What's the worst selling console?
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The worst-selling console of all time is generally considered to be the Virtual Boy, released by Nintendo in 1995. Despite being developed by one of the most successful video game companies, the Virtual Boy had numerous issues that led to its poor sales.
Here are some of the key reasons it underperformed:
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Technical Issues: The Virtual Boy used a red-and-black screen and 3D technology that gave many users headaches and eye strain. The lack of color and discomfort during use made the experience unpleasant for many.
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Limited Game Library: The Virtual Boy had a very small library of games (about 14), and many of them were not well-received by critics or players. The limited game selection severely restricted its appeal.
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High Price: At launch, the Virtual Boy was priced at $179, which was high for the time, especially given the lack of compelling software or innovative features beyond the novelty of 3D gameplay.
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Poor Marketing and Public Perception: Nintendo marketed the Virtual Boy as a portable 3D console, but it required users to sit and play it on a stand, which made it more of a stationary unit than a handheld one. This confusion led to a poor public reception.
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Short Lifespan: The Virtual Boy was discontinued just one year after its release, in 1996, due to its disappointing sales. It sold only about 770,000 units, which is minuscule compared to other Nintendo consoles, such as the Game Boy or NES.
In conclusion, while the Virtual Boy had an interesting concept with 3D gaming, it failed to deliver on most fronts and remains a notorious example of a commercial failure in the gaming industry.
