Redherring32, a skilled hardware modder and woodworker, has achieved a remarkable feat by creating the very first handheld Xbox console. This ingenious device is crafted from an original Xbox motherboard and fitted with a 9-inch 480p display. Notably, it also supports Wi-Fi 6 for Xbox Live networking and features a 100W PD USB-C for speedy charging.
This ambitious mod stands out in the Xbox community, marking the first attempt to transform the Xbox into a handheld device. Unlike the more common mods of compacting PlayStation and Nintendo consoles into handhelds, this one pushes boundaries.
The buzz around a potential handheld Xbox is nothing new, especially when considering the likes of the Steam Deck that’s already fulfilling those needs left by the PSP and PS Vita. It’s amusing that an enthusiastic individual has potentially outpaced Microsoft in creating such a device. Any official release would likely cater to today’s gaming tastes, a far cry from the original Xbox’s 480p heyday. Interestingly, that same original hardware was once modified to play Halo 2 at 720p, hinting at its untapped potential.
Redherring32’s efforts to compress the original Xbox into a handheld are truly commendable. The process was detailed in a Twitter thread showcasing the motherboard modification and the creation of 12 custom PCBs tailored for the task. He’s even considering open-sourcing the project, with a GitHub page poised to eventually host the full PCB designs. Fans eagerly await a video and gameplay demo, although they’re not yet available.
This venture isn’t Redherring32’s first foray into shrinking home consoles. He has previously unveiled projects like “TinyTendo” and “PicoPad”—both open-source innovations featuring a handheld NES and the world’s smallest NES controller, respectively.
