What's the rarest console ever?
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The rarest gaming consoles are often those that were produced in very limited quantities, either due to exclusive releases, special editions, or prototypes that never made it to market. Here are some of the rarest gaming consoles in history, along with details about why they are considered so rare:
1. Nintendo PlayStation (SNES-CD)
- Why it's rare: The Nintendo PlayStation is an extremely rare prototype that was created during a brief partnership between Sony and Nintendo in the early 1990s. It was meant to be a CD-ROM add-on for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). However, due to the dissolution of the partnership, the system was never released to the public. Only one known working prototype of the Nintendo PlayStation exists.
- Current value: In 2020, it was sold for nearly $360,000 at auction.
- Rarity: Extremely rare, with only a few prototypes ever created.
- Where to find it: It's mainly held in private collections or has appeared at auctions.
2. 1995 Nintendo Ultra 64 Development Kit (Prototype)
- Why it's rare: Before the Nintendo 64 was released, Nintendo worked on a development version of the console known as the Ultra 64. Very few of these development kits were made, and even fewer still exist today.
- Current value: Rare prototypes can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
- Rarity: Extremely rare, with only a handful still in existence.
- Where to find it: These prototypes are mostly in the hands of collectors or game developers.
3. Sega Neptune
- Why it's rare: The Sega Neptune was a prototype console that was intended to merge the Sega Genesis and Sega 32X into a single unit. However, the console was never released, and only a small number of prototypes were made.
- Current value: Depending on the condition, the Sega Neptune can fetch prices in the thousands of dollars.
- Rarity: Extremely rare—only a handful of prototypes are known to exist.
- Where to find it: Rarely appears in online auctions or collector sales.
4. Atari 2600 (Lucky Strike Prototype)
- Why it's rare: The Lucky Strike Atari 2600 is one of the rarest and most sought-after versions of the classic console. The prototype was produced in extremely small numbers for internal testing and is believed to have only a few examples in existence.
- Current value: Around $40,000 if found in good condition.
- Rarity: Rare—only a handful of these units are believed to have been made.
- Where to find it: Occasionally appears at auctions or private sales.
5. Sony Playstation 4 "Kuro" (Limited Edition)
- Why it's rare: The Sony PlayStation 4 "Kuro" is an extremely limited-edition version of the PS4, released only in Japan for a brief time. It featured a black matte finish and was produced in very limited quantities—only a few thousand units were made. Because of its rarity, it’s highly sought after by collectors.
- Current value: Prices can reach up to $10,000, depending on condition and box inclusion.
- Rarity: Very rare, with only a limited release.
- Where to find it: It occasionally appears in high-end auctions or rare gaming stores.
6. Neo Geo Gold System
- Why it's rare: The Neo Geo Gold System is part of the Neo Geo line of consoles, which were known for their high price tag and rare collector's edition consoles. The Gold System was produced in very limited numbers, and only a small number of these units were released as part of special promotions.
- Current value: Can sell for $10,000+ in mint condition.
- Rarity: Extremely rare—likely only a few hundred units ever produced.
- Where to find it: Typically found in specialized gaming auctions or high-end collectible stores.
7. Xbox 360 "Staff Edition"
- Why it's rare: The Xbox 360 "Staff Edition" is a special limited edition console given to employees working on the development of the system. These consoles feature unique staff branding and custom designs. Very few of them were ever made, making them highly collectible and rare.
- Current value: These rare editions can be worth thousands of dollars in the right market.
- Rarity: Very rare—only a handful of units were made.
- Where to find it: Typically found in private collections or auction sites.
8. Sega Genesis "Model 1" (Sega Channel Prototype)
- Why it's rare: This prototype of the Sega Genesis was made for the Sega Channel service, which allowed users to download games via cable. The Sega Genesis model with this prototype feature was never released to the public.
- Current value: Can reach upwards of $10,000 due to its rarity.
- Rarity: Rare—only a few prototypes were ever produced.
- Where to find it: It can be found in very specialized auctions or from high-end collectors.
9. 3DO Interactive Multiplayer (JVC Edition)
- Why it's rare: The 3DO Interactive Multiplayer was a failed gaming console from the 1990s, but the JVC Edition of the 3DO was an even rarer version. Only a limited run was produced, and it had different branding and minor changes compared to the regular 3DO.
- Current value: These systems can fetch up to $3,000 depending on condition.
- Rarity: Rare—only a small number were released.
- Where to find it: It appears in some specialized retro gaming auctions or stores.
10. Commodore 64 GS (Game System)
- Why it's rare: The Commodore 64 GS was an attempt to create a gaming-only version of the famous Commodore 64 home computer. It was produced in small quantities before being discontinued, making it one of the rarest consoles from the Commodore brand.
- Current value: Prices can reach up to $5,000+ for boxed units.
- Rarity: Extremely rare—only a limited run of units was made.
- Where to find it: Occasionally shows up in auctions or retro gaming stores.
Where to Find Rare Consoles:
- eBay: Auctions for rare consoles, though prices can be inflated.
- Specialized Auctions: Sites like Heritage Auctions and Sotheby’s sometimes have rare gaming consoles up for bid.
- Retro Gaming Stores: High-end stores that specialize in vintage games and consoles.
- Private Collectors: Many rare consoles are held by private collectors, and occasionally, they are put up for sale.
Conclusion:
The rarest consoles tend to be prototypes, limited editions, or those from gaming systems that never fully reached the market. If you're looking to own one of these rare consoles, expect to pay a premium price due to their limited supply and high demand among collectors. If you’re not aiming to purchase, just knowing about them can give you an appreciation for the history of gaming hardware!