Longlife to Videogames and other “obsolete” devices - A Tech/Internet Inequality Collection
Many functional devices become “obsolete” each decade not because they stop working, but because manufacturers end software support. This is the result of my critical inquiry: a collection of resources for identifying, repurposing, (and hopefully) redistributing the devices to extend their lifespan, reduce e-waste.
An extended device lifespan of devices that could end up being Technology waste can fight e-waste. At the core of this initiative is the “Own Your Device” philosophy: if we purchased it, we should control what software runs on it and the right to repair it and modify it. It’s already included in legal frameworks like the EU Right to Repair, which makes repair easier and more accessible for consumers. And there are target communities like Elderly Care Facilities Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, Schools in Underserved Areas, Refugee & Immigration Support Centers. They can benefit improving entertainment (music, videos, games), dignity, communication and other areas.
Where can you start?
Here is the list of resources to mod/hack consoles:
Nintendo 2DS and 3DS
The closure of Nintendo's eShop and online services revealed an uncomfortable truth: millions of people never really owned the games they paid for. Do you want to know if it's a good idea to hack a 2ds o 3ds? Here are some reasons:
- True ownership through backups and preservation: With the eShop permanently closed, your digital purchases are gone forever if your console breaks. CFW lets you back up games, saves, and system data, meaning you actually own what you paid for, not just a revocable license.
- Region free access: Games often cost significantly more in certain regions, and some titles never release in others at all. CFW removes these artificial barriers, letting you buy and play games from any region leveling the playing field regardless of where you live.
- Independence from corporate server shutdowns: When Nintendo killed their online services, millions of stock 3DS users lost functionality they paid for. CFW users can connect to community run alternatives like Pretendo Network, ensuring the device remains fully functional even after the company decides to abandon it.
Finding affordable consoles
Since it's an old device, it'll be better and easier to get a second hand item.
- Wallapop
- You can also check eBay and other secondhand marketplaces. Since the goal is repurposing, buying used makes more sense than buying new.
Once you have one...
Use this Guide to learn how to hack it.
You can follow step by step guides Video Tutorial.
Nintendo Wii
The Nintendo Wii is the perfect console for families or any group, as the control mechanics simulate many real-life movements. This Research explores the benefits of Wii gaming for elderly people.
But like the 3DS, Nintendo killed their online services in 2019—taking with it every digital purchase users had made. Here are some reasons to mod a Wii:
- Accessible motion controls for all ages: Unlike traditional controllers, the Wii Remote mimics real-world actions—bowling, tennis, boxing. This makes it ideal for elderly users, physical rehabilitation, or anyone intimidated by complex button layouts.
- Digital purchases disappeared overnight: When Nintendo closed the Wii Shop Channel, users lost access to hundreds of Virtual Console games they had paid for. Homebrew lets you preserve and back up your library so this can't happen again.
- Extremely affordable entry point: Currently is one of the cheapest ways to access a massive game library and introduce motion gaming to communities with limited budgets.
Finding affordable consoles
Since it's an old device, it'll be better and easier to get a second hand item.
- Wallapop
- You can also check eBay and other secondhand marketplaces. Since the goal is repurposing, buying used makes more sense than buying new.
Once you have one...
Use this Guide to learn how to hack it.
Nintendo WiiU
With 8GB of storage, no eShop (Because Nintendo killed their online services), and a ticking time bomb in some models' memory chips, the Wii U was practically designed to be modded.
Finding affordable consoles
Since it's an old device, it'll be better and easier to get a second hand item.
- Wallapop
- You can also check eBay and other secondhand marketplaces. Since the goal is repurposing, buying used makes more sense than buying new.
Once you have one...
Use this Guide to learn how to hack it.
For all the devices above community you can join their community and learn or discuss more through
Discord and
Github.
Ipod
Why should a perfectly functional music player become e-waste just because the company that made it moved on to newer products?
Finding affordable hardware
Since it's an old device, it'll be better and easier to get a second hand item.
- Wallapop
- You can also check eBay and other secondhand marketplaces. Since the goal is repurposing, buying used makes more sense than buying new.
Once you have one...
Use this How to Mod Your iPod 555 Gen Article to learn how to mod it. There is a lot of interesting threads and conversations in the r/iPodHacks subreddit.
Android Devices
That old phone or tablet in your or your parent's house drawer isn't broken, it's just running software its manufacturer stopped caring about.
Finding affordable hardware
Since it's an old device, it'll be better and easier to get a second hand item.
- Instead of trying to buy one online, I'd recommend to talk to friends and family i'd assume someone near you will have one that they're not using anymore.
Once you have one...
Use this Video Tutorial to learn how to use it instead of a Raspberry Pi.
There's an entire Subreddit /androidafterlife
