---
name: "pcons"
section: "4"
platform: "openbsd"
package: "man"
version: "8.0-current-20261101"
release: "OpenBSD 8.0-current (2026-11-01)"
platforms: ["openbsd"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/pcons"
---

# pcons(4)

SPARC64 PROM console interface

## NAME

**pcons** – SPARC64 PROM console interface

## SYNOPSIS

**pcons0 at mainbus0** **wsdisplay\* at pcons?**

## DESCRIPTION

The **pcons** device provides a simple text console, using the PROM services for input and/or output if no other driver handles this task. It will use the PROM console devices set via the “input-device” and “output-device” variables.

This driver is provided as a fallback console mechanism if the real console hardware cannot be driven in OpenBSD.

## FILES

- */dev/console*

  ## SEE ALSO

[intro(4)](/intro/4.md), [tty(4)](/tty/4.md)

## HISTORY

OpenBSD support for the PROM console first appeared in OpenBSD 3.0.

## CAVEATS

If **pcons** handles console input, the PROM will handle break (or Stop-A) sequences before **pcons**. The preferred way to enter [ddb(4)](/ddb/4.md) on a ddb-enabled pcons console is then to enter the following sequence : ‘+++++’