Key Takeaways
1. Chinese YouTuber 小宁子 XNZ created the Ningtendo PXBOX 5, combining multiple gaming consoles into one unit.
2. The project features a unique cooling system inspired by Apple’s Mac Pro, designed for optimal airflow.
3. All three consoles operate from a single power source, but only one can be used at a time.
4. An Arduino board manages console switching, using a single HDMI connection for all systems.
5. The Nintendo Switch 2 is partially integrated; its dock is fixed, but the console can be removed easily.
Hardware modifications for gaming consoles aren’t a brand new concept, but Chinese YouTuber 小宁子 XNZ has pushed this idea to the limits with the Ningtendo PXBOX 5, a unique creation that merges all modern consoles into one customized unit. Each console can be easily disassembled, allowing the YouTuber to fit only the necessary parts. Impressively, all three consoles can utilize a single power source—though you can only operate one at a time.
Cooling Challenges
The main hurdle for this project was finding a solution for cooling. The cooling setup is inspired by Apple’s “trashcan” Mac Pro, organizing the three consoles in a triangular formation that creates a central channel for airflow. Achieving this cooling system required skilled craftsmanship. Instead of using pricey CNC machining, the YouTuber decided to cast the heatsink. This process began with 3D-printing a heatsink model and then making a heat-resistant plaster mold from it. This step was crucial since the PLA from the 3D print cannot handle the high temperatures of metal casting.
Console Switching
An Arduino board manages the switch between the consoles. This unit has a single HDMI connection for all three systems and lights up in the distinct color of the console currently in use. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 is not completely integrated; only its dock is permanently fixed in place, while the console itself can be removed through a spring-loaded mechanism.
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