What's the rarest console ever?

The rarest gaming consoles are often associated with limited production runs, prototypes, or special editions that were either never mass-produced or were lost to time. Here’s a rundown of some of the rarest and most valuable consoles ever produced:

1. Nintendo PlayStation (also known as the Sony PlayStation prototype)

• Rarity: Extremely rare (only one confirmed working unit)
• Background: This is arguably the rarest console ever. It’s a prototype of a collaboration between Sony and Nintendo in the early 1990s to create a console that would combine a Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) with a CD-ROM drive. The project was eventually abandoned when Nintendo partnered with Philips instead. The Nintendo PlayStation prototype was never sold to the public, and only one working prototype is known to exist today.
• Value: The only known working unit was sold at auction for $360,000 in 2020, making it one of the most expensive consoles ever sold.

2. The Nintendo 64 “Ultraman” Edition

• Rarity: Extremely rare (very few units produced)
• Background: This was a special edition Nintendo 64 released in Japan in 1997 to celebrate the Ultraman TV series’ anniversary. Only a handful of these consoles were made and were sold as part of a limited promotion, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after N64 consoles.
• Value: Depending on the condition, these consoles can fetch upwards of $1,500 to $2,500.

3. Sony PlayStation 4 “20th Anniversary Edition”

• Rarity: Rare (only 12,300 units made)
• Background: Released in 2014 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of PlayStation, this limited-edition PS4 was designed to resemble the original PlayStation with its gray coloring and retro logo. Only 12,300 units were made, and each one was numbered.
• Value: The price can range from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the condition.

4. Neo Geo AES (Home Console)

• Rarity: Rare (limited production)
• Background: The Neo Geo AES was the home console version of the Neo Geo MVS arcade system and was incredibly expensive when it was released. At $650 in 1990 (equivalent to over $1,300 today), the console was a luxury item that only a small number of people could afford. Additionally, the Neo Geo had very expensive games, which further limited its popularity and production.
• Value: Depending on the condition and the specific model (including special edition models), the Neo Geo AES can sell for anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000 or more for a complete set.

5. The 1990 Nintendo World Championship Cartridge

• Rarity: Extremely rare (only 116 units)
• Background: This cartridge was part of a competition held by Nintendo in 1990, where players participated in a Nintendo World Championship to compete in various games. The cartridge itself features a special version of Super Mario Bros., Rad Racer, and Tetris designed specifically for the competition. Only 116 of these cartridges were made, and they were handed out as prizes to the winners and participants.
• Value: These rare cartridges have sold at auction for as much as $1 million in some cases, making it one of the most valuable and rarest gaming collectibles.

6. Atari 2600 “Christmas 1982” Edition

• Rarity: Rare (only a handful made)
• Background: This rare Atari 2600 edition was produced in very limited quantities and distributed as part of a special Christmas promotion. Only a handful of units exist, making it highly collectible.
• Value: This console can fetch prices of $3,000 to $5,000, depending on its condition and packaging.

7. The Panasonic 3DO “FZ-1”

• Rarity: Rare (limited commercial success)
• Background: The 3DO Interactive Multiplayer was an ambitious console created by Trip Hawkins, founder of Electronic Arts. Despite having impressive technology for its time, it failed to gain traction in the marketplace. Only a small number of units were sold.
• Value: Due to its rarity and limited production, the 3DO can be worth anywhere between $300 to $1,000, but specific models or complete boxed versions can go for more.

8. Virtual Boy (By Nintendo)

• Rarity: Rare (less than 1 million units sold)
• Background: The Virtual Boy was a 3D gaming console released by Nintendo in 1995 that was intended to pioneer the virtual reality gaming experience. Unfortunately, the system had poor sales due to its clunky design, limited game library, and health concerns (it caused eye strain). As a result, only around 770,000 units were sold before it was discontinued.
• Value: Depending on the condition, a Virtual Boy in its original packaging can sell for anywhere between $300 to $1,000.

9. Sega Pluto

• Rarity: Extremely rare (prototype console)
• Background: The Sega Pluto was an unreleased prototype console that was essentially an updated version of the Sega Saturn, equipped with a built-in modem for online gaming. Despite being shown at trade shows, it never made it to the market. Only a few prototypes exist today.
• Value: If one were to surface, it could fetch anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on its condition and authenticity.

10. The Apple Pippin

• Rarity: Rare (limited production)
• Background: The Apple Pippin was a short-lived console released in 1996 as part of a partnership between Apple and Bandai. It was marketed as a multimedia console rather than a traditional gaming system, but it failed to catch on due to its high price, limited game library, and poor sales.
• Value: The Pippin is now considered a rare collectible, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,500 for boxed versions.

Conclusion

The rarest gaming consoles are usually those that were produced in limited quantities, prototypes that never saw the light of day, or systems that were too ahead of their time. Among these, the Nintendo PlayStation prototype stands out as one of the most sought-after and expensive consoles ever. Collectors and gaming enthusiasts often search for these rare consoles, and their value continues to rise as they become more elusive with time.

If you’re in the market for rare consoles, it’s essential to check auction sites like eBay, Heritage Auctions, or Catawiki, or explore niche gaming communities and forums.