Tiny USB-C power dongle turns vintage gadgets into USB-C powered devices

Sean Hollister tests Werewolf’s VFLEX, a tiny programmable USB‑C power dongle that lets gear with barrel jacks run on USB‑C power. You attach the VFLEX to the gadget, connect a USB‑C charger or battery, snap on a barrel tip, and use the Werewolf app to program the exact voltage for that device, storing profiles for quick setup. It can power a 19V monitor, a Super Famicom, and other retro gear from a portable battery, and, with capable adapters, push up to 48V, though some chargers (like Apple’s 140W) can’t deliver certain voltages and PPS is sometimes required. A caveat: devices with center‑negative barrels need orange tips, and Werewolf plans to phase out that connector in favor of a reverse‑polarity version. The system is modular, firmware updatable, and Werewolf is exploring more power options to unlock even more voltages in the future.