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Making big news in the video game space today is the sudden launch of an online web store for PlayStation platforms, functionality that was previously only available via the consoles. While the 360 has had this kind of web store for many years, it’s brand new for PSN, or SEN as it’s now officially known. Which is a shame, as they have blocked Linux computers from accessing it, throwing up a browser compatibility error in all web browsers.
People familiar with Linux and the PS3 may remember how Sony removed the ability to add Linux to the console a few years ago. The PS3 was an interesting acquisition for a Linux user when it first launched, with the promise of installing Power PC Linux distros onto the hardware so folks could make full use of the Cell processor. While that didn’t quite pan out, with some restrictions on how much distros could access, it was a great show of faith by the company. So it was sad when the first redesign came out, removing the ‘Other OS’ functionality, with a firmware update for the original also denying people from this option shortly afterwards. This didn’t just affect consumers either, with PS3 cluster super computers used by businesses and the military also taking a toll.
It’s ridiculous in 2012 for a company to specifically block Linux computers. We’d usually link you to the webstore, but there really isn’t much point to it. We’ve managed to get it working on non-Linux computers, and can report that navigation wise, it’s better than the Xbox site. Which, somewhat ironically, works perfectly on Linux.
