What is the rarest console?

When it comes to rare gaming consoles, rarity often depends on factors like limited production, unique editions, historical significance, or extreme demand. Some consoles were produced in very small quantities or were exclusive to certain regions, making them highly sought after by collectors. Here’s a list of some of the rarest video game consoles ever made:

1. Nintendo PlayStation (1993)

• Launch Year: 1993 (prototype)

• Description: The Nintendo PlayStation was a collaboration between Nintendo and Sony in the early 1990s to create a CD-ROM add-on for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). However, due to a falling out between the two companies, the project was canceled, and only a handful of prototype consoles were ever made.

  • These rare prototypes have become extremely valuable, especially after one was discovered in a private collection in 2020. The console features a unique design and functionality with both the PlayStation and Nintendo logos.

• Rarity: One of the most expensive gaming items in history, with the prototype being sold for over $360,000 in 2020.

• More Info: Nintendo PlayStation – Wikipedia

2. Nintendo Wii 'Korean Edition' (2007)

• Launch Year: 2007

• Description: The Korean Edition of the Nintendo Wii was released in South Korea and featured special hardware to comply with the country’s regulations on console games. Unlike the regular Wii consoles, the Korean Wii was region-locked, had a different power supply, and included an official Korean-language interface.

  • Only a small number of consoles were made, and it's extremely rare to find one outside South Korea.

• Rarity: Due to its limited production and unique features, this console is considered one of the rarest Wii consoles in existence.

• More Info: Wii (Korean Edition) – Fandom

3. Sony PlayStation 4 '20th Anniversary Edition' (2014)

• Launch Year: 2014

• Description: To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the PlayStation brand, Sony released a limited edition of the PlayStation 4 with a retro design that mimicked the original PlayStation console (PS1) from 1994. Only 12,300 units were produced worldwide, and each unit was numbered.

  • The console was sold out quickly and is now a highly coveted collector’s item. It featured a gray color scheme, the classic PlayStation logo, and a special controller.

• Rarity: With only 12,300 units ever made, it’s become one of the rarest PlayStation consoles on the market today.

• More Info: PlayStation 4 20th Anniversary Edition – Wikipedia

4. Atari 2600 'Revised Edition' Prototype (1977)

• Launch Year: 1977

• Description: The Atari 2600 is one of the most iconic early gaming consoles. However, a small number of prototype versions of the 2600, known as the 'Revised Edition', were never released to the public. These early prototypes featured subtle changes in hardware and were part of testing before mass production.

  • Only a handful of these pre-release models exist today, making them highly sought after by collectors.

• Rarity: Extremely rare, these consoles are considered holy grails for retro gaming enthusiasts.

• More Info: Atari 2600 Revised Prototype – Fandom

5. NEC TurboDuo (1992)

• Launch Year: 1992

• Description: The NEC TurboDuo was a home video game console and an upgraded version of the TurboGrafx-16. It featured CD-ROM capabilities, which was advanced for its time. However, despite its powerful hardware, the TurboDuo struggled in the market due to competition from the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis.

  • Only a few thousand units were sold, making the TurboDuo one of the rarest consoles, particularly in good condition or with its original packaging.

• Rarity: As one of the least successful consoles of its generation, it is highly collectible among fans of retro gaming.

• More Info: TurboDuo – Wikipedia

6. Sega Neptune (1995)

• Launch Year: 1995 (never officially released)

• Description: The Sega Neptune was an unreleased prototype of a combined Sega Genesis and Sega 32X console. Although it was shown to the public and was intended to merge the two systems, the project was ultimately canceled before mass production.

  • Only a handful of prototype units exist, and they have become highly sought after by collectors. The Neptune would have been Sega's way of combining their existing hardware into a single, streamlined system.

• Rarity: Extremely rare, as only a few prototype models were ever made, making this console highly valuable.

• More Info: Sega Neptune – Fandom

7. Sharp X68000 (1987)

• Launch Year: 1987

• Description: The Sharp X68000 was a personal computer released only in Japan, but it became a cult classic due to its powerful hardware and the quality of its games, which were often arcade-perfect ports. It’s known for its stunning graphics, but it had limited release outside Japan, making it difficult to find.

  • The X68000 had games that never made it to other platforms, including street fighter arcade ports and the first-ever “Metal Slug” game.

• Rarity: With its limited release and relatively small market, the Sharp X68000 is rare and valuable among collectors.

• More Info: Sharp X68000 – Wikipedia

8. The N64 'Super Mario 64' Prototype (1996)

• Launch Year: 1996

• Description: A prototype N64 that was specifically developed for Super Mario 64's testing is considered one of the rarest versions of the console. It has unique hardware configurations and was used by the developers to test the game's groundbreaking 3D graphics.

• Rarity: Extremely rare as only a few units were made for testing purposes. It’s prized among Nintendo fans and collectors for its historical significance.

• More Info: Nintendo 64 – Wikipedia

Why Are These Consoles So Rare?

• Limited production: Many of these consoles were released in very small quantities, making them inherently rare.
• Unreleased prototypes: Some consoles were never released to the public, so only a handful of prototypes exist.
• Cultural impact: These consoles often have historical significance in the gaming industry, making them valuable to collectors.
• Market failure: Some consoles were commercially unsuccessful but became rare because of low production numbers.

Conclusion: Are These Consoles Worth Buying?

If you're a collector or enthusiast, owning one of these rare consoles can be a thrilling experience. However, prices can be astronomical due to their scarcity and historical significance. Whether you're seeking them for personal enjoyment or as an investment, their rarity makes them highly desirable and, in some cases, priceless. Be prepared to spend significantly, but owning one of these consoles can be a unique piece of gaming history.

Price Check Websites:

• eBay: www.ebay.com – Check for rare consoles and auctions.
• PriceCharting: www.pricecharting.com – Find value estimates for rare gaming consoles.