Project Phoenix is a modified GameCube, adapted into a more compact case. Instead of using the standard disc reader, Phoenix uses an SD card to load ISO files. Aside from that, the case contains everything from the original Cube, with the exception of a second Memory Card Slot. It's also easy to operate, as the video at the end demonstrates.
Now, why should this concern smash players? Well, with Project Phoenix, you no longer have to carry the Wii/GameCube with you whenever you have to travel to a tournament, which sometimes is a pain. With it's smaller size, Phoenix can be carried easily, fitting in most hand-bags/backpacks or maybe even in you back pocket. Despite being basically an ISO reader, you can play your games just as fine as in a GameCube or Wii, with Phoenix even running the 20XX version of Melee.
The main case, with the 4 controller ports of a standard GameCube/Wii
We managed to contact Quasar for a more detailed insight of what this project is like.
HyperNova: When and how did you come with this idea?
QuasarQuon: I first came up with the idea about 10 months ago, maybe a bit more. It started because I just thought carrying my GameCube around was a huge pain, it’s a big awkward shape. I like to build things and tinker anyways, so I figured I'd try to see what I could do to make it smaller.
A size comparison with the Cube.
HN: Was it difficult to figure out how the Cube worked?
QQ: When I first started this project I really didn't have much knowledge of electronics, I kinda knew how to solder and basic things but I really didn't know what i was doing too much so I had to figure things out as I went. I went through a ton of Cubes trying to figure out how it worked. Now that I know what I'm doing, looking back on it I can say that figuring out how the cube worked was definitely a challenge, it was pretty tricky, but I think if I had started the project with the knowledge I have now it would have been easier.
HN: How exactly does the Phoenix work?
QQ: So when I first opened up the GameCube the first thing I noticed was how much room the disc drive takes up. I’d say a majority of the size of the GameCube is the disc drive. I knew that had to go if I wanted to make it into a small size. Instead of the disc drive, I used an SD card slot that I wired and soldered up, effectively taking the place of the disc drive. That alone made way for a ton of shrinking. Along with that I decided to take anything that wasn't necessary away to make it as small as possible, whether that be extra ports or even circuit boards that I could just make with a few wires, creating my own circuits instead of using the circuit boards. Then with the things I thought were good to stay I had to rearrange them into a fashion that made sense, and would allow me to fit everything into a tiny box.
HN: That sounds really interesting. The fact that you replaced some circuits with your own is amazing
QQ: Way back when i first started I actually had no intention of making any of my own circuits like that. I figured I’d just use what was already there and try to just put things closer together. But the more I worked on it the more possibilities I saw for improvement and the more I realized just how small I could get it if I really strip the console down.
The back of the case, with the regular cables and a single Memory Card Slot.
HN: Is the Project Phoenix done? Or will you still add some more stuff?
QQ: Well up until about a week or so ago it was done, but after the suggestion of headphone jacks I've been trying to figure out a solution for that after that idea got such positive feedback. It's turning out to be more work than I originally hoped, but I think it will be worth it. Beyond that, I don’t think I’ll be adding too much to it. Maybe sometime down the line I'll make a second version and really just reinvent the console and add a ton of new generation features, but for now I’m sticking to just getting the headphone jacks done.
HN: One last thing. Do you plan to sell it? And if you do, what's the plan?
QQ: I do fully intend to start selling them, I just need a bit more time. As I said before, I need to finish figuring out the headphone jack idea which is my first priority. I have plans to set up a website in the near future for sales and information. As much as I’d like to start selling them right away, there’s just a few things I need to take care of first. Hopefully everything will fall into place soon.
So there you have it. While this is not the only option in the market, it still is a more comfortable (and possibly even cheaper) alternative that some players would definitely appreciate. If you want to keep up with Quasar and his project, you can follow him on twitter at @hellaflyballer.
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Did you like the idea? Do you plan to check it out? Let us know in the comments bellow!
