Wii XL: Modder Creates Fully Functional, Supersized Nintendo Wii with HDMI Support

The retro gaming community never ceases to impress with its ingenuity, and the latest standout project reignites interest in Nintendo hardware innovation.

Modding enthusiasts have long revered the Wii for its versatility, but YouTuber and hardware modder Jon Bringus of Bringus Studios has taken the concept to new heights—literally—by unveiling the "Wii XL," a unique, fully functional Nintendo Wii console built on a massive scale. Bringus’s Wii XL is not just a superficial tribute.

Measuring approximately twelve times larger by volume than the original Nintendo Wii, this custom console is more than just a showpiece.

Inside the oversized shell sits a standard Wii motherboard, ensuring full compatibility with both Wii and GameCube titles.

The larger form factor enables complete access to all the original hardware features: users can insert game discs, connect GameCube controllers and memory cards, and use USB peripherals, just as they would with an original Wii.

Every front-panel button, including power and reset, is fully accessible, and the SD card slot and disc eject functions are conveniently available behind a flip-down door. In a statement detailing the project, Bringus explains, "This build is at a 2:3 to 1 scale of a standard Wii and is twelve times greater in volume.

The internals remain unchanged, so whether you're loading up a Wii or a GameCube disc, the experience is authentic.

Even features like GameCube controller compatibility and memory card access are preserved.

The design ensures that every button and port remains functional, all relocated to the system’s enlarged front panel." While the Wii XL is a testament to creative engineering, some compromises were necessary due to the radically different scale.

For instance, Bringus remarks that accessing the sync button requires users to activate it through the DVD slot manually.

Furthermore, instead of relying on the Wii's proprietary sensor bar port, the Wii XL supports modern, battery-powered wireless sensor bars for use with motion controllers.

Perhaps most notable is the addition of an HDMI adapter integrated into the hardware, allowing the classic console to output at resolutions up to 1080p—a significant upgrade for compatibility with today’s high-definition displays, although CRT support is not included. Jon Bringus chronicled the entire build process on his Bringus Studios YouTube channel, offering a detailed look at the engineering challenges and solutions behind the project.

The video presentation has attracted attention from Nintendo hardware enthusiasts and modders, further highlighting the dynamic creativity within the online Nintendo modding scene. This project is a testament to the enduring legacy of Nintendo’s hardware and the passionate community it inspires.

As the modding world continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, initiatives like the Wii XL demonstrate just how far dedicated fans are willing to go to reimagine and celebrate Nintendo’s storied consoles.

Nintendo GameCube Wii Jon Bringus Bringus Studios Nintendo Wii