In the realm of groundbreaking console modifications, hardware modder and skilled woodworker Redherring32 achieved a remarkable feat by unveiling the first-ever portable Xbox console. This unique creation, fashioned from the modified motherboard of an original Xbox, boasts a 9-inch 480p display and integrates the latest Wi-Fi 6 for Xbox Live connectivity along with a 100W PD USB-C for rapid charging.
This ambitious mod stands as one of the most daring undertakings within the Xbox community and marks a world-first in transforming an Xbox console into a handheld device. Typically, enthusiasts reserve such intricate mods for PlayStation and Nintendo consoles, squeezing them into handheld or ultra-compact forms.
With frequent chatter and speculation of a potential official handheld Xbox console looming in the gaming community—despite devices like the Steam Deck filling this niche post-Sony PSP and PS Vita—it’s quite amusing that an individual hobbyist has managed to outpace Microsoft’s efforts, assuming they intend to join the handheld market. Of course, an official construction would likely cater to today’s gaming demands, whereas Redherring32’s masterpiece harks back to the prime days of the Xbox’s 480p resolution. Interestingly, other modifications have pushed the original Xbox to play Halo 2 at an enhanced 720p.
Redherring32’s endeavor involved meticulously adapting Xbox hardware to fit within a handheld format, an achievement detailed on Twitter. The intricate process included trimming the Xbox motherboard, accompanied by a guided tutorial for this unprecedented mod, and employing 12 custom-designed PCBs tailored specifically for the task.
Furthermore, a GitHub repository is in the works to eventually share “full source for all of the PCBs,” effectively transforming this project into an open-source venture once Redherring32 is prepared. While we’re still anticipating the release of a comprehensive video and gameplay demonstration, these are expected to follow soon.
Although this project marks the inaugural effort to miniaturize an Xbox to this extent, home consoles have been adapted for portability before. Redherring32 brings experience from similar projects, having previously crafted “TinyTendo” and “PicoPad,” both open-source ventures, which comprise a handheld NES system and “the world’s smallest NES controller,” respectively.
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