Earlier this month, an intriguing new version of the long-abandoned Windows NT for PowerPC came out of the woodwork, creating a buzz among tech fans. This updated build is now tailor-made for the Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles. These systems, which lean on PowerPC architecture, can now host this version, called Entii for WorkCubes, available on GitHub. Interestingly, it sort of stretches to the Wii U as well, but don’t expect it to harness the Wii U’s more robust features like its extra PowerPC cores, greater memory, or beefier AMD GPU. Instead, it functions in the Wii’s virtual environment. Early developer boards are either not supported or merely have theoretical support without actual testing.
For those DIY enthusiasts with an itch to see how this adaptation of Windows NT plays out on a GameCube, YouTuber @emukid_id has you covered. They’ve uploaded captivating footage showcasing the installation process, a glimpse into using the system, and even some nostalgic, albeit pixelated (320 x 200 resolution), The Ultimate Doom gameplay. Though these videos may lack sound, they paint a fascinating picture.
Despite the silence, Windows 95 seems to be functioning just as you’d hope—whether it’s configuring iconic Windows NT wallpapers like 3D Maze, tinkering around with Notepad, or pulling up the basic Internet Explorer homepage. The console’s ability to interact with a mix of PC-like peripherals is an added plus. Imagine a GameCube controller merged with a full-sized keyboard, turning its original design into something akin to distant control handles. Moreover, the standard USB ports on the Wii and Wii U broaden the scope for using USB peripherals.
Yet, some limitations persist. Even someone tinkering with a typical Windows NT PC today in 2025 might hit a wall finding compatible web pages, despite potentially usable Ethernet adapters for the GameCube or Wii. The online world would seem rather constrained.
Nevertheless, this setup serves as a remarkable time capsule, displaying Windows NT’s old dance with PowerPC from the pre-NT 3.5 era. It’s quite a marvel that you can still play Doom on a GameCube. The Wii, after all, is essentially a beefed-up GameCube with a newer GPU and an overclocked CPU.
If we talk about full-fledged support for Wii U with NT 3.5 or a newer Windows version, that would raise the bar significantly. The Wii U boasts 1GB of DDR3 RAM and triple PowerPC CPU cores, starkly contrasting the single-core design of the Wii and GameCube. Notably, the GameCube managed with a mere 24MB of system RAM, supplemented by specific small RAM allocations for video and I/O systems.
The idea of blending the past with modern tech sparks immense interest, even if it comes with some caveats. Stay tuned for more innovations like these that bridge the roots of technology with today’s capabilities.
