YouTuber Gets Hands-On With Rare All-Metal OG Xbox Prototype
Macho Nacho's Tito visits Microsoft HQ to examine the original, heavy-duty Xbox prototype few have ever seen.
YouTuber Tito from Macho Nacho Productions has just pulled off a feat most retro hardware enthusiasts can only dream of. He was granted exclusive access to Microsoft's headquarters to get his hands on the original, all-metal Xbox prototype. This follows his viral video where he painstakingly recreated the historic hardware from scratch. The full story of his visit, arranged with help from Ken of What's Ken Making, is detailed over on RetroRGB.
It's a proper deep dive into gaming history. The prototype, famously codenamed the 'DirectX Box' during development, is a far cry from the final, plastic-clad console that hit shelves in 2001. This is the raw, industrial version. The one that convinced Bill Gates and the Microsoft board that the company could build a games console.
🔩 Prototype Profile- Material: All-metal chassis- Status: Original, functional unit- Access: Rarely seen outside Microsoft- Follow-up to: Tito's viral recreation build
From Recreation to the Real Deal
Tito's journey to Redmond started with his own ambitious project. Unsatisfied with just reading about the legendary metal prototype, he decided to build one. Using available photos and schematics, he fabricated a stunningly accurate replica, which quickly went viral. That project clearly caught the right eyes. His new video, which you can watch in full here, documents the incredible moment of seeing-and touching-the genuine article.
The differences between the prototype and the retail unit are stark. Where the final Xbox used extensive plastic to cut costs and weight, this early version is unapologetically heavy-duty. It speaks to a 'proof of concept' phase where durability and engineering took precedence over consumer-friendly design. Examining the internal layout, port configurations, and even the early controller ports offers a fascinating glimpse into the console's turbulent development cycle.
More Than a Museum Piece
What's remarkable is that The unit at Microsoft is reportedly still functional. While the visit was primarily for examination and comparison, its operational status highlights how these pieces of history are preserved. For collectors and preservationists, it underscores the importance of protecting classic hardware, whether it's a one-of-a-kind prototype or a beloved console from your childhood. Proper storage is key for any vintage gear, from a standard PlayStation to something as unique as this.
Tito's access provides a rare bridge between the dedicated fan community and the corporate archives where these treasures usually reside. It's a brilliant example of passionate, high-quality fan work opening doors that are typically firmly closed. The video is a must-watch for anyone interested in the hardware side of gaming history.
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