Modders @WeskMods and @YveltalGriffin, have created a fully functional, keychain sized Wii console. The Kawaii project is a replacement Wii shell that measures just 60 x 60mm (2.3 x 2.3 inches) and is built in a sleek, machined metal unibody case. You will need to sacrifice your own Wii console to use with the Kawaii which may not be for the faint of heart due to the precise cutting and trimming required.

The project, which has been worked on for some time now, initially started as a discussion between Wesk and Yveltal when the two explored just how compact they could make the console, even aiming to surpass the already ridiculously small GC Nano in size.

Planned specs:

• 60x60x16mm CNC'd aluminum chassis (passively-cooled) with laser etched artwork
• Undervolted OMEGA trim with Thundervolt
• 12-pin magnetic pogo pin connector (MagSafe-like)
• Internal breakout PCB for SD-USB, input protection, and video muxing
• Dock with USB-C power input, x4 GCC controller ports, composite/component video output, & stereo audio output
• Six acrylic windows with RGB LEDs for peak aesthetics
• Keychain loop

After experimenting with different designs and ideas, they decided on a machined metal unibody and replaced traditional ports with magnetic pogo pin connectors. They also figured out how to undervolt the Wii for passive cooling, making the Kawaii even more compact and reducing the need for an active cooling fan. The pogo pin connectors provide power, AV out, controller support as well as docking support for GameCube controller support.

@YveltalGriffin and I have been cooking up something special over the past year or so and we are now happy to show it off.

A Wii console the size of a keychain!

CNC'd, anodized, laser marked, and passively cooled

Follow the link for more details: https://t.co/MgZT0ZBV6V pic.twitter.com/3trRBqoNiU

— Wesk Mods (@WeskMods) July 21, 2024

​

While not yet available, the team are registering interest in order to get the first batch built which would require a minimum order of 30 units. If successful, the price is expected to be around $55 per shell, which would include the shell in your chosen colours along with the necessary fixings plus shipping.

Source

 

[WiiHomebrew+Snes]

Yes it's just the case, no electronics, but I hear "machined alumin(i)um" and "choice of color" and "30 unit run" and I see dollar signs. I've seen acrylic cases for the Raspberry Pi go for more than that.

I hope it won’t be just 30! I imagine that’s just to start out with. Definitely worth it in any case.

 

[Hanafuda]

Shouldn't it be KawaWii?

 

[hippy dave]

I'm interested, but this looks too thin and small for all that.

THAT'S WAHT SHE SAID

 

[HarveyHouston]

That looks pretty cool! Just wished it used a Raspberry Pi instead of an old console.

 

[SecureBoot]

That looks pretty cool! Just wished it used a Raspberry Pi instead of an old console.

Why though? A Wii is infinitely more capable as a retro gaming device than a raspberry pi

 

[DeadSkullzJr]

Not that I want to be an ass when I say this, but this is rather pointless. I've seen quite a few different types of Wii based modifications in the past, what the hell is this useful or good for? Why are majority of the modifications I see all about gimping the system's physical capabilities down to nothing and just chucking software at everything lost? This isn't exactly what I call modifications to give better life to these machines. Can we put more effort into actually making the systems as-is better? I don't know, if one must change the form factor, maybe redesign the shell, and do so to where you don't literally compromise 98% of the system itself and its capabilities. Seeing a Wii completely shredded hurts my mind, we really need to stop destroying original technology.

Leave compromising ideas like these to reproduction / clone systems capable of running stuff at the same native level. Doesn't exist yet? Well then that's an idea to get started somewhere then now isn't it?

 

[gaga941021]

not for sale YET

It won't be sold ever. You have to do these kind of projects for yourself based on the available documentation.

 

[SecureBoot]

Not that I want to be an ass when I say this, but this is rather pointless. I've seen quite a few different types of Wii based modifications in the past, what the hell is this useful or good for? Why are majority of the modifications I see all about gimping the system's physical capabilities down to nothing and just chucking software at everything lost? This isn't exactly what I call modifications to give better life to these machines. Can we put more effort into actually making the systems as-is better? I don't know, if one must change the form factor, maybe redesign the shell, and do so to where you don't literally compromise 98% of the system itself and its capabilities. Seeing a Wii completely shredded hurts my mind, we really need to stop destroying original technology.

Leave compromising ideas like these to reproduction / clone systems capable of running stuff at the same native level. Doesn't exist yet? Well then that's an idea to get started somewhere then now isn't it?

How many abandoned and broken Wiis exist in the world? Trimming one down as a novelty or to put in a handheld is an excellent way to breathe new life into an old system.

 

[NitroRevolutionNX]

I saw this on Spawn Wave a couple days ago... I am impressed. Compared to Xbox 360 and PS3, the Wii is already small. But this... This is just crazy small and puts the Wii mini at shame!

 

[Psionic Roshambo]

Why though? A Wii is infinitely more capable as a retro gaming device than a raspberry pi

The Pi 0-3 probably? I don't know about the 3 even, since I don't own one of those but I can personally attest the Wii doesn't hold a candle to the 4 or 5. I love the Wii but it's very old these days.

 

[BeanMKW]

It won't be sold ever. You have to do these kind of projects for yourself based on the available documentation.

they said they might sell the shell though? im confused

 

[impeeza]

Ninjas DMCA become in 3, 2, 1...

 

[SecureBoot]

The Pi 0-3 probably? I don't know about the 3 even, since I don't own one of those but I can personally attest the Wii doesn't hold a candle to the 4 or 5. I love the Wii but it's very old these days.

Nah. I've got a 5 and it leaves much to be desired on GameCube and Wii emulation. The Wii handily emulates everything up until N64 and plays GC and Wii natively.

 

[Marc_LFD]

Ninjas DMCA become in 3, 2, 1...

Well... It is using the Nintendo brand and the logo kind of looks official.

 

[BraveDragonWolf]

...Wut?

 

[gaga941021]

they said they might sell the shell though? im confused

Shell is very different than the full product.
Since the shell itself is some plastic and some metal, it should be fine.
But you still need to provide the electronics yourself.

Post automatically merged: Jul 28, 2024

Ninjas DMCA become in 3, 2, 1...

This joke is overused, imo.
Why would they DMCA a product that is not sold?
Even if it will be sold, it will be a plastic/metal shell.
Nothing to DMCA.

 

[raxadian]

Just like the Game Gear mini, no thanks.

 

[LNLenost]

Wild DMCA appeared!

 

[SylverReZ]

Wild DMCA appeared!

Ninjas DMCA become in 3, 2, 1...

Custom portable Wii's have existed for ages now, so its unlikely to get into legal troubles. But since they use the Nintendo name in their unofficial product, then that's a trademark infringement waiting to arise.

 

[impeeza]

Custom portable Wii's have existed for ages now, so its unlikely to get into legal troubles. But since they use the Nintendo name in their unofficial product, then that's a trademark infringement waiting to arise.

exactly!