A Nintendo modder has created a tiny version of the Wii that actually works. The miniature build is impressive from a technical standpoint, and for fans who enjoy such projects, the pocket-sized Wii creator has shared how it was built so others can recreate it.

The Nintendo Wii was already a small console in comparison to the systems released by its competitors at the time, namely the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The small and modern-looking device was a perfect fit for small homes and apartments, and followed the general design trend of the GameCube when compared to the PlayStation 2 and hulking original Xbox. Although it was already small, Nintendo itself produced a Wii Mini later in the console's lifespan, further reducing the console's footprint. However, this modder-made version is even smaller than that.

James Smith (loopj) shared the build, dubbed the "Short Stack" Nintendo Wii. The modder version of the console is tiny at 7.4% of the volume of the original Nintendo Wii, even being dwarfed by a banana in a comparison photo. According to Smith, the Short Stack Wii was built with an "Omega" trimmed original Wii motherboard, custom PCBs, custom milled heatsink, and a 3D-printed case. With a fujiflex PCB, the console is able to connect to HDMI devices, and surprisingly, it's even compatible with GameCube controllers, albeit with the need for an adapter to make the controller work with a TRRS headphone socket.

Short Stack is the world's smallest Nintendo Wii.

Built with an "Omega" trimmed original Wii motherboard, custom PCBs for power management, USB storage, & connectors, as well as a 3d printed case and custom milled heatsink.https://t.co/KJKDcJkOI4 pic.twitter.com/5b5u6vnuPc

— James Smith (@loopj) April 17, 2024

The Short Stack Wii does lack wi-fi, though Smith notes that it would be possible to add it to the unit. Outside of lacking a disc drive due to its tiny size, the console is completely functional, and Smith notes that it's been used for long periods of time without any notable issues or overheating problems. The Wii was never one of the more graphically demanding systems and wasn't prone to overheating like the Xbox 360, but it's still impressive that it hasn't had issues running in such a tiny case.

Building a Tiny Wii - or an Even Smaller One
For fans who are so inclined, Smith has shared the details of the build on GitHub. Many gamers would likely be thoroughly impressed and satisfied with this tiny version of the Wii, but Smith has theorized that the volume of the device could be brought down by another 25% to 30% and still be functional. However, it would also be a considerably more difficult build to put together, given the size constraints.

It's impressive to see what people are capable of when it comes to modifying or entirely rebuilding game consoles like this. While a pocket-sized console based on the Wii is unlikely to ever come from Nintendo itself, dedicated fans can build one of their own with the right skills and resources.

Posted: Apr 23, 2024 5:53 pm
Related Forum: Gaming Discussion

Source: https://gamerant.com/nintendo-worlds-smallest-wii-short-stack-mini/