Modder Creates Miniature Nintendo Wii 'Short Stack'

A modder has created a scaled-down version of the Nintendo Wii called "Short Stack," which is comparable in size to a deck of playing cards. Despite the absence of a disc drive, it includes ports for GameCube controllers. This miniaturized console was made possible by relocating components and creating separate custom PCBs for power delivery, USB, and other features, resulting in a diminutive yet fully functional gaming system. "Short Stack" hides its GameCube controller ports behind a sliding panel and allows games to be loaded from a microSD card. The creator estimates that further miniaturization could be achieved without sacrificing features, but the current size was chosen to replicate the original Wii's scale model.

Key Takeaways

• The "Short Stack" is a miniature version of the Nintendo Wii, with its internal hardware packed into a 3D-printed enclosure the size of a deck of playing cards.
• This mod retains features of the original Wii, including HDMI output, microSD card slot, and GameCube controller ports cleverly hidden behind a sliding panel.
• The console's disc drive is removed, requiring games to be loaded from a microSD card, and the GameCube controller ports are replaced by headphone jacks that work over a special adapter.
• The Short Stack project aimed to create a scale model of the original Wii and could potentially be made 20 to 30 percent smaller without giving up features.
• Despite Nintendo's earlier Wii Mini release, the Short Stack loses the optical drive for space-saving reasons but otherwise retains all of the original Wii's features.

Analysis

The creation of the "Short Stack" miniaturized Nintendo Wii may impact Nintendo, as it could lead to potential copyright and intellectual property issues. The modding community and DIY gaming enthusiasts may also be affected, as this innovation could spur increased interest in creating custom mini consoles. Short-term consequences may include heightened interest in modding and potential legal challenges, while long-term effects could include shifts in consumer demand and legal precedents in the gaming industry. Additionally, the development of innovative and miniaturized gaming hardware may drive advancements in portable gaming technology and impact the market for gaming peripherals.

Did You Know?

• Custom PCBs: Custom PCBs refer to custom-printed circuit boards, which are used to connect and support electronic components in devices such as gaming consoles. In the context of the "Short Stack" Nintendo Wii mod, custom PCBs were created for power delivery, USB, and other features, allowing for the miniaturization of the console while maintaining full functionality.

• MicroSD Card Slot: The "Short Stack" mod replaces the traditional disc drive with a microSD card slot, which allows games to be loaded and played from a microSD card instead of a physical disc. This feature enables the smaller size of the miniaturized console and offers more convenient storage and access to game titles.

• Wii Mini vs. Short Stack: The article mentions the previous release of the Wii Mini by Nintendo and highlights the differences between the Wii Mini and the "Short Stack." While the Wii Mini also aimed at space-saving by removing the optical drive, the "Short Stack" retains all the original Wii's features while being even smaller in size.