Modified Nintendo GameCube Runs PowerPC Windows NT and Doom

Earlier this month, an intriguing development emerged: a new version of the long-forgotten Windows NT for PowerPC was unearthed. This updated version is now fine-tuned for the Nintendo GameCube and Wii console lines, thanks to their PowerPC architecture, which aligns perfectly with the original Windows NT PowerPC releases. This fascinating build, named Entii for WorkCubes, is available on GitHub and even claims to support the Wii U. However, it doesn’t tap into the Wii U’s enhanced hardware, like its two extra PowerPC cores, larger RAM capacity, or robust AMD GPU. Instead, compatibility is limited to its virtual Wii capabilities. For now, early developer boards haven’t been tested, so their support remains more theoretical than practical.

For those enthusiastic about homebrew projects and eager to witness Windows NT in action on a GameCube, YouTuber @emukid_id has shared video content showcasing the installation, basic usage, and even a nostalgic, albeit pixelated, game session of The Ultimate Doom in a mere 320 x 200 resolution. It’s worth noting, though, that these clips are silent.

Nonetheless, aside from the audio absence, Windows 95 operates quite smoothly—allowing users to configure classic 3D wallpapers, type away in Notepad, and even navigate a basic Internet Explorer page. A thoughtful touch is the support for various peripherals, akin to a PC, making this experiment on Nintendo hardware more interactive. For instance, a GameCube controller ingeniously integrated with a full-sized keyboard offers a unique handling experience. Additionally, the Wii and Wii U’s standard USB ports boost peripheral compatibility.

However, there are limitations to this revival. Even a dedicated Windows NT PC user today, in 2025, would struggle to find modern websites that function properly. Although GameCube and Wii’s Ethernet adapters might work, online possibilities could be severely restricted.

Yet, there’s something charming about this setup—it acts as a time capsule for Windows NT and PowerPC before Windows NT 3.5 expanded PowerPC support. Impressively, Doom remains playable on the GameCube. Meanwhile, the Wii stands out as a supercharged version of the GameCube, with enhanced processor speeds and an improved GPU.

If NT 3.5 or future iterations of Windows could leverage the Wii U’s superior hardware—such as its 1GB of DDR3 RAM and tri-core PowerPC—it could revolutionize performance, especially when you consider the modest 24MB of system RAM the GameCube operated on, which coexisted with additional small dedicated RAM allocations for various functions like video and input/output.

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