Modified Nintendo GameCube Runs PowerPC Windows NT and Plays Doom

Earlier this month, in a surprising twist, an updated version of the outdated Windows NT for PowerPC was unearthed and given a new life. This time, it’s been tailored for none other than the Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles, owing to their use of the PowerPC architecture—a key feature of the original Windows NT PowerPC releases. Known as Entii for WorkCubes on GitHub, this build also theoretically accommodates the Wii U. However, it doesn’t take full advantage of the Wii U’s extra PowerPC cores, larger RAM capacity, or its advanced AMD GPU, working instead through the console’s virtualized Wii mode. Unfortunately, early development boards fall between unsupported or “theoretically” supported but not actually tested.

For those homebrew enthusiasts eager to see Windows NT in action on a Nintendo GameCube, YouTuber @emukid_id has shared a video showcasing the installation process, some basic functionality, and even a remarkably low-resolution (320 x 200!) version of The Ultimate Doom. Though captivating, the footage lacks any accompanying sound.

Despite this audio absence, Windows 95 functionalities seem to be mostly intact. Users can engage with nostalgic elements like classic Windows NT screensavers, navigate using Notepad, and even open the foundational Internet Explorer home page. The software also cleverly supports various PC-like peripherals compatible with Nintendo’s consoles, such as a GameCube controller modified to include a full-sized keyboard—transforming its original functionality into a unique gaming controller. The standard USB ports on the Wii and Wii U further enhance this compatibility, providing more room for external accessories.

Unfortunately, there are inevitable limitations. A modern user running Windows NT on a GameCube or Wii might struggle to access any current web pages due to outdated internet capabilities. Even if Ethernet adapters for these consoles work, online activities remain constrained.

Yet, the system serves as a fascinating time capsule, capturing a slice of Windows NT and PowerPC’s past. The fact that Doom can still be played on a GameCube is quite remarkable. The Wii, essentially a souped-up GameCube with an advanced GPU and overclocked CPU, follows closely behind.

Potential full support for the Wii U leveraging NT 3.5 or later could truly elevate the experience, thanks to its impressive 1GB of DDR3 RAM and its trio of PowerPC CPU cores, compared to the single-core setup of its predecessors. The GameCube originally ran on just 24MB of system RAM, supplemented with small dedicated RAM capacities for video and I/O components.