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| Ningtendo PXBOX 5: Ambitious modding project packs all current-gen consoles in a single chassis |
For gamers who can't choose between ecosystems, a new hardware mod has emerged that doesn't ask you to. Chinese creator and YouTuber 小宁子 XNZ (XNZ) has built what might be the most ambitious custom console to date: the "Ningtendo PXBOX 5." This singular, stunning unit houses the core components of the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch, all within a single, custom-designed chassis.
The project goes far beyond a simple shell swap. XNZ meticulously disassembled each console, stripping them down to their essential motherboards and components to make them fit. The ingenious design allows each system to be separated relatively easily for maintenance. In a masterstroke of efficiency, all three consoles share one common power supply—with the crucial caveat that only one can be powered on at a time.
The Cooling Challenge: A Work of Artisan Engineering
The most significant hurdle was thermal management. Packing three high-performance systems into one case is a recipe for overheating. For a solution, XNZ looked to an unlikely source: Apple's iconic, cylindrical "trashcan" Mac Pro.
The three consoles are arranged in a triangular formation, creating a central column for airflow. The real genius, however, lies in the custom-cast heatsink that pulls heat from all three systems into this central wind tunnel.
The creation of this heatsink is where the project transformed from a mod into craftsmanship. Instead of using costly computer-controlled (CNC) machining, XNZ used a lost-PLA casting method. This involved:
- 3D printing a precise model of the heatsink from PLA plastic.
- Creating a heat-resistant plaster mold from that model.
- Melting out the PLA and pouring molten aluminum into the cavity to form the final metal heatsink.
This indirect method was essential, as the original PLA print would vaporize in the direct casting process.
See the entire intricate build process come to life in XNZ's detailed video.
Smart Switching and a Hybrid Switch Solution
Switching between your PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo libraries is handled seamlessly by a custom Arduino board. The unit features a single HDMI output that routes the signal from the active console. A clever lighting system glows in the signature blue of PlayStation, green of Xbox, or red of Nintendo, depending on which system is running.
Interestingly, the Nintendo Switch 2 (codenamed "NG") is integrated in a unique hybrid way. Only the console's dock is permanently installed within the PXBOX 5 casing. The Switch 2 tablet itself can be ejected via a spring-loaded mechanism, preserving its handheld functionality—a thoughtful touch for a hybrid console.
Pushing the Boundaries of Console Modding
While hardware mods have always existed in the gaming underground, projects like the Ningtendo PXBOX 5 represent a new peak. It blends serious engineering, problem-solving, and aesthetic design to create a truly unique piece of functional art. It serves as a testament to what's possible when a creator isn't bound by the "rules" of off-the-shelf products.
For now, the PXBOX 5 remains a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. But it undoubtedly sparks the imagination of gamers and modders everywhere, dreaming of a perfectly unified—if wildly unofficial—gaming future.