In a groundbreaking project, hardware modder and skilled woodworker Redherring32 has unveiled the first-ever portable Xbox console. This unique device is crafted from the modified motherboard of an original Xbox and boasts a 9-inch 480p display. It also supports Wi-Fi 6 for Xbox Live connectivity and features 100W PD USB-C for quick charging.
This ambitious project stands as a landmark achievement within the Xbox modding community, marking the first conversion of an Xbox console into a handheld device. While mods for PlayStation and Nintendo consoles that make them compact or even portable are more common, this Xbox mod takes things to an entirely new level.
It’s amusing to think that an eager hobbyist like Redherring32 has managed to create a handheld Xbox even before Microsoft could, especially with all the speculation about a possible official release. Now, despite the focus on modern gaming technologies (and let’s face it, devices like the Steam Deck kind of already fill that niche), this mod brings back a wave of nostalgia with its 480p display. Notably, there was another instance where the original Xbox was modded to run Halo 2 at a higher 720p resolution.
Redherring32’s work is nothing short of impressive. The initiative involved trimming the Xbox motherboard and creating 12 custom PCBs, which he painstakingly documented in a guide for other enthusiasts. He shared these efforts in detail on Twitter, revealing the intricacies of fitting original Xbox hardware into a compact handheld form.
Future plans include a GitHub page for the project, set to feature the full open source designs for the PCBs once Redherring32 is ready. While we’re awaiting a video and gameplay demonstration, the anticipation is building.
Although this is the first venture into transforming an Xbox into a portable console, there have been similar projects with other home systems. Redherring32 has previously showcased his talents with creations like the “TinyTendo” and the “PicoPad,” both of which are open source and involve a handheld NES system and the smallest NES controller in the world, respectively.
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