In an intriguing development for the Xbox community, hardware modder and skilled woodworker, Redherring32, has unveiled the first-ever handheld Xbox console. This remarkable device emerges from the transformed motherboard of an authentic original Xbox, elegantly paired with a 9-inch 480p display. Not content with that, the system boasts Wi-Fi 6 for Xbox Live networking and 100W PD USB-C to ensure fast charging capabilities.
This mod is breaking new ground as one of the boldest ventures the Xbox community has encountered, marking the first complete handheld conversion of an Xbox console. This contrasts with the more familiar adaptations seen in PlayStation and Nintendo consoles that often lean on compact or hybrid designs.
It’s almost humorous, really, considering the ongoing murmurings about Microsoft potentially working on their own handheld Xbox device. Enthusiastically jumping ahead of corporate giants, Redherring32 has birthed this unique piece of hardware at a time when devices like the Steam Deck have already captured niches formerly dominated by gadgets like the Sony PSP and PS Vita. If Microsoft does indeed roll out a handheld version, it would likely aim at delivering modern-day gaming, unlike this throwback to the 480p resolution era of the original Xbox—including incidents where it was modded to handle Halo 2 at 720p resolution.
Redherring32’s handiwork in cramming original Xbox components into a handheld format is nothing short of awe-inspiring. His comprehensive Twitter thread not only details the painstaking journey—such as trimming the original Xbox motherboard—but also includes writing an instructional guide, since this mod stands as a one of a kind. Integral to the success of this project were twelve custom-made PCBs, crafted specifically for this endeavor.
In an encouraging move towards open-source collaboration, Redherring32 plans to upload the complete source files for these PCBs on GitHub soon. While a video showcasing the project and gameplay is eagerly awaited, it hasn’t been released yet.
This groundbreaking Xbox modification adds to the list of Redherring32’s impressive feats. Applying similar ingenuity previously, he created open-source projects like the “TinyTendo” and “PicoPad,” which shrank an NES console into a handheld and produced “the world’s smallest NES controller” respectively.
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