Nintendo Wii fan Jon Bringus has created what is possibly the world’s biggest, fully functional Wii. The console was released in 2006 and to this day is upheld as one of the most revolutionary developments by Nintendo.
It is no surprise that the Nintendo console that was codenamed Revolution is highly regarded as such. It received praise for its unique yet simple controls, a concept that appealed to a broad audience, its software, and a compact design. It is still appreciated today by gamers who grew up with the console, those who are experiencing its games for the first time, and modders who know the ins and outs of the device. The modding scene continues to bring its creative ideas into reality, from breathing new life into Game Boy Color by creating shells and backlights for the handheld to incredible innovations such as creating a Nintendo GameCube so tiny it can fit in the palm of one’s hand. Another modder in the community, YouTuber Joe Bringus, thought bigger.
In Bringus’ latest YouTube video, the modder creates a larger version of the Wii which he calls the “Wii XL”. Compared to the original size of the Wii, Bringus’ Wii XL is approximately a 2.3 to 1 scale model of the Wii and is 12 times larger by volume. Bringus’ Wii XL houses the original Wii making it still fully functional. It is capable of playing Wii and GameCube games such as the classic fan-favorite Wii Sports. It can also read memory and SD cards, and it is compatible with USB controllers. Bringus even added a built-in HDMI adapter.
The video details his process of creating the exterior of the Wii using white board panels and 3D printing tools. Bringus’ also created a printed circuit board for his first time for this project. The PCB makes it possible for him to connect all the electrical components needed to keep the modded console functioning and without the need for emulation.
The modded Wii has a few minor faults, including not being able to make use of the Wii’s sensor bar. As such, it lacks the ability to use motion controls needed for a few of the Wii’s fun gadgets. The only way to use the sync button is to inconveniently poke it from outside the disc slot. There are also a few cosmetic flaws. Regardless, Bringus’ project allowed him and the gaming community to see one of the biggest developments in gaming history in a whole new way, and most fans won't be able to forget the sight of the world’s biggest Wii.