Modder Recreates Iconic Original Xbox Prototype in Stunning Working Replica

The legend of the original Xbox prototype endures in the gaming community, and a remarkable new project is bringing this iconic piece of hardware back to life.

Before the Microsoft Xbox officially launched in 2001, the company unveiled a striking X-shaped prototype—a 40-pound block of machined aluminum, instantly memorable for its sheer size and glowing green orb embedded at its center.

Although never intended as a consumer-ready design, the concept model left a lasting impression on both the press and the gaming world.

Its bold appearance symbolized Microsoft’s ambitions as it entered a competitive market dominated by established brands such as Sony, Nintendo, and Sega. Today, as Microsoft’s Xbox division navigates one of its most challenging phases, the influence of that original prototype continues to resonate.

Modding expert Macho Nacho Productions has meticulously recreated this legendary piece of gaming history, producing a fully functional replica that honors the spirit—and excess—of the original.

Through an in-depth video documentary, Macho Nacho Productions details the painstaking process involved in engineering a modern iteration of the prototype. Reflecting on the project, Macho Nacho Productions explained, “Before the Xbox was available to consumers, Microsoft built one of the most audacious prototypes ever seen in the industry: a massive, mirror-like aluminum X, illuminated by a bright green core.

It was never meant for practical use in living rooms, but as a statement to show Microsoft’s commitment to entering the console market and competing with giants.

I wanted to recreate this iconic entity, maintaining the impressive aesthetics, and in many ways, improving upon the original design.” This labor of love required advanced workshop skills and precision metalworking to shape a solid block of aluminum into a working homage to the gaming artifact that helped launch the Xbox brand.

The video, now available on YouTube and social platforms, takes viewers on a journey through each stage of the build—from sourcing materials to implementing modern electronics and recreating the signature glowing centerpiece. The original Xbox system, released in November 2001, laid the groundwork for Microsoft’s ongoing presence in the console industry, achieving worldwide sales of over 24 million units before it was succeeded by the Xbox 360 in 2005.

Its development marked a pivotal moment, as Microsoft aimed to compete with longstanding rivals such as the Sony PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, and Sega Dreamcast.

Macho Nacho Productions’ painstaking tribute serves as a reminder of the kind of daring innovation that has characterized the video game industry. For gamers and hardware enthusiasts alike, this extraordinary recreation offers a rare glimpse into the origins of one of gaming’s most recognizable brands.

The project not only celebrates Xbox’s heritage but also highlights the enduring creativity of the modding community in keeping gaming history alive.

Microsoft Xbox X Macho Nacho Productions original Xbox prototype