, straightforward installation of Linux with the features originally intended by Sony, OtherOS is suitable, provided you are on an older firmware version. However, if you seek more advanced capabilities, such as improved access to system resources and extended functionality, and are willing to use custom firmware, OtherOS++ is the better option.

In summary, while OtherOS provided the initial gateway to alternative operating systems on the PS3, its capabilities were significantly restricted by subsequent firmware updates. OtherOS++, as part of custom firmware, revitalizes and enhances this functionality, restoring support on many models that were otherwise locked out by Sony's restrictions and extending the possibilities for more advanced and optimized Linux installations.

Additional resources

This project includes several additional resources to assist in the installation and maintenance of Gentoo Linux on the PlayStation 3. Below is a list of these resources:

Gentoo minimal installation media ISO

ISO is specifically prepared for the PS3, featuring a custom kernel version that enables it to boot on the console.

Stage tarballs

Project repository contains a tarball of Gentoo Stage3 compiled for the CELL CPU, which should be used in place of the default Gentoo Stage3 for basic installation. There are also multiple Stage4 tarballs available for a faster installation, supporting various configurations such as xorg-server, mate, xfce4, and cinnamon.

PS3 overlay

Overlay containing packages tailored for the PlayStation 3, such as the gentoo-kernel-ps3, ps3vram-swap and more.

PS3 binrepo

Binary packages compiled for the CELL CPU. Using this binrepo is highly recommended to save time, as compiling packages directly on the PS3 can be very time-consuming.

Automatic Gentoo installer

Script that automates the installation and configuration of Gentoo on the PS3. This is recommended for users who want to install Gentoo quickly with a recommended default configuration.

DistCC server Docker image

Docker image includes Gentoo with an installed and configured DistCC server, which can be used on a PC to assist the PS3 in compiling packages more efficiently.

Requirements

This section outlines the requirements that must be met to install Gentoo Linux on the PS3.

Supported PlayStation 3 model

To begin the installation of Gentoo Linux on your PS3, verify that your console revision is supported. Refer to the Supported Models section to confirm compatibility with your PS3 model.

Petitboot bootloader installed

Please ensure that Petitboot is installed on your console. This documentation does not include instructions for Petitboot installation. For guidance on setting up Petitboot, we recommend searching the internet or consulting relevant online resources.

Gentoo PS3 minimal installation ISO

A special version of Gentoo minimal installation media prepared specifically for booting on the PS3. It can be downloaded from the project repository.

USB stick or blank DVD disc

The ISO image of the installation media must be burned to a USB stick or DVD to proceed with the installation.

Internet connection

The installation process requires an active internet connection. Both wired and wireless connections are supported.

USB keyboard

A USB keyboard is required for interacting with the Gentoo installation process on the PS3. This allows users to input commands and configure settings during the installation. Alternatively, an SSH connection can be used for remote management, but this option is not covered in this documentation.

Preparation

Installing required firmware

Note
This documentation does not provide instructions on how to install the required firmware. Please consult online resources for detailed installation guides.

Depending on your choice and hardware compatibility with either OtherOS or OtherOS++, it is essential to have the appropriate firmware installed on the PS3 to support the selected Alternative Operating System functionality.

For OtherOS, ensure that your system is running firmware version lower than 3.20. This option is available only for FAT PS3 models.
For OtherOS++, a Custom Firmware with OtherOS++ support must be installed. This option is available for all FAT and some Slim models.

The distinctions between OtherOS and OtherOS++ are detailed in the OtherOS or OtherOS++ section.

Warning
Installing Custom Firmware is not officially supported by Sony and carries the risk of rendering your console inoperable. The author of this documentation assumes no responsibility for any potential damage, so proceed at your own risk.

Installing Petitboot

Note
This documentation does not provide instructions on how to install Petitboot on the PS3. Please refer to online resources for detailed installation guides.

Petitboot is a bootloader used on the PlayStation 3 to enable the booting of alternative operating systems. The subsequent chapters of this documentation assume that Petitboot is installed and configured correctly to proceed with the installation.

Note
If you are using Custom Firmware with OtherOS++, an additional step may be required after installing Petitboot. You might need to manually create a hard drive region for the alternative operating system. This can be performed directly from the Petitboot terminal using specific scripts available online. To verify the successful creation of this region, check for the presence of a device named /dev/ps3dd. This verification can also be done directly within the Petitboot terminal.

Writing the boot media

After downloading the PS3 minimal installation media, it needs to be burned on a USB drive or DVD disc in order to boot it on the PS3. To do this, please follow Gentoo Handbook PPC64 - Writing the boot media, replacing the name of the ISO file with the one downloaded from project's repository.

Installation

This documentation provides instructions for two methods of installing Gentoo Linux on the PS3: manual installation and automatic installation.

The manual installation guide outlines the steps specific to the PS3, highlighting the differences from the standard process described in the Gentoo Handbook. For the general installation procedure, users should refer to the official Handbook. However, it is important to follow the instructions in this documentation that are specific to the PS3 to ensure a successful installation.
The automatic installation guide simplifies the process by automating many of the steps required to install Gentoo Linux on the PS3. This method allows for a faster installation, with the necessary software automatically installed and configured.

Please choose the method that best suits your needs.

Manual installation

Automatic installation

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