Keychain-size ‘GameCube’ uses genuine Nintendo silicon — system also includes a dock, design shared to GitHub

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But you will need the dock which is bigger than the ‘console,’ a controller, a power supply, and a TV, of course.

Kawaii project on GitHub
(Image credit: Kawaii project on GitHub)

The wonders of miniaturization never cease to amaze in the tech business. A case in point is provided by a new video demo of the Nintendo Kawaii project – a GitHub project that had successfully shrunken a lumpen boxy GameCube down to a keychain. That’s just 2.36 × 2.36 × 0.62 inches (60 × 60 × 15.8mm). Moreover, the project has been completed in cool blue anodized CNC aluminum style.

Can’t Believe This Is a REAL GameCube - YouTube Can’t Believe This Is a REAL GameCube - YouTube
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Vintage Nintendo console lovers will be aware that the firm’s Wii retained backward compatibility with the GameCube. Because of the former’s renowned extreme trimmability among the modding community a trimmed Wii motherboard is used in this project. Specifically, the Kawaii packs in the Omega Trim Wii. The GitHub source doesn’t compare the original and Omega motherboards, but the video shows the original GameCube next to the Kawaii.

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Other tech tweaks to make this a successful project include the NAND Flex mods, to stack certain motherboard features / ICs. Then, the Thundervolt mod is used to undervolt the CPU so it doesn’t boil in the confined case. Thankfully the Wii processors can still handle GameCube titles with aplomb, even when power constrained.

A nice touch in this build is the CNC aluminum shell which elevates the finished look above similar projects, and on one side we’d like to think the organically ribbed metal fins might help a little with the passive cooling. It is still gratifying here to have original silicon to run your GameCube (and some Wii games that work with GC controllers) titles. Users are expected to load games onto a microSD card. One drawback of this neat design is the flash card becomes captive with the case assembled.

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Kawaii project on GitHub
(Image credit: Kawaii project on GitHub)

Clearly, the Kawaii isn’t a self-contained console. It has an elegant docking method, though, with discrete pogo pins. The dock actually looks larger than the keychain, and then you’ll need the hefty GameCube controller, a USB power brick, two sets of dongles, and a TV to plug it into.

Though the GitHub page is complete with MCAD, ECAD, and BOM files, the team hasn't gotten around to putting together instructions. Those wishing to replicate this meisterwerk are directed to a thread on BitBuilt that follows the assembly of two Kawaiis.

We previously reported on the Kawaii project, ahead of this hands-on demo, in July 2024.

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Mark Tyson
Mark Tyson
News Editor

Mark Tyson is a news editor at Tom's Hardware. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.

1 Comment Comment from the forums
  • usertests
    Already watched the video, very cool project.

    The YouTuber says that it can overheat in around 20 minutes if a cheap desk fan isn't pointed at it. A different mini GameCube mod shown in the video has a similar footprint as this one with its dock, and has a small fan for cooling. At some point, further miniaturization isn't helpful other than to show off. Something like a Frore AirJet Mini might be great for this.

    Users are expected to load games onto a microSD card. One drawback of this neat design is the flash card becomes captive with the case assembled.
    This could be fixable in a revision. I guess it's more water resistant this way though.
    Reply