In an epic tale of innovation and nostalgia, a crafty modder has pulled off the unthinkable: turning a Wii U GamePad into a working handheld that wouldn’t look out of place in a collector’s display, or, more likely, an accident waiting to happen in an airport security line.
This ingenious creation comes courtesy of the self-proclaimed wizard of wires, Kouzex, who has graced the internet with a delightful video showcasing a Wii U GamePad that now plays nice with Switch hardware like they were made for each other… oh wait, they kinda are now!
The Inspiration
What could possibly prompt someone to integrate modern technology into a relic of the past? The answer lies in the delightful din of the internet, where enthusiasts lamented the lack of portability in the Wii U GamePad. “Wouldn’t it be great,” they pondered, “if someone would shove a Switch inside this behemoth?”
Taking these ardent wishes to heart—and possibly fueled by copious amounts of caffeine—Kouzex channeled this collective yearning into a monumental challenge. Five rules of engagement were established for the endeavor, ensuring it wasn’t just a random act of tinkering but a serious mission:
- All buttons must still function, because, you know, a device that doesn’t respond is just a fancy paperweight.
- It must look untouched, or else the modder might as well have played tic-tac-toe with a chainsaw.
- Using actual Switch hardware, because emulation is for wannabes.
- It must outshine the Switch Lite—bully for the underdog!
- Durability was key; the last thing needed was a fragile device that craved a gentle touch while being jostled about in a backpack.
The Magic Begins
Opting for a Switch Lite was a masterstroke, as its all-in-one controller experience meant no need to mess with detachable Joy-Cons—imagine the chaos! After an arduous journey stretching over half an hour of video chronicle, Kouzex’s path involved deconstructing both the GamePad and the Switch, a bit of trimming here and there (if only life were so easy), and thoroughly rewiring everything like a mad scientist.
In the midst of this chaos, the screen was swapped out for a snazzy OLED, elevating the visual experience to a level that could make anyone jealous of a standard Switch Lite, which let’s face it, is already pretty posh.
The Outcome
So, how did this inventive journey end? Well, Kouzex described the masterpiece as “barely modified,” ideal for anyone keen on fooling passersby who may or may not know the intricacies of gaming consoles, especially from a bygone era. According to him, it embodies what could be dubbed a “sleeper build.”
In a dazzling display of practicality, it turns out every button on the original GamePad corresponds to a Switch button—except for that one quirky TV button, which now moonlights as a capture button. Who knew button mapping could be so straightforward?
Couple of Minor Snags
Every creation has its hiccups, and this mod is no exception. The absence of a cartridge slot may seem dire; however, digital downloads save the day, assuring gamers don’t need to stack physical game cartridges like they’re the Great Wall of Gaming. Furthermore, there’s a slight concern about the internal temperature being five degrees hotter than its Switch Lite counterpart, but who doesn’t love a little extra warmth during gameplay?
“Mission success,” Kouzex declared, a victor in a land of circuit boards and childhood dreams. The only remaining question: would this creation even make it through airport security? Only time will tell, but the stakes just got a whole lot higher in the world of handheld gaming!
