Nintendo GameCube Retrofits to Operate PowerPC Windows NT and Play Doom

Earlier this month, enthusiasts were caught by surprise as a previously obsolete version of Windows NT, originally developed for PowerPC platforms, made a comeback. This time, it’s been cleverly adapted for the Nintendo GameCube and Wii systems, leveraging their PowerPC-based architecture shared with the original Windows NT for PowerPC. Dubbed Entii for WorkCubes on GitHub, this build also teases potential for Wii U compatibility. However, don’t expect it to tap into the Wii U’s extra PowerPC cores, larger RAM, or its beefier AMD GPU, as it operates merely through the Wii’s virtual console environment. Early development boards either miss out entirely on support or remain in the realm of theoretical possibilities—untested, to be precise.

For those with a penchant for homebrew projects, YouTuber @emukid_id has captured footage showcasing the installation and basic operation of this Windows NT variant on a Nintendo GameCube. The highlight? A throwback session of The Ultimate Doom, albeit in a rather tiny resolution of 320 x 200. Sadly, the silence of these clips is noticeable, as no sound accompanies the visual journey.

Nevertheless, you’ll find that despite the absence of audio, Windows NT operates quite satisfactorily. It can handle the nostalgic flair of 3D maze wallpapers, run Notepad without a hitch, and open up the classic Internet Explorer homepage. Interestingly, this build supports a variety of peripherals more associated with PCs, revamping the GameCube controller by integrating a full keyboard between its grips. Meanwhile, the Wii and Wii U’s standard USB ports come in handy, expanding the horizon for compatible accessories.

In terms of connectivity, users might find themselves limited. While a stock Windows NT PC might struggle to open any modern webpage in 2025, there’s a sliver of hope—GameCube or Wii’s Ethernet adapter compatibility remains intact, although practical online utility would be rather restricted.

Ultimately, this initiative serves as a captivating snapshot of Windows NT and PowerPC’s bygone synergy, dating back to the pre-Windows NT 3.5 era of PowerPC support. Yet, Doom showcases its timeless appeal on the GameCube platform. Bearing in mind that the Wii essentially functions as an upgraded GameCube, with a ramped-up GPU and CPU speeds, there’s a layer of modernity in this retro experience.

If only NT 3.5 or a later Windows version could truly exploit the Wii U’s hardware potential—its sizable 1GB of DDR3 RAM and trio of PowerPC cores are a stark improvement over the GameCube and Wii’s single-core designs. Let’s not forget, the GameCube originally managed on a mere 24MB of system RAM, though it was tactically supplemented with dedicated memory for specific tasks like video processing and input/output operations.