Kawaii – A Keychain-Sized Nintendo Wii

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Miniaturization and Hardware Approach

  • Kawaii is built from an original Wii motherboard using the “Omega trim,” physically cutting away nonessential areas and reconnecting parts via flex PCBs.
  • This preserves full hardware compatibility and runs the real Wii software stack, unlike FPGA or pure emulation solutions.
  • Trimming Wiis is an established hobby; previous projects include PS2 Ultra Slim, GC Nano, and Short Stack.
  • Some argue the logical next step is a fully custom PCB with transplanted chips; others say the complexity and existing trims make that not worth the effort.

Functionality, Dock, and Comparisons

  • Kawaii’s core unit lacks its own power input, AV output, and wireless, so it effectively requires a dock for power, video, and controller ports.
  • This raises debate over whether it truly “counts” as the smallest Wii versus smaller-but-self-contained builds like Short Stack.
  • Others note the project’s goal is extreme miniaturization, not everyday usability.

Sensor Bar and Input Tricks

  • Multiple comments explain the “sensor bar” is just IR LEDs; the Wiimote has the actual camera.
  • Any two IR sources (candles, lighters, DIY bars, wireless bars) can substitute; anecdotes highlight how surprising this is to many users.
  • This is compared to other clever Nintendo “inverted” designs like the NES Zapper.

Power, Undervolting, and Cooling

  • The related “Thundervolt” work cuts the board further and adds an external DC-DC module, undervolting to reduce power and enable passive cooling.
  • Discussion touches on I²R/IR losses, load-line behavior, and why having VRMs close to the chip can allow more aggressive undervolting.

Legal and Trademark Concerns

  • Several commenters think engraving or printing Nintendo logos on custom shells is legally risky, even when using original Wii hardware.
  • Trademark law is described as “defend it or lose it,” with expectations that Nintendo will aggressively send cease-and-desist letters.

Retro Gaming Culture, Fun, and Names

  • Many express delight at the build and at the broader scene of tiny Wiis/GameCubes.
  • Some wish for a formal “smallest console” contest.
  • Naming sparks playful debate: suggestions include Kawii, Kawawii, Key-wii, WiiChain, and Nintendo Wee.