A Chinese tech YouTuber known as 小宁子 XNZ has achieved what many gamers only dream of: merging the three major current-generation consoles into a single unit. Dubbed the “Ningtendo PXBOX 5,” this custom-built machine houses the core hardware of a PlayStation 5, an Xbox Series X, and the recently released Nintendo Switch 2. The project was born out of the creator’s frustration with cable management and the constant need to switch inputs when moving between platform-exclusive titles. By stripping the consoles down to their essential components, the YouTuber was able to create a streamlined, triangular build that occupies significantly less space than the three individual units combined.

Engineering the Build

Creating a functional three-in-one console required several creative engineering solutions to manage power and heat. The YouTuber discarded the original bulky power supplies and cooling systems in favor of centralized components.

• Unified Cooling: A single large fan at the base of the triangular chassis provides cooling for all three systems simultaneously.
• Efficient Power Management: A single 250W power supply handles the load, as the machine is designed to run only one console’s hardware at a time.
• Seamless Switching: A physical button at the top of the device allows for rapid switching between the PS5, Xbox, and Switch 2 interfaces in approximately three seconds.
• Switch 2 Functionality: The build includes a custom 3D-printed dock for the Switch 2 motherboard, ensuring that the console’s handheld functionality remains intact when needed.

Sacrifices for Convenience

While the Ningtendo PXBOX 5 is a marvel of DIY tech, the compact design necessitated some compromises. Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X components are purely digital, as there was no room within the custom chassis to include physical disc drives. This means the user is limited to digital storefronts for their PS5 and Xbox libraries. However, for a user looking to jump from Ghost of Yotei on PS5 to Donkey Kong Bananza on Switch 2 in a matter of seconds, this is a minor trade-off for the unprecedented level of convenience the build provides.

The “Ningtendo PXBOX 5” represents a fascinating look at what high-level technical skill can achieve in the world of custom gaming hardware. By bypassing the limitations of traditional console setups, 小宁子 XNZ has created a unique solution to the problem of platform exclusivity and hardware clutter.