What Is Homebrew?

So you've got your fancy new game console, and it's got all these fancy restrictions. You can't even install new games—you have to buy them from the company that made your console! And if you want to watch DVDs on it, you're SOL. Homebrew is the best way to get more out of your gaming console. It's like a cheat code, but it doesn't require much effort. You get up, walk over to the kitchen, and make a nice cup of coffee while your game console does all the work for you. It's like magic, But don't sweat it! There is a solution for you: Homebrew. Homebrew is software developed by consumers of proprietary computer hardware platforms, such as game consoles, that have hardware restrictions and are not usually user-programmable. The development of homebrew software is often to expand the function of the local hardware device, such as making a game console do more than just play games by enabling DVD playback or serving as a home theater PC (HTPC). Over the years, homebrew has become a more accepted practic; with the advent of advanced software development environments, the beginning of more accessible and cheaper computer hardware, and the advent of open-source software development environments. In the last decade, the practice of homebrew has become more common and accepted among computer enthusiasts and newbies with the start of open-source software development environments. Homebrewing has been around since the 1980s when people began hacking and modding their Atari 2600s to play games unavailable for purchase. With the increased popularity of video games, homebrewing has become a serious hobby. But something is changing in the homebrew community—and it's not good. It's becoming harder and harder for people to make their games and other software on newer game consoles like the Wii U, PS4 and Xbox One. The reason? Because there are better and easier open systems on which software can be programmed, such as Android systems, Raspberry Pi and the Ouya.