My favourite PowerMac is a Nintendo Wii

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

A blog post about running classic Mac OS on a Nintendo Wii sparks broader exploration of unconventional hardware hacks, from virtualizing Wii CPUs on PowerMacs to reminiscing about Xbox 360 dev kits built on PowerMac G5s. Commenters reflect on the Wii’s legacy as a uniquely accessible, family-friendly console—praised for its low-friction UI, local multiplayer, and modding scene—while comparing it with other “peak” gaming eras like the PS2, Xbox 360, and handhelds such as the 3DS and PSP. The thread also touches on the long tail of classic Mac OS code inside modern macOS and the vibrant homebrew ecosystems that keep older platforms relevant.

PowerMac ⇄ Wii and other hardware hacks

  • Some discuss whether a PowerMac could be turned into a Wii.
  • Technical hurdles noted: Wii has two CPUs with different OSes, and a very specific GPU unlike standard ATI/AMD cards.
  • One proposal: combine a Wii emulator (e.g., Dolphin) with KVM_PR-style CPU virtualization for near-native CPU speed, but still needing 3D translation and IOS simulation.
  • Wii games run in supervisor mode, so a proper hypervisor or trap-handling is required.
  • Related historical note: original Xbox 360 dev kits were PowerMac G5s, prompting playful “Xbox Wii60” ideas and general nostalgia for mid-2000s cross-platform weirdness.

Wii modding, online services, and underground uses

  • Commenters highlight the current Wii homebrew ecosystem:
    • Open Shop Channel for new/updated software.
    • WiiLink and similar projects to restore online play.
  • Some use Wiis as low-key infrastructure: Nostr relays, mesh routers (e.g., CJDNS) via USB hubs, SATA, and Ethernet adapters.
  • There is an active Mario Kart Wii custom track scene with thousands of community-made tracks.

Was the Wii “peak” gaming?

  • Pro-“peak Wii” arguments:
    • Discs and limited updates kept games more polished.
    • Weak integration of microtransactions.
    • Optional but not dominant online features.
    • Brought in non-gamers (parents, grandparents), with intuitive motion/pointing and an excellent big-screen UI.
  • Counterpoints:
    • Claim of “peak” is often generational bias; others nominate PS2, PS1, SNES/Genesis, GameCube, Xbox/360, Dreamcast, PSP, and 3DS as peaks.
    • Wii had lots of low-quality “shovelware.”
    • Motion controls can feel gimmicky or age poorly when overused.
    • Some households found the Wii gathered dust after initial novelty.

Classic Mac OS and macOS continuity

  • Discussion on how much classic Mac OS remains in modern macOS.
  • Consensus: modern macOS is NeXTSTEP-based, but various Carbon and OS 9–era components and APIs persisted for a long time (e.g., Security framework, Keychain headers, HIToolbox, legacy functions like NewPtr and Delay).
  • Carbon UI has been deprecated and removed over time (e.g., menus moved off Carbon in newer macOS versions), but some low-level pieces or descendant APIs still exist.