The YouTuber Luke Miani has modded numerous products in the past, such as getting the Apple M1 to work in an old iMac. Now, Miani has demonstrated how to use the current Mac mini as a retro console with a difference. Specifically, the YouTuber has managed to fit the Apple M1-based machine inside a Nintendo Wii chassis, as he explains in the video embedded below.
Understandably, the project requires a few tweaks to transplant the Mac mini into the Nintendo Wii. On the one hand, Miani 3D-printed some components to attach the logic board to the chassis, as well as an adapter for holding the original power socket in place. It is worth noting that the Mac mini has a 150 W power supply, which is almost 3x the wattage that the original Nintendo Wii power adapter provides. As a result, Miani turned to the Microsoft Surface charger, a solution that Snazzy Labs used earlier this year when miniaturizing the Mac mini.
With that being said, Miani kept the Wii’s power socket in his Frankenstein power adapter. Additionally, the YouTuber added a small 12 V fan to minimize thermal throttling, even though the Apple M1 runs fine with passive cooling in the MacBook Air. Overall, the project appears rather successful, with all ports accessible via the Wii’s original controller bay. Towards the end of the video, Miani highlights that it is possible to emulate Wii and PS2 games on the Mac mini in 4K. Full details on how to repurpose the Mac mini as a Nintendo Wii can be found in the video below.
Prior to writing and translating for Notebookcheck, I worked for various companies including Apple and Neowin. I have a BA in International History and Politics from the University of Leeds, which I have since converted to a Law Degree. Happy to chat on Twitter or Notebookchat.
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