Ningtendo PXBOX 5: modder creates definitive console that unites PS5, Xbox Series X and the future Switch 2

A Chinese hardware enthusiast, known in the online community as XNZ, presented an ambitious project that materializes the dream of many gamers: a single console capable of natively running games from three different platforms. The device, called Ningtendo PXBOX 5, integrates the motherboards of the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 into a single chassis.

The main objective of the creation was to solve a common problem among gamers, which is the need to have multiple devices to access the exclusive game catalogs of each ecosystem. The result is a functional system that uses a single power supply and a shared cooling system, allowing you to quickly switch between consoles at the touch of a button.

Performance tests demonstrated that the customized device can keep operating temperatures under control, even during long gaming sessions. The power architecture is designed so that only one console is active at full load at a time, thus preventing system overload and ensuring stability.

Inspired design and initial challenges

The design of the project began with the search for an elegant and compact solution to accommodate the three pieces of hardware. The inspiration came from the triangular design of the 2013 Mac Pro, a shape that proved ideal for organizing components symmetrically and optimizing internal airflow.

Each of the three motherboards was carefully positioned on one face of the structural triangle. Essa strategic arrangement allowed a single, powerful central fan to be sufficient to dissipate the heat generated by all systems in a balanced and efficient way.

The shared cooling solution

To achieve integration, it was necessary to completely disassemble the original consoles, extracting only the essential components. Individual coolers and power supplies have been discarded in favor of a unified, centralized solution.

A fundamental aspect of the project was to keep the motherboards completely intact, without modifications to their main circuits. Essa approach ensured full compatibility with operating systems and games, preserving the original experience of each platform.

The main focus of the work was on mechanical and thermal engineering, developing a chassis and a heatsink that could serve three different hardware architectures. The complexity lay in creating a system that was efficient for both the powerful hardware of the PS5 and Xbox as well as the design of the Switch 2.

Ancient technique solves modern obstacle

The development of the custom heatsink represented the biggest technical challenge of the entire project. The initial 3D-printed models served only as prototypes to validate the design, but manufacturing the final metal part proved to be an obstacle.

CNC machining, a common method for complex metal parts, was cost prohibitive for a personal project. Diante In addition, XNZ turned to a traditional Chinese technique known as lost-wax casting, which allows for the creation of intricate metal shapes at a significantly lower cost.

The process consisted of creating a wax mold, which was covered with a layer of ceramic resistant to high temperatures. The assembly was then heated to melt the wax, leaving a hollow cavity with the exact shape of the desired part, where the molten metal was injected.

After the metal solidified and the ceramic mold broke, the piece went through a manual polishing process for a perfect finish. Additional copper Placas have been attached to the main block to optimize heat transfer from the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X CPUs, ensuring maximum thermal efficiency.

Modular integration of Nintendo Switch 2

The side of the chassis dedicated to the Nintendo Switch 2 received a different treatment, considering the console’s hybrid characteristics and lower power consumption. The modder designed a solution that not only integrates the system, but also preserves its main functionality: portability. The Switch 2’s motherboard was housed in a custom enclosure, thinner than the console’s original body, and manufactured using 3D printing for a precise fit.

An intelligent spring mechanism ensures a firm connection through the bottom USB-C port, perfectly simulating the fit into the Nintendo’s standard dock. Isso allows the console to be easily removed from the Ningtendo PXBOX 5 and used as a portable device, with its Joy-Con controls, without any compromise to its original function. The integration therefore offers the best of both worlds, combining the tabletop experience with the flexibility to play anywhere.

Power management and system control

A detailed study of energy consumption was crucial to the success of the project. Measurements indicated that, in rest mode, both the PS5 and the Xbox Series X consume less than 5 watts. Sob maximum load, when running demanding games, each peaks at approximately 225W. Based on this data, a single 250W GaN power supply was selected to power the entire set, being enough to operate one console at full capacity while the other two remain on standby. The 120 mm fan, strategically positioned, draws in cold air through the base and expels it through the top, in a vertical airflow architecture similar to that of the Xbox Series Para To optimize internal space and reduce complexity, disc readers were removed, limiting use to games purchased in digital format.

Finishing and impact of the project

For the final finish, wooden panels were applied to the external sides, giving the device a refined and unique aesthetic. The video demonstrating the operation of the Ningtendo PXBOX 5 quickly attracted the attention of the global community of modders and technology enthusiasts, who praised the ingenuity of the thermal solution and the complexity of the execution. The project stands out for being one of the first to integrate three current generation systems natively and fully functionally into a single body.