In a groundbreaking feat that’s turning heads in the gaming community, Redherring32, a skilled hardware modder and woodworker, has crafted the first-ever portable Xbox console. This unique creation comes from ingeniously modifying the motherboard of an original Xbox and is outfitted with a 9-inch display at 480p resolution. It also supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 for Xbox Live connectivity and features 100W PD USB-C for rapid charging.
Among Xbox enthusiasts, this stands out as one of the most daring modifications to date, marking the first time a full Xbox console has been transformed into a handheld device. Unlike the more frequently seen compact or handheld versions of PlayStation and Nintendo consoles, this is an entirely new territory for Xbox.
There’s a certain irony in the fact that while rumors of a potential official handheld Xbox circulate, this enthusiast has already achieved what Microsoft hasn’t—albeit using hardware from an era long past the cutting-edge graphics of today. While the original Xbox never officially supported it, the hardware was previously modified to play Halo 2 in 720p, showcasing its potential even years after its release.
Redherring32 shared his journey on Twitter, revealing the innovative process behind this portable powerhouse. To achieve this compact design, he meticulously trimmed the original Xbox motherboard and engineered 12 custom PCBs, documenting the process to guide others through what is the pioneering mod of its kind.
Further engaging the maker community, Redherring32 plans to release the complete source files for all the PCBs on GitHub, making the entire project open source once finalized. Although a video and gameplay demo are in the works, they remain unavailable as of now.
While this marks the first such modification for the Xbox, other consoles have similarly been adapted into more portable versions. Redherring32’s expertise isn’t new; he has previously garnered attention with creations like “TinyTendo” and “PicoPad” — a handheld NES and what’s claimed to be the smallest NES controller worldwide, both available as open-source projects.
This remarkable achievement not only showcases the talents of dedicated modders but also hints at the untapped potentials lying in classic gaming hardware, inspiring a new wave of innovation and nostalgia within the gaming community.
