Chinese hardware enthusiast 小宁子 XNZ has created the ultimate gaming machine—a custom console combining PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2 into a single chassis dubbed the “Ningtendo PXBOX 5.” The ambitious mod shares one power source, one HDMI output, and unified cooling, switching between platforms in under five seconds with a button press.
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Engineering Marvel Inspired by Mac Pro Design
Frustrated with constantly swapping between three consoles for platform-exclusive games, XNZ spent months engineering this solution. The build draws inspiration from Apple’s 2013 Mac Pro “trashcan” design, utilizing a triangular layout to house three stripped-down motherboards sharing resources while maintaining compact form factor.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Consoles | PS5, Xbox Series X, Switch 2 |
| Power Supply | 250W GaN PSU (shared) |
| Cooling | Unified custom aluminum heatsink |
| Switching Speed | Under 5 seconds between platforms |
| HDMI Output | Single shared port |
| Special Feature | Removable Switch 2 dock with push-eject |
Lost-Wax Casting Creates Custom Cooling Solution
The project’s centerpiece is a custom aluminum cooling block created using lost-PLA casting—an ancient metalworking technique adapted for modern use. XNZ first 3D-printed the heatsink in PLA, encased it in high-temperature gypsum, then burned out the plastic in a 12-hour kiln process, leaving a hollow mold filled with molten aluminum.
After an initial failed attempt, adjustments to fin spacing and temperatures produced a functional cast. Copper plates were added to improve heat transfer from PS5 and Xbox chips. During a 30-minute stress test running Elden Ring on PS5, temperatures topped out around 60°C with no thermal throttling—impressive considering the shared cooling system.
Shared Power and Intelligent Switching
Both PS5 and Xbox Series X run on 12V DC wired in parallel, while Switch 2 uses USB-C power delivery conversion. The single 250W gallium nitride power supply handles all three consoles because inactive systems remain in ultra-low-power standby (consuming only a few watts) rather than fully powering down.
An Arduino-based control board manages power routing and HDMI output, ensuring only one console runs at a time. A triangular button on top cycles between systems with color-coded lighting indicating the active platform—PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch.
Switch 2 Integration with Removable Dock
XNZ redesigned the Switch 2 dock to reduce wasted volume and created a removable bay with push-to-eject mechanism. This maintains the Switch 2’s portability while integrating it into the unified console, allowing users to pop out the handheld when needed.
Limitations and Practicality
The Ningtendo PXBOX 5 is digital-only by design—no disc drives are supported. Only one console can operate at a time, preventing simultaneous gaming sessions that would overwhelm the shared 250W power supply. While the single HDMI port eliminates cable clutter, VRR and display-specific feature compatibility remain unclear.
Critics note the mod is less practical than separate consoles with an HDMI switcher, but the engineering achievement speaks for itself. The project showcases what’s possible when hardware expertise meets creative problem-solving, even if it’s more art than practical solution.
Community Response and Future Implications
The modding community has expressed strong interest in DIY kits, though XNZ hasn’t indicated plans for commercialization. The project demonstrates that console exclusivity barriers are physical and artificial rather than technical—a playful protest against the fragmented gaming ecosystem.
As reported by Tom’s Hardware and multiple gaming outlets, the “Ningtendo PXBOX 5” represents one of the most ambitious console mods to date, ending the console wars through hardware unification rather than platform rivalry.
For more gaming hardware mods and tech innovations, visit TechnoSports.
FAQs
How does the Ningtendo PXBOX 5 switch between consoles?
A top button cycles between PS5, Xbox Series X, and Switch 2 in under 5 seconds via Arduino control board.
Can all three consoles run simultaneously?
No, only one operates at a time sharing a 250W power supply; others remain in low-power standby mode.
