The first-ever portable Xbox is here, thanks to one very dedicated modder

A modder builds the first portable Xbox with real hardware, a 9” display, and WiFi 6 support.

: Redherring32 has created the first portable Xbox using the original Xbox’s motherboard. It features a 9-inch 480p display, a 100W USB-C charging system, and is integrated with an Xbox controller. After four months of development, 12 custom PCBs were designed for this project. The entire design is open source for others to attempt, while Microsoft hasn't explored such a device yet.

Redherring32 has taken the original Xbox’s hardware and crafted it into the first portable version of the system. This achievement is not a result of emulation but through actual hardware modification, using custom PCBs and a condensed Xbox motherboard. The portable system includes a 9-inch 480p display and 100 Watt USB-C charging, coupled with an Xbox controller for a comprehensive gaming experience.

The development required Redherring32 to reverse engineer the Xbox motherboard and design twelve unique PCBs to tailor the hardware into a portable form. Over four months, he navigated the technical challenges of trimming the bulky motherboard to achieve this innovative modding feat. Upcoming features include plans to incorporate Wi-Fi 6 for wireless Xbox Live functionality, making online play possible.

Despite Xbox head Phil Spencer’s public musings on the potential of a handheld Xbox similar to devices like the Steam Deck, there has been no movement on an official project from Microsoft. While Spencer acknowledges the market's growth, Redherring32's creation bridges the gap between the current device offerings and consumer wishes. The project stirs interest now that the mod has been made open source, complete with a guide and design files for others daring enough to follow in these creative footsteps.

Xbox moddingportable devicegaming