Nintendo GameCube Transformed to Operate PowerPC Windows NT and Play Doom

Earlier in the month, an intriguing development emerged for retro gaming enthusiasts: a fresh build of the outdated Windows NT for PowerPC has come to light. Interestingly, it’s been tailored to run on Nintendo GameCube and Wii systems due to their PowerPC architecture, which aligns with the original Windows NT releases for PowerPC. Dubbed Entii for WorkCubes on GitHub, this build theoretically works on Wii U as well, although it doesn’t leverage the console’s additional PowerPC cores, expanded RAM, or its more robust AMD GPU. It runs only through the virtual Wii mode, and early development boards haven’t been tested or are possibly unsupported entirely.

For fans of homebrew projects eager to see Windows NT in action on a Nintendo GameCube, there’s good news. YouTuber @emukid_id has shared videos capturing the Windows NT installation, basic operations, and even some nostalgic gameplay of The Ultimate Doom, though at a very low resolution of 320 x 200. However, do note that these clips are silent.

Besides the lack of audio, Windows 95 seems to function fairly well on this setup. You can set classic Windows NT 3D wallpapers like the 3D Maze, use Notepad, and even launch a basic version of Internet Explorer’s home page. The smart compatibility with PC-like peripherals for Nintendo consoles, such as a GameCube controller that integrates a full-sized keyboard, offers users on actual hardware several input methods. The USB ports on Wii and Wii U expand these possibilities further by allowing support for USB peripherals.

Yet, there are limitations. Even if it runs on a standard Windows NT PC in 2025, don’t expect to access current web pages due to compatibility issues. Even with working Ethernet adapter connections for GameCube or Wii, online activities appear extremely limited.

Nevertheless, this setup offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of Windows NT and PowerPC technology as it stood before the days of Windows NT 3.5. Running Doom on a GameCube is quite an achievement considering it’s basically a souped-up version of the Wii, with enhanced CPU overclocking and a new GPU. The Wii U’s potential for stronger support with its 1GB DDR3 RAM and triple PowerPC cores, compared to the single-core structure of the Wii and GameCube, remains untapped in these builds. Notably, the GameCube functioned with just 24MB of system RAM, alongside smaller dedicated RAM reserves for specific components like video and I/O.

This development serves as a fascinating footnote in the history of gaming and computing, showcasing the enduring appeal and potential of older technologies in today’s creative homebrew community.