Build a (not very) portable Xbox

Modern handheld game consoles are impressive technology performance, with full -fledged computers in packages near pocket size. So what happens if you take an original Xbox and what modern electronics sprinkle and make a handheld? Well, if you [James] by James -KanaalYou end with this Sandwich from PCBs held together with hot glue and duck tape.

The first order of miniaturization in this Xbox was replacing the hard disk. Because one CompactFlash card uses serial ATA, which can be a simple drop in replacement. However, the Xbox locks the hard drive to the system that requires a MOD chip for the CF card to work. Fortunately, the Xbox sacrificial was installed with a MOD chip. After using an arcade machine to flash the card and copy over the contents of the disk, the CF card installation was a breeze.

Before the screen and the batteries, a portable DVD player who had remained unused since 2006 was reused. The battery cells were rather unhappy, but managed to be sustained with a careful charging. It appears that the iPod 30 PIN connector in the portable screen S-Video line. By tapping it and adding some energy management for the batteries, the Xbox became a stack of PCBs that could perhaps be placed.

However, the form factor was not yet completed. With a careful corner millwork, the controller was split in two, with jumper threads between the two sides. By cutting slots in the housing, the Xbox mother board could now rest between the two controller halves, along with some hot glue for a good measure. By using hot glue as an insulating layer, the PCB sandwich began to look like a handheld console.

A few Gremlins were still getting up, namely in the optical drive. The first number was the headboard that supplied 2.5 V where 5 V is needed, so instead of debugging the issue, [James] Simply ticked directly in a 5 V line. But the drive was still not cooperating. It turned out that the hastily renovated unity was broken, so a fresh replaced it. Yet that still turned out not to be successful. Eventually, after testing eight discs, seven turned out to be broken and the IDE cable had to be written again.

But finally the portable xbox could be used, so the build was finished with a little more hot glue and a suitcase made of duck tape. Although it is certainly not beautiful, it actually works with almost 10 minutes battery life. It is not very handy, or very portable, but it does meet the definitions of both while retaining a CD drive, something that has probably never been done before. Just keep your fingers free of the rotating disc.

Looking for something that may fit in your pocket? It appears that the Wii can be converted into an incredibly compact handheld with a careful cut.