This Self-Made Xbox Portable Appears to Hail Directly from the Year 2001
This Self-Made Xbox Portable Appears to Hail Directly from the Year 2001
Microsoft is still debating whether to introduce an Xbox portable device. If they need motivation, they should look at this DIY enthusiast who constructed an Xbox-inspired handheld using the original console's hardware from 2001. This DIY Xbox, reminiscent of the Steam Deck, can play games released during its eight-year lifespan, with WiFi connectivity under development to rejoin Halo 2 multiplayer through an updated version of Xbox Live.
The handheld Xbox resembles a large, black brick, but its design echoes the original console to such an extent that it could have been sketched by Seamus Blackley and the Xbox team members themselves. The handheld's creator, known as Redherring32 online, specified that the device features a substantial 9-inch 480p display. The project involved trimming an original Xbox motherboard down to size, which took four months to achieve. Now, he shares a tutorial for anyone interested in recreating this project.
On Discord, Redherring32 shared that he predominantly uses the device to play Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2. He mentioned that the anticipation of playing Halo: CE portably kept him excited during the project's development.
Redherring's fascination with "portablizing" began after viewing YouTuber Shank Mods' 2018 video, in which he transformed a Wii into an Altoids tin. The Nintendo Wii proved surprisingly adaptable, but the Xbox has yet to receive similar treatment. Redherring initiated the project last year for the 2023 BitBuilt Summer Building Competition and re-entered it for this year's competition, with the finalists to be announced on Nov. 8.
Regarding the design, the shell is an original creation 3D-printed from high-grade plastic. The creator provided the necessary files for self-printing. Inside, a pared-down motherboard is combined with 12 custom PCBs for all the necessary controls and components. The project is open-source, and you can download the required files from the developer's GitHub.
The device's size impacts its functionality, with about 1.5 hours of battery life, but it supports up to 100W of USB-C charging. It does not feature a disc drive but can accommodate games on its internal 128 GB microSD card. Redherring plans to integrate a CompactFlash for storage and eventually an M.2 SATA SSD.
Redherring mentioned the potential of connecting a separate controller for local multiplayer through the USB-C port. However, the limited space would require your friend to share the 9-inch screen.
Connecting to Xbox Live is another challenge, requiring an extra PCB. However, with this added feature, the handheld can connect to Xbox Live (not the original version that went offline in 2010). Insignia, a project initiated by a group of original Xbox enthusiasts, restores the Live servers and external leaderboards.
If given the choice, the promise of Xbox Live connectivity and returning to Halo 2 console multiplayer would draw me in. Although I can access my fix through Halo: The Master Chief Collection, the purist in me prefers the original experience. I wonder if anyone still plays ad-hoc Zombies based purely on the honor system.
The potential inclusion of Xbox Live connectivity in the device would allow Redherring32 to rejoin Halo 2 multiplayer, offering a more authentic experience compared to the Halo: Master Chief Collection. With advancements in technology and tech, the future of portable gaming devices like the Xbox handheld holds great promise.
The DIY project showcases the creativity and passion of individuals like Redherring32, who are revitalizing classic consoles using modern techniques, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the realm of tech and gaming.