How to Put USB-C Power on ANYTHING (almost)

The video opens by highlighting a common problem: many retro and modern devices still rely on old DC power adapters, and the video promises a universal solution using USB-C power delivery to breathe new life into classic consoles. The host explains the USB PD handshake concept, where a charger and device negotiate the correct voltage, typically offering options like 5, 9, 15, and 20 volts. They point out that vintage consoles generally lack PD circuitry, so additional logic boards or adapters are needed to present the right power profile, while newer devices can often be powered directly through a PD-enabled charger. The plan is to demonstrate a practical path: converting multiple retro consoles to run on USB-C power from a single GaN charger, while also handling monitors, network gear, and other devices in a cohesive setup. The discussion covers the benefits of PD being royalty-free, the availability of small, inexpensive boards, and the possibility of integrating PD power directly into cables or housings to minimize clutter. The presenter then discusses the specifics of voltage requirements for the NES, SNES, Genesis, and other cartridges, emphasizing that some systems use 9 to 12 volts and may require simple or more advanced circuitry to achieve reliable operation. The video walks through why simply feeding 5 volts can be risky due to ripple and instability, and introduces step-up or step-down converters as an alternative, though the chosen approach uses PD adapters and prebuilt boards for simplicity. The hosts showcase a handful of tested components from Adafruit and UGREEN, illustrate how a single PD charger can supply multiple retro consoles, and demonstrate powering three consoles simultaneously from one compact GaN charger. They note PD devices may pause power when a new device connects as a safety feature, which is acceptable in this context but can affect non‑battery devices that expect constant power. Finally, the team demonstrates upgrading additional hardware like a N64 with a panel-mount USB-C port for a clean, all-USB-C power solution, and finish with a reminder about the sponsor and deals, while hinting at broader implications for USB-C in everyday electronics and retro setups.

Topics · Technology · Electronics · How-To · Gaming