Summary of "I Thought My FAKE XBOX Prototype Was Perfect … Until Microsoft Showed Me the REAL One"

Video Summary: “I Thought My FAKE XBOX Prototype Was Perfect … Until Microsoft Showed Me the REAL One”

Storyline & Overview

The creator of a meticulously built, heavy metal Xbox prototype replica travels from Virginia to Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington, to see the real original Xbox prototype up close. The goal is to compare the replica—built over a year using measurements from a prototype displayed in the New York Microsoft store—with the authentic prototype and uncover new details about its construction and design.

Key Highlights & Discoveries

Travel and Preparation

The replica Xbox weighs about 40 lbs and required a custom Pelican travel case with foam inserts to transport safely.
The case was heavy and oversized, resulting in expensive airline fees.

Meeting at Microsoft

The creator is accompanied by Ken from the channel What’s Ken Making, who helped arrange the visit.
They visit several locations on the Microsoft campus, including the visitor center, Microsoft library, Studio D, and the Microsoft Archives (building 126).

Prototype Shell Construction

The real Xbox prototype shell is not machined from a single aluminum block as the replica was.
Instead, it is made from four separate quadrants welded together, with the front (mirror finish) and back (matte finish) halves welded.
The real prototype has a removable “face plate” with screws on the inside, visible as a seam on the front.
The New York store prototype (used as the replica’s model) lacks this seam and appears to be a plastic mockup painted to look metallic.
The fins on the real prototype seem to be attached separately rather than machined from one piece, unlike the replica.

Differences in Dimensions and Details

The real prototype is significantly smaller than the replica.
The jewel (the Xbox logo centerpiece) on the real prototype is smaller and more convex compared to the flatter jewel on the replica.
The real prototype includes electronics inside, with ports such as:
- S-video
- RCA audio jacks
- USB (likely for the Sidewinder Pro Controller)
- A unique 24-pin multi-purpose connector
The real prototype has two fans on top and a recessed disc drive cutout for alignment.

Microsoft Archives & Additional Prototypes

The archives contain many Microsoft products, memorabilia, and other prototypes.
Patty, the archives guide, confirms the New York store and visitor center prototypes are likely mockups.
Another complete prototype exists in Studio B, found by Ken after the visit, suggesting multiple prototypes were made.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When placed side by side, the replica is noticeably larger.
The creator measured the real prototype’s shell to update the replica’s design.
The smaller size of the real prototype raises questions about fitting the actual Xbox hardware inside.

Community & Event

The replica was shown to Microsoft’s Retrocomputing and Gaming group.
Rowan, head of Xbox devices, visited and played games on the replica, marking a highlight of the trip.

Summary of Findings

Construction:
- Real prototype shell made from welded aluminum pieces, not a single block.
- Removable face plate with screws and visible seams.
- Fins likely separate pieces, not machined as one.
Mockups vs Real Prototypes:
- New York store and visitor center Xboxes are plastic mockups, not real prototypes.
- Real prototypes are smaller and more detailed.
Dimensions:
- Replica was close but larger than the real prototype.
- Measurements taken to improve future replica builds.
Electronics & Ports:
- Real prototype includes ports and electronics consistent with early Xbox hardware and demo setups.

Key Tips & Insights

Using a gauian splat method for measuring prototypes can get you close but may not be perfectly accurate.

Real prototypes may have complex manufacturing techniques (welding separate pieces) rather than simple machining.

When replicating hardware, mockups and display units can be misleading if mistaken for real prototypes.

Custom travel cases are essential for transporting heavy, delicate replicas safely.

Collaboration with knowledgeable insiders (like Ken and Patty) and access to archives can reveal never-before-seen details.

Featured Gamers and Sources

Tito – Creator of the Xbox replica and main presenter.
Ken – From the channel What’s Ken Making, helped coordinate the visit and participated in the exploration.
Patty – Microsoft Archives guide, provided detailed knowledge and access.
Chris – Assisted with revealing the inside of the prototype shell.
Rowan – Head of Xbox devices, visited and interacted with the replica.
PCB Way – Sponsor, provided manufacturing services for the replica build.

Overall, the video is a fascinating deep dive into the history, construction, and comparison of the original Xbox prototype versus a fan-made replica, uncovering surprising differences and providing a rare glimpse into Microsoft’s hardware development process.