Chinese YouTuber Builds All-in-One Console

A Chinese tech YouTuber has captured the attention of the global gaming community after creating an all-in-one console that combines the PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X into one device.

The YouTuber, known as 小宁子 or XNZ, introduced a unique console called the “Ningtendo PXBOX 5,” an experimental gaming machine that allows players to enjoy exclusive games from three major platforms without having to switch devices.

The idea arose from XNZ’s personal experience of having to power on multiple consoles at once, switch HDMI cables, and switch inputs just to play different games.

Exclusive Games Are the Main Reason the Project Was Started

To this day, exclusive games remain the main draw for each platform. PlayStation players can’t play Mario Kart, while Xbox users can’t enjoy The Last of Us.

For gamers who want to play everything, the traditional solution has been to buy all available consoles. However, this is not only expensive but also cumbersome in terms of space, cables, and power consumption. This problem prompted XNZ to design a single system that could run all three platforms interchangeably within a single body.

Inspired by the Mac Pro’s Design, the Console is Shaped Triangularly

XNZ began the project by using a “trashcan” Mac Pro as design inspiration. The triangular shape was deemed ideal for housing three console motherboards in one compact structure.

The PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2 were then disassembled, leaving only the core components, the motherboards. The built-in cooling system and power supply were removed and replaced with a centralized system.

The three motherboards were mounted on each side of the triangle, with a single large fan at the bottom to cool them all simultaneously. This cooling concept is similar to the Xbox Series X’s vertical airflow system, where air is drawn in from the bottom and expelled through the top.

Ancient Wax Casting Technique Used for Cooling Systems

Instead of using expensive CNC machines to create complex heatsinks, XNZ opted for a traditional Chinese technique called lost-wax casting. This technique allows for the creation of intricate metal structures at a much lower cost, yet still maintaining precision.

The process begins by creating a heatsink model from PLA plastic, which is then coated with a heat-resistant material. When heated, the plastic melts, leaving a cavity, which is then filled with molten metal.

The end result is a metal cooling block that can be used as the core of the console’s thermal system.

For the PS5, XNZ replaced the built-in liquid metal with standard thermal paste. During testing, the processor temperature remained stable at around 60 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the third side is dedicated to the Switch 2, which is deemed to require less intensive cooling due to its handheld design.

The Switch 2 Dock is Modified to Remain Portable

One of the biggest challenges was integrating the Switch 2’s dock into the system. XNZ dismantled the stock dock and moved the motherboard into a much thinner 3D-printed case. This case features a spring-loaded mechanism and a USB-C connector on the bottom, allowing the Switch to be detached and used handheld without damaging the main system.

Tests show that the PS5 and Xbox Series X consume less than 5 watts when idle, and around 225 watts when fully loaded. Since only one console is active at a time, XNZ uses a 250-watt GaN power supply as the sole power source for the entire system.

One Power Supply for Three Consoles

The power supply is housed in a custom triangular casing with ventilation holes, paired with a 120mm Phanteks T30 fan for air circulation.

The most interesting part of the Ningtendo PXBOX 5 is the large button on the top of the device.

This button is connected to a dedicated Arduino board that manages power transfer and display output between consoles. When pressed, the system switches from PS5 to Xbox or Switch 2 in just three seconds.

In a video demonstration, XNZ shows moving from Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2 straight to Ghost of Yotei on PS5 quickly and seamlessly.

However, there’s one important requirement: players must close the game before switching games. Otherwise, the power supply could overload and the system would automatically shut down.

Due to space constraints, the PS5 and Xbox Series X lack disc drives. This means all games must be purchased and played digitally. While this is a drawback for some gamers, the current trend in digital gaming makes this decision quite understandable.

The final Ningtendo PXBOX 5 looks like a commercial product, not a home project. XNZ even added wood accents, colorful LED lights, and a custom logo to the console’s body.

While it won’t be mass-produced, this project demonstrates that the modding community’s creativity can push the boundaries of conventional console design. For gamers, it’s a glimpse of the future: one device, all the games, without platform limitations.