Iconic Vectrex console reimagined for the modern day with OLED display, microSD, and wireless controllers
Self-taught modder builds completely transparent Game Boy Color circuit board that actually works
One detail we intentionally left out was the green core at the center of the Xbox prototype, which the final launch model retained. It was supposed to represent a nuclear reactor, inside which lies unlimited power, symbolizing the Xbox's capabilities. In reality, it was a green light behind a domed lens that gave it a jewel- or orb-like appearance. Macho Nacho had so far recreated everything as authentically as possible, down to polishing the metal to give it a mirror finish. Still, this core was the one area where they saw major room for improvement. Instead of just a simple light, what if it were a screen?
Developer StuckPixel wrote custom code for a Pico 2 Raspberry Pi to power an off-the-shelf circular screen, perfectly sized to fit in the center of the Xbox. The screen had a custom looping animation wired to turn on right as the console does and turn off when it powers down, giving it that factory feel. Bingus made sure to include connections at the back of the Xbox to access this screen to add/change videos playing on it, too. Now, with the upgraded jewel on the front and back, the Xbox prototype was finally, faithfully recreated.
Bingus plans to bring it to various gaming conventions and expos around the world to share it with people, and to facilitate that, a custom case was designed by My Case Builder that fits the prototype and all its accessories for safe transport. It's projects like these that truly become the poster boy for the retro gaming world , showcasing the sheer talent and creativity that exists in the community and how far it can go with a little bit of resources. Despite numerous challenges and setbacks, Macho Nacho's redux Xbox prototype is a sight to behold and a proper achievement.
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Hassam Nasir Social Links Navigation Contributing Writer Hassam Nasir is a die-hard hardware enthusiast with years of experience as a tech editor and writer, focusing on detailed CPU comparisons and general hardware news. When he’s not working, you’ll find him bending tubes for his ever-evolving custom water-loop gaming rig or benchmarking the latest CPUs and GPUs just for fun.
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Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/xbox/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/xbox/modders-recreate-original-xbox-prototype-with-a-solid-block-of-metal-in-ambitious-project-modern-makeover-features-real-xbox-hardware-and-hdmi-upgrades#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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