Restored Original Xbox Devkit Resembles PC

A YouTuber successfully revived an original Xbox development kit through an extensive restoration mod, resulting in a device that closely resembles a PC.

During the development of the original Xbox, developers encountered an issue due to the unfinished hardware. In order to test their games, Microsoft came up with a solution – the DirectXbox Alpha I. This device resembled a computer from the early 2000s.

One YouTuber has recently discovered a rare device and has undertaken the task of restoring it to its original, fully functioning state.

Prior to this, he had discovered a prototype Steam Machine and even created a ‘GameCube mini’. The idea for the Xbox Alpha I project came to fruition when a subscriber reached out to Bringus and offered him an Xbox development kit for his project.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdrrsadTtTY

Microsoft's Xbox Computer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdrrsadTtTY)

Of course, Bringus couldn’t resist the opportunity, even though the machine was mostly just an empty shell. It was apparent that most of the internal parts had been taken out at some point for unknown reasons.

Bringus began the process of restoring the Alpha I to its original state by dismantling an original Xbox and inserting it into the shell.

The procedure was not as straightforward as just transferring the components from one shell to another. Challenges such as managing wiring routes and adapting a standard PC power supply to function with the Xbox’s specialized power connector had to be overcome.

To incorporate some contemporary touches and utilize the latest technology, Bringus decided to install new PC fans. The main fan was connected with green lighting in a cross pattern, as a tribute to the machine’s history.

While not an exact replica of the original development kit, the reconstructed DirectXbox Alpha is now the ideal means to revisit classic OG Xbox games.