Modular computing device with common AC power

A method of powering a modular gaming console, the method comprising:

• receiving AC power from an external power connector to a base unit of the modular gaming console;
• rectifying a first portion of received the AC power to DC power to power the base unit;
• docking a removable expansion unit within an expansion dock of the base unit;
• transferring a second portion of the received AC power from the base unit to the expansion unit via an AC power transfer unit at the expansion dock;
• rectifying the transferred AC power to DC power to power the expansion unit;
• and
• establishing a data connection between the base unit and the expansion unit and controlling the gaming console using a game controller.

A gaming console comprising:

• a base unit including:
• a system board;
• a data connector to the system board at an expansion dock;
• an external power connector to receive AC power into the base unit;
• and
• a base power supply to rectify a first portion of the received AC power to DC power to power the base unit;
• an AC power transfer unit for transferring a second portion of the received AC power to the expansion dock;
• and
• a removable expansion unit including a performance enhancing component and an expansion power supply to receive AC power from the AC power transfer unit and to rectify the received AC power to DC power to power the removable expansion unit and a game controller for the gaming console.