Although the PC is the almost perfect multiplatform machine, until not so long ago, if you wanted to enjoy all the video games you had to have a PS5, a Switch 2, and an Xbox Series. The problem, apart from many others, is space: they take up a lot and are not the most “aesthetic” machines. A Chinese YouTuber has the solution: the Ningtendo PXBOX 5.
It is the perfect fusion between the three, and the secret of how it works is in a 2013 Mac.
The Concept Behind Ningtendo PXBOX 5
The YouTuber’s proposition is ambitious. To address the space problem, he has united the three consoles into a single tower, compact and resembling a small PC case. The first step was to gut the machines—removing all unnecessary components.
Image | 小宁子 XNZ
Key Components
Without the cases, the essential components of the three machines include the fan, power supply, heatsinks, and the main boards. All components are soldered on the board, eliminating the need for separate GPUs or RAM modules.
Innovative Cooling Solutions
The creator took inspiration from Apple’s 2013 Mac Pro design, which featured a double PCB system on a central aluminum heatsink. This setup allows for effective cooling, but the YouTuber faced challenges in creating a custom heatsink that couldn’t be simply purchased.
3D Printing a Custom Heatsink
Leveraging an ancient wax casting technique, the YouTuber 3D printed a heatsink model using PLA, which vaporizes when heated. This was followed by a plaster casting, which, after burning, left a mold ready to be filled with aluminum. The entire process required significant technical know-how and precise modifications.
The PLA mold. Image | 小宁子 XNZ
The Switch 2 Integration
Adding the Switch 2 into the setup required additional creativity. It was designed to work off USB-C and needed a vertical module to accommodate HDMI connections and maintain mobility.
The dock of the new Switch 2 dock. Image | 小宁子 XNZ
Control Mechanics
For seamless operation, an Arduino board was programmed to handle HDMI signal transitions between platforms in under five seconds. Additionally, a front LED communicates which console is currently active, enhancing the gaming experience.
Connecting the Arduino board and the LED strip. Image | 小宁子 XNZ
Final Thoughts
The Ningtendo PXBOX 5 is a genuine amalgamation of marketing ingenuity and technical skill. Despite minor drawbacks, like the absence of Ethernet and support for physical games, it shines as an innovative, compact solution to space constraints. It’s not perfect, but it certainly sets a new standard for gaming setups.
Whether or not you have the skills, this project is a testament to the amazing possibilities of DIY ingenuity in the gaming world.