In an exciting development for gaming enthusiasts, a groundbreaking handheld Xbox console has been crafted by talented hardware modder and woodworker, Redherring32. This handheld device isn’t your typical modified system; it features a genuine motherboard from an original Xbox, intricately connected to a 9-inch 480p display. Moreover, it comes equipped with Wi-Fi 6 Xbox Live support and boasts fast charging capabilities with 100W PD USB-C.
This ambitious project stands out within the Xbox community as it pioneers the transformation of a traditional Xbox into a compact, portable device. Unlike the more common mods of PlayStation and Nintendo systems, turning an Xbox into a handheld is uncharted territory.
Rumors have been swirling about Microsoft possibly working on a handheld Xbox. While devices like the Steam Deck cater to gamers on the go, it’s amusing that a dedicated fan has managed to achieve this feat before the tech giant itself. Of course, any official handheld would probably focus on modern gaming rather than the classic 480p visuals of the original Xbox. Incidentally, there was another occasion when the original Xbox was modified to run Halo 2 at a 720p resolution, underscoring its adaptability.
Redherring32’s endeavor to fit Xbox’s original hardware into a handheld form is nothing short of remarkable. As shared on their Twitter thread, the process involved a meticulous trimming of the Xbox motherboard—something that had never been done before—and the creation of 12 custom PCBs tailored for the job.
An open-source future seems imminent for this project, as a GitHub page has been set up to host the full source for these custom PCBs, once Redherring32 is ready to share them. Fans are eagerly awaiting a video and gameplay demonstration, which are expected to be released soon.
This undertaking marks a first for the Xbox, but Redherring32 is no stranger to shrinking consoles. They previously developed “TinyTendo” and “PicoPad,” which are an open-source handheld NES project and the world’s smallest NES controller, respectively. These innovations illustrate the potential for compact and portable gaming experiences, sparking imagination across the community.
