Nintendo GameCube Adapted to Operate PowerPC Windows NT and Play Doom

Earlier this month, we witnessed an exciting development for retro gaming enthusiasts. A fresh build of the long-abandoned Windows NT for PowerPC has emerged, tailored specifically for the Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles. These platforms are an unexpected home for Windows NT, but thanks to their PowerPC architecture, they can support this software. The build, known as Entii for WorkCubes and available on GitHub, technically works on the Wii U as well. However, it doesn’t yet take advantage of the Wii U’s additional PowerPC cores, expanded RAM, or its more robust AMD GPU, operating through the console’s Wii compatibility mode. Early development boards aren’t supported just yet, though there’s some speculation about potential theoretical compatibility.

For those curious about this fascinating mix of old technology with beloved consoles, YouTuber @emukid_id has captured footage showcasing the Windows NT installation on a GameCube. The video dives into basic operations and treats viewers to a throwback with The Ultimate Doom running in a modest 320 x 200 resolution. Sadly, the experience is missing audio, but it’s a testament to the creativity of homebrew developers.

Sound issues aside, Windows 95 seems to function quite well. It allows users to engage with iconic features like configuring 3D wallpapers and using tools such as Notepad and Internet Explorer’s basic homepage. Intriguingly, you can even use peripherals more suited to PCs with Nintendo consoles—a modification, for instance, integrates a full-sized keyboard directly into a GameCube controller, repurposing its original controls. Moreover, the Wii and Wii U bring their standard USB ports to the table, further expanding peripheral compatibility.

Despite these innovations, some limitations are inevitable. Even if you could connect a GameCube or Wii’s Ethernet adapter, modern internet browsing on this environment is quite impractical, given the lack of support for current web standards. Yet, playing Doom on a GameCube remains a nostalgic delight, highlighting the platform’s ability to run such iconic software.

The Wii, essentially a GameCube with upgraded CPU and GPU specs, reinforces the feasibility of this endeavor. Should developers decide to enhance Windows NT support for the Wii U, they could potentially unlock its full potential. The Wii U’s impressive hardware—featuring 1GB of DDR3 RAM and a triple-core PowerPC CPU—dwarfs the singular PowerPC core and meager 24MB system RAM of the GameCube, although even that boasts additional dedicated RAM for specialized tasks like video and I/O.

Overall, while limitations exist, this revival of Windows NT on older Nintendo consoles exemplifies a blend of nostalgia and technological ingenuity. It’s a compelling glimpse into the intersection of classic software and gaming hardware that still captivates enthusiasts today.