In an inspiring feat of creativity and technical prowess, a hardware modder and woodworking enthusiast, known as Redherring32, has crafted the world’s very first handheld Xbox console. This innovative piece of tech is ingeniously built using the modified motherboard from an original Xbox console. It’s paired with a sleek 9-inch 480p screen and boasts the latest in connectivity with Wi-Fi 6 for Xbox Live networking and 100W PD USB-C for rapid charging.
This modification stands as one of the most daring projects embraced by the Xbox community, marking the first time an Xbox console has been transformed into a fully handheld unit. It’s a novelty especially given how we’ve seen similar compact modifications more commonly in Sony and Nintendo consoles.
In an unexpected twist, Redherring32’s creation arrives amidst ongoing speculation about Microsoft potentially releasing a handheld Xbox. Although the likes of the Steam Deck and other PC handhelds already fill this niche, it’s amusing to see an enthusiast pre-empt what could be a future announcement from Microsoft. If such an official handheld were to be released, it would likely be designed for modern gaming rather than the nostalgic 480p charm of the original Xbox. Interestingly, some have even previously managed to tweak the original Xbox to run Halo 2 at 720p.
Nevertheless, Redherring32’s project showcases remarkable dedication, executing modifications that involved carefully downsizing the Xbox motherboard. Documented in a Twitter thread, this groundbreaking effort required designing 12 custom PCBs specifically for the handheld.
Looking ahead, Redherring32 plans to fully open-source the project through a GitHub page, offering “full source for all of the PCBs” once complete. While a video showcasing the console and gameplay is eagerly awaited, it hasn’t been released just yet.
This isn’t Redherring32’s first adventure into miniaturization. Past projects include crafting the “TinyTendo” and “PicoPad”— a portable NES and the world’s smallest NES controller, both of which were also shared with the community as open-source initiatives.
