GameCube Transformed to Operate PowerPC Windows NT and Run Doom

Earlier this month, enthusiasts in the gaming world were buzzing with excitement when a new build of the long-forgotten Windows NT for PowerPC turned up. This unexpected revival has been optimized specifically for Nintendo’s GameCube and Wii consoles, all thanks to their PowerPC architecture, which was initially supported by Windows NT. Dubbed Entii for WorkCubes, you can find this build on GitHub. Interestingly, it also supports the Wii U, although it doesn’t leverage the console’s additional PowerPC cores, increased RAM, or its enhanced AMD GPU. Instead, it functions through the virtualized Wii feature. It’s worth noting that early development boards face limitations with either no support at all or are only theoretically supported without confirmed tests.

For those passionate about homebrew projects eager to watch Windows NT come to life on a Nintendo GameCube, YouTuber @emukid_id has shared some intriguing footage. This includes the installation process of Windows NT, some basic operational demonstrations, and even gameplay footage of The Ultimate Doom in a modest resolution of 320 x 200. Unfortunately, none of these videos include sound.

Despite the absence of sound, Windows 95 seems to function largely as expected on the platform. You can set up classic Windows NT wallpapers, such as the iconic 3D Maze, use Notepad, and open the basic home page of Internet Explorer. There’s also smart compatibility for a variety of PC-like peripherals on Nintendo consoles, such as a unique GameCube controller that incorporates a full-sized keyboard in the middle, transforming the original controls into a pair of handles. Users on actual hardware will have input options available. The standard USB ports on both Wii and Wii U also make it easier to integrate with USB peripherals.

It’s important to mention that there are some trade-offs here. Even with a standard Windows NT PC in 2025, browsing the modern Internet could be quite challenging as usable web pages are hard to find. Although GameCube or Wii’s Ethernet adapter support might still work, their online utility is rather limited.

Nevertheless, this system offers a nostalgic glimpse into the era of Windows NT and PowerPC before Windows NT 3.5’s days of PowerPC support. It’s notably fascinating that Doom is operational on the GameCube, showcasing its capabilities. Remember, the Wii could be seen as a GameCube with a beefed up CPU and a new graphics unit.

Full-fledged Wii U support for Windows NT 3.5 or a later version could potentially enhance the experience significantly by making the most of its robust 1GB DDR3 RAM and triple-core PowerPC processors, compared to the single-core designs on the Wii and GameCube. It’s impressive noting that GameCube operated efficiently with just 24MB of system RAM, alongside other small dedicated RAM allocations for video and I/O components.