An Update on Project Stellar and What Comes Next

When we first set out to announce our next products, we planned to do so around the start of the new year. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond our control have forced us to move up that timeline.

Over the past few months, the cost of producing Project Stellar has more than doubled due to increased component pricing and the ongoing trade conflict affecting electronics manufacturing. After careful review, it no longer makes financial sense to continue producing the current version.

Rather than compromise on quality or raise prices to unsustainable levels, we’ve chosen to retire the current Project Stellar and move forward with its successor, Project Stellar Plus, and a new Wireless Upgrade Kit for existing customers.

What This Means for Current Orders

All existing backorders for Project Stellar will be automatically upgraded to Project Stellar Plus at no additional cost. These upgraded orders are expected to ship by the end of February.

If you have a pending order and prefer not to wait, you can contact our support team to request a full refund at any time. We understand that this is a major change, and we want to ensure every customer is satisfied with how it’s handled.

Update on XboxHD+ Orders

Due to the same supply chain and component cost issues, XboxHD+ orders are now expected to ship by the end of November.

We apologize for the delay and appreciate everyone’s continued patience and support while we work to get production back on track.

Introducing Project Stellar Plus and the Wireless Upgrade

This change is not just a replacement - it’s a major step forward for what Project Stellar was always meant to be.

Over the past year, we’ve been working on a complete redesign of the Stellar hardware and firmware. What started as incremental updates quickly became something far more significant. The result is Project Stellar Plus, a new generation that builds on everything the original Stellar achieved while solving the limitations that held it back.

At the same time, we wanted to make sure that current Stellar owners are not left behind. For that reason, we are also introducing the Project Stellar – Wireless Upgrade, a small add-on board that brings all of the same wireless features to existing Stellar installations.

A Redesign from the Ground Up

Project Stellar Plus has been completely rebuilt with new hardware, faster components, and an integrated wireless system. It now includes built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Classic, and Bluetooth Low Energy, all powered by BlueRetro.

This allows native support for wireless controllers, remote power on, firmware updates over Wi-Fi, and deeper integration with StellarOS.

Beyond the addition of wireless, Stellar Plus also includes a faster co-processor, an optimized LPC interface, a redesigned PCB layout, and improved SD card performance. Every part of the system was reconsidered and rebuilt to improve stability, reduce latency, and open the door for future features.

An Upgrade Path for Everyone

For existing Stellar owners, the new Wireless Upgrade adds the same wireless capabilities to your current board. It provides feature parity with Stellar Plus, including Wi-Fi updates, wireless controller support, remote power on, and more.

Both products will run the same StellarOS firmware and continue to receive updates together. Some features may eventually take advantage of the new hardware on Stellar Plus, but our goal remains the same: long-term support and a unified experience across all Stellar systems.

The Wireless Upgrade will be a single production run, with limited availability once sold out. Customers who wish to modernize their existing setups should plan to order early once preorders open.

Feature Overview

Both Project Stellar Plus and the Wireless Upgrade introduce a range of new capabilities that expand what is possible on the Original Xbox.

Shared Features

• Wireless Controller Support
  Connect up to seven wireless controllers, for a total of eleven supported (four USB and seven wireless).

• Remote Power On
  Turn on your Xbox directly from a wireless controller.

• Wi-Fi Connectivity
  Enables StellarOS firmware updates directly over the network.
  Wi-Fi functionality is limited to firmware updates at this time. Future features may be added in upcoming StellarOS releases.
  

• Automatic Port Mapping
  Wireless controllers automatically map to unused physical ports for seamless gameplay and homebrew use.

• Built-in Speaker
  Provides sound feedback for pairing, system events, and notifications.

• BlueRetro Integration
  Includes support for button remapping, rapid fire, macros, and a wide range of Bluetooth controllers.

• Stellar RGB Integration
  Adds lighting effects and visual feedback when paired with Stellar RGB hardware.

Exclusive to Stellar Plus

• Integrated wireless hardware (no separate board)

• Optimized LPC interface and optional LPC passthrough

• Faster co-processor and SD card interface

• Complete hardware redesign for improved performance

• Additional headroom for future features

Timeline and Availability

Both Project Stellar Plus and the Wireless Upgrade are currently in the final stages of preparation for production. We are finalizing components, validating design changes, and aligning firmware development across all platforms.

Our goal is for Project Stellar Plus to launch alongside firmware version 2.0.0, marking the next major milestone for the Stellar ecosystem. However, firmware 2.x.x will initially release as a preview build, as we continue to unify our code base across multiple products and features.

This update represents a major transition toward a shared foundation for all Stellar hardware, including the return of SD card support, improved system performance, and expanded integration between StellarOS, Stellar RGB, and future accessories.

We aim to begin shipping Project Stellar Plus by the end of February, with firmware 2.0.0 preview builds rolling out ahead of release for early testing.

The Wireless Upgrade Kit will follow shortly after, in a single manufacturing run with limited availability once sold out.

XboxHD+ orders are still expected to ship by the end of November, as previously mentioned.

Looking Ahead

This marks the next major chapter for the Stellar platform. The introduction of wireless capabilities, faster hardware, and a stronger firmware foundation sets the stage for the next phase of StellarOS development.

Future updates will continue to expand features, improve connectivity, and leverage the new hardware introduced with Stellar Plus.

We want to thank everyone who has supported Project Stellar since its launch. Your feedback and continued enthusiasm have helped shape the direction of every new release.

What began as an ambitious idea to modernize the Original Xbox has grown into something far greater - and the best is still ahead.

Final Thoughts

This update represents more than just new hardware. It marks the beginning of the next generation of Project Stellar and the future of StellarOS.

The move to a unified code base, new firmware foundation, and redesigned hardware will allow us to move faster, release features more consistently, and deliver a stronger experience for everyone using Stellar.

We know this has been a long time coming, and we truly appreciate everyone’s patience and support along the way. The past few years have been challenging for small-scale hardware development, but the encouragement and feedback from this community continue to make it worth every bit of effort.

As we move into 2026, our focus is clear: bring Stellar Plus to life, complete the rollout of firmware 2.x.x, and continue refining StellarOS into the best it has ever been. We have a lot planned, and we can’t wait to share more soon.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support MakeMHz and Project Stellar.