In a groundbreaking feat of engineering, Redherring32, a skilled hardware modder and woodcraft enthusiast, has unveiled what might be the first-ever handheld Xbox console. Remarkably, this portable gaming system is not just a clever emulation or a downsized replica; it’s crafted from an authentic original Xbox motherboard. Paired with a 9-inch 480p screen, this nifty gadget even offers modern features like Wi-Fi 6 for Xbox Live and 100W PD USB-C for rapid charging.
This daring project represents one of the most ambitious efforts we’ve seen within the Xbox community. It’s a notable departure from the usual handheld or ultra-compact conversions typically applied to PlayStation and Nintendo consoles.
With all the speculation surrounding the idea that Microsoft might eventually launch a portable Xbox, it’s quite amusing to see an avid fan achieve this milestone first. While devices like the Steam Deck have already ventured into this territory, if Microsoft were to develop a handheld Xbox officially, we’d likely expect it to focus on contemporary gaming experiences, unlike the retro charm of the 480p-era hardware. Interestingly, previous modifications have also enabled the original Xbox to run Halo 2 at an upgraded 720p resolution.
Redherring32’s work is a testament to their dedication, as they’ve involved themselves in a comprehensive modification process of the Xbox motherboard. Their documentation includes a detailed guide, as it’s a pioneering venture in the field. They also engineered 12 custom PCBs specifically for this project.
An engaging development is on the horizon as a GitHub repository stands ready for the release of the complete source files for all PCBs, which would make this project entirely open-source when Redherring32 gives the green light. Although a full video showcase and gameplay demo haven’t been made available just yet, they’re anticipated soon.
While this handheld Xbox represents the first elaborate downsizing of its kind, the concept of transforming home consoles into portable forms isn’t new. Redherring32 is no stranger to such creative endeavors, having previously introduced us to projects like “TinyTendo” and “PicoPad,” which are respectively a handheld NES and the world’s smallest NES controller—all released as open-source projects.
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