Next PS3 firmware update to drop Linux support

When the next PlayStation 3 system update lands on April 1st, it might take away a useful function used by a small but passionate minority of PS3 owners: Linux support.

Sony has revealed that PS3 firmware update 3.21 will remove the ability to install an alternative operating system on the console, due to what the company is calling “security concerns”.

Sony bigwig Patrick Seybold argues that this will “ensure that PS3 owners will continue to have access to the broad range of gaming and entertainment content from SCE and its content partners on a more secure system.” I’m guessing that means: “Hey guys, our console got hacked, and we’re officially crapping it.”

Hence, Linux will soon be gone (though the option to install it wasn’t even on the PS3 Slim). Sure, only about fourteen people ever installed Linux on their machine, but it’s a shame nonetheless.

See also:PlayStation 3 hacked at last

[Via Joystiq]