Earlier this month, a fascinating development emerged in the world of retro computing: a new build of the long-obsolete Windows NT for PowerPC has been optimized specifically for the Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles. This unexpected revival is made possible by the PowerPC architecture that underpinned the original Windows NT PowerPC releases. Dubbed Entii for WorkCubes and available on GitHub, this build also offers theoretical support for the Wii U, albeit without harnessing its additional PowerPC cores, expanded RAM, or enhanced AMD GPU capabilities. Instead, it operates through a virtualized Wii function, leaving early development boards either unsupported or only “theoretically” compatible, pending further testing.
Homebrew Enthusiasts and Gaming Nostalgia
For homebrew enthusiasts eager to witness Windows NT in action on their GameCube, YouTuber @emukid_id has provided a glimpse into this unique experience. Their videos showcase the installation process, basic functionality, and even a nostalgic gameplay session of The Ultimate Doom at a remarkably low resolution of 320 x 200 pixels. While the absence of sound in these recordings may be a drawback, the visual journey through classic Windows NT features—complete with iconic 3D wallpapers like 3D Maze, Notepad, and the basic Internet Explorer homepage—evokes a sense of nostalgia.
Moreover, the build includes intelligent support for various PC-adjacent peripherals tailored for Nintendo consoles. For instance, a GameCube controller integrated with a full-sized keyboard transforms the original controls into a more versatile setup. The standard USB ports on the Wii and Wii U further enhance peripheral compatibility, allowing users to expand their input options.
However, it is essential to note that there are limitations. Even in 2025, a user running a standard Windows NT PC would likely struggle to find usable web pages on the modern Internet. While compatibility with GameCube or Wii’s Ethernet adapters may be intact, online functionalities appear to be severely restricted. Nevertheless, this system serves as a fascinating snapshot of Windows NT and PowerPC during the pre-Windows NT 3.5 era.
Despite these challenges, the ability to play Doom on the GameCube remains an impressive feat. The Wii, with its CPU-overclocked GameCube architecture and upgraded GPU, offers a slight edge over its predecessor. Looking ahead, proper support for NT 3.5 or a later version of Windows on the Wii U could significantly enhance the experience by leveraging its substantial 1GB of DDR3 RAM and triple PowerPC CPU cores, compared to the single-core design of the GameCube and Wii. The GameCube itself operated with as little as 24MB of system RAM, supplemented by dedicated RAM for video and I/O components, underscoring the innovative engineering behind these classic consoles.
