A talented hardware modder and woodworker, Redherring32, has unveiled an incredible creation: the very first handheld Xbox console. This isn’t just any old homemade project; it uses an actual modified motherboard from the original Xbox. With a 9-inch 480p screen, Wi-Fi 6 for Xbox Live connectivity, and a 100W PD USB-C for quick charging, it’s a remarkable piece of craftsmanship.
This ambitious mod has stirred quite a buzz within the Xbox community, and it stands out as the first genuine handheld Xbox console conversion. While mods of PlayStation and Nintendo consoles in compact or handheld formats are more common, this Xbox mod is a true trailblazer.
There has been much speculation about a possible official handheld Xbox console in the future, especially considering the presence of devices like the Steam Deck and other PC handhelds which have filled a similar niche once held by the Sony PSP and PS Vita. It’s amusing to see that an enthusiast has beaten Microsoft to the punch if such a product is indeed in the works. Granted, a potential official handheld would likely aim to meet contemporary gaming standards rather than hearkening back to the original Xbox’s 480p glory days—though there was that one time when an original Xbox was modded to play Halo 2 in 720p.
Redherring32’s efforts to incorporate this classic piece of hardware into a handheld format are nothing short of extraordinary. The original Twitter thread shares insights into the process, which involved trimming down the Xbox motherboard and designing a whopping 12 custom PCBs specifically for this endeavor. He even provided a detailed guide, since this kind of modification has never been done before.
Though not available yet, a GitHub page is set up to eventually host the “full source for all of the PCBs,” making the project open source once Redherring32 finalizes everything. We’re also waiting for a video and gameplay demonstration, which should be quite the spectacle once it goes live.
This groundbreaking Xbox mod marks the first time such a hardcore trimming has been applied to an Xbox, though other consoles have undergone similar transformations to fit more compact forms. Redherring32 is no stranger to these kinds of projects, having previously worked on “TinyTendo” and “PicoPad”—both open-source endeavors. “TinyTendo” is a handheld NES project, while “PicoPad” holds the title of the world’s smallest NES controller.
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