Modified Nintendo GameCube Runs PowerPC Windows NT and Doom

Earlier this month, an unexpected resurrection of the Windows NT for PowerPC, which was considered obsolete, made waves in the tech community. Surprisingly, this time it’s been fine-tuned to run on the Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles, largely due to their PowerPC architecture that aligns with earlier Windows NT releases. Named Entii for WorkCubes on GitHub, this build even extends a kind of support to the Wii U. However, it doesn’t tap into the console’s extra PowerPC cores, larger RAM, or superior AMD GPU; instead, it runs through the virtual Wii mode. For those early development boards, they either don’t have support or it’s merely theoretical at this point, as there’s been no testing conducted.

For those passionate about homebrew projects, particularly seeing Windows NT operate on a GameCube, there’s some exciting content out there. YouTuber @emukid_id has shared videos showcasing the installation process, demonstrating basic functionality, and even some nostalgia-inducing low-resolution gameplay of The Ultimate Doom at 320 x 200. However, these clips are unfortunately devoid of sound.

Despite the absence of audio, Windows 95 seems to function as one would hope. Users can indulge in configuring classic wallpapers like the 3D Maze, use programs like Notepad, or even explore an archaic version of Internet Explorer. Fascinatingly, it supports various PC-like peripherals for the Nintendo consoles. Imagine a GameCube controller integrated with a full-sized keyboard right in the middle, transforming the handles into spaced-out grips. Plus, the standard USB ports on Wii and Wii U open up even more compatibility with USB peripherals.

There are certainly limitations here. Even if you had an old-school Windows NT PC in 2025, finding accessible web pages on today’s internet would be a stretch. Though GameCube and Wii’s Ethernet adapters might work, their online capabilities would seem quite restricted.

Still, this development serves as an intriguing glimpse into the era of Windows NT and PowerPC just before Windows NT 3.5 came about. The fact that Doom is playable on a GameCube is quite a feat, testament to the powerful adaptability of these older systems. Essentially, the Wii is like a souped-up GameCube with an upgraded GPU and overclocked CPU, but still compatible with its predecessor’s software.

Unlocking the full potential of the Wii U could take things to another level, thanks to its superior hardware, including 1GB of DDR3 RAM and triple PowerPC CPU cores, compared to the single-core setup on the GameCube and Wii. It’s worth noting that the GameCube managed with just a meager 24MB of system RAM, though it was supplemented with additional small dedicated allocations for other functions like video and I/O.

If this pioneering project piques your interest, stay tuned for more developments that could blur the lines between retro and modern gaming hardware in fascinating ways.