In his latest video, Xiphod introduces the OtterX DIY Commander X16—a sleek, small-form alternative to the full-size X16 DevBoard.
For newcomers, the Commander X16 DevBoard is the official system in the X16 ecosystem. It supports 2MB of RAM, four SNES controllers, dual VIA chips, and multiple expansion slots. It also boasts strong community support and high versatility for developers and retro fans alike.
However, those seeking a more compact build now have another option. The OtterX DIY Commander X16 delivers key features in a smaller package. Designed in ITX form factor, it includes onboard 512KB RAM and a single expansion slot. It still supports the IEC port, full VERA compatibility, and offers VGA, Composite, and S-Video output. It also includes an SD card slot for storage and loading.
Joe Burk—also known online as Wavicle—created the OtterX. He’s a long-time contributor to the X16 project and helps develop the official SMC firmware. His experience ensures the OtterX maintains core compatibility while staying true to the X16 philosophy of simplicity and modular design.
Gaming with the OtterX
Xiphod takes the OtterX for a spin in the video, pairing it with casual games and ZSM-formatted audio. All footage and sound come directly from the OtterX hardware. While the white speakers might not deliver studio clarity, they capture the system’s real-world audio output. And yes—those “clicks and clacks” are just the SNES controller doing its job!
The featured games include:
- Rally Speedway by Johan Kårlin
- Scumbotron by EyeballKid
- Petaxian by borgar
- Quarx by 8BitGuy
- PETSCII Side-Scrolling Platformer by Jimbo
- Melodius by MooingLemur
These titles were carefully selected to demonstrate how well the system handles SNES gamepad input. Each game shows different aspects of gameplay, sound, and visual capability. Watching these titles in action provides a clear sense of the OtterX’s performance and its ability to keep up with more robust hardware.
A Worthy Companion to the X16
Whether you’re looking to downsize your setup or start building your own X16-compatible system, the OtterX DIY Commander X16 is a strong contender. It preserves the charm and expandability of the full system but in a smaller footprint. With developer backing and active community support, it’s a serious tool—not just a toy—for retro development and gaming.
Xiphod’s showcase offers a fun and informative look at the OtterX in action. Anyone curious about Commander X16-compatible hardware should check out the video for a firsthand look at what this compact board can do.
