A YouTube creator turned a mini PC into a retro-style console that launches games from physical-looking cartridges. This project matters because it highlights the growing frustration with digital ownership and the lack of tangible media in modern gaming. The build uses a standard Geekom IT13 MAX but adds custom hardware to mimic the experience of older console generations.
Creator uses mini PC and NFC tech to protest digital ownership
The core of the system is the Geekom IT13 MAX mini PC, which Geekom sells as a compact computing device. The creator, known as The Stock Pot, modified this unit to run a custom interface that reads physical tags. The goal was not to create a new retail product, but to demonstrate a concept for physical game ownership.
Geekom equips the IT13 MAX with a 16-core Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor and Intel Arc graphics. The system includes 24 GB of soldered LPDDR5-5600 memory and a 500 GB SSD for storage. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, dual 2.5G LAN ports, and two USB4 ports for high-speed data transfer.
The custom hardware adds an ESP32 microcontroller wired to an RC522 NFC reader to detect the cartridges. The cartridges are 3D-printed shells containing NFC stickers that the reader identifies. The system maps these NFC IDs to Steam game IDs or executable paths on the SSD. The case is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced PETG with olive-green panels and laser-engraved details.
The creator admits the build does not solve the broader ownership problem but says it reminds him of a time when games were genuine property. The project serves as a protest for physical media rather than a functional commercial product. It highlights the gap between digital convenience and the desire for tangible control over software.
Source: NotebookCheck
