12 Rare Video Game Consoles That Had Short Runs
A great collection of rare video game consoles reflects the history and evolution of gaming. Some consoles were produced in such limited quantities that they’ve become highly prized among collectors. Finding these rare systems takes patience, research, and a little luck. For the dedicated collector, owning one of these rare consoles is a piece of gaming history.
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1993 Nintendo PlayStation
The Nintendo PlayStation was a groundbreaking collaboration between Nintendo and Sony, announced in 1993 but never fully realized. After the partnership collapsed, only a handful of prototypes were produced, making this console incredibly rare today. Its uniqueness stems from its ability to play both Super Nintendo and PlayStation games, a feature never seen again. With fewer than 200 units in existence, its estimated market value has soared, reaching up to $360,000 when one is available for sale.
This prototype stands as a reminder of what could have been, and its rarity is intensified by its role in gaming history. The console was never commercially available due to the falling out between the two companies. Collectors covet this piece of history, which now commands exorbitant prices at auctions. Its scarcity only adds to the intrigue surrounding this near-miss in the evolution of video gaming.
1995 Sega Neptune
In 1995, Sega planned to release the Neptune, a hybrid console combining the Sega Genesis and the Sega 32X, but the project was scrapped before it hit the shelves. The system’s rare status is due to the fact that only a small number of prototypes were made, and they never made it to market. It was intended to simplify the experience for players who wanted both systems in one console, but with the failure of the 32X, the Neptune never saw the light of day. These prototypes can be worth as much as $10,000 to $20,000 today.
Collectors seek the Sega Neptune because it represents a rare chapter in Sega’s console history. Had it been released, it could have changed the gaming landscape, offering a compact and efficient solution to the 32X’s expansion woes. Unfortunately, Sega shifted focus to other projects, leaving the Neptune an abandoned relic. Its limited run and prototype status make it a highly sought-after console for vintage gaming enthusiasts.
1995 Atari Jaguar
The Atari Jaguar CD was released as an add-on for the Atari Jaguar, offering expanded storage and access to CD-ROM games. Its production was limited due to the Atari Jaguar’s commercial struggles, and only around 50,000 units were ever sold. The Jaguar CD is rare not just because of its low production numbers but also because of the console’s failure to capture a large audience. Prices for the Jaguar CD now range between $300 and $500, depending on its condition and included accessories.
While the Jaguar CD was a great idea in theory, it faced competition from systems like the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn. Atari’s decision to pull the plug on the system soon after its launch led to its quick disappearance from the market. As a result, it’s now considered a rare collectible, especially for those interested in exploring the console’s limited library of games. The Jaguar CD’s place in the history of failed console peripherals only adds to its charm as a unique collector’s item.
1994 Neo Geo CD
Released by SNK in 1994, the Neo Geo CD was designed to bring the arcade experience to the home, offering high-quality 2D graphics and a solid library of fighting games. Unfortunately, it didn’t succeed commercially, largely due to its high price and competition from other more affordable consoles like the PlayStation. With fewer than 50,000 units sold, the Neo Geo CD is a rare gem in the world of retro gaming, now valued at $200 to $600.
Its short run and high price point made it an exclusive piece of gaming hardware for those who could afford it. Although the Neo Geo CD is part of a respected lineage of consoles, its lack of success made it a rare find today. Collectors value it for its outstanding game library and its place in the history of SNK.
2006 Microsoft Xbox 360 HD-DVD Drive
In 2006, Microsoft introduced the HD-DVD Drive as an external accessory for the Xbox 360, allowing it to play HD-DVD movies. However, the format war between HD-DVD and Blu-ray quickly ended in Blu-ray’s favor, causing the HD-DVD Drive to become obsolete shortly after its release. With limited production numbers, the drive is now a rare collector’s item, valued at $50 to $150, depending on condition.
The HD-DVD Drive’s rarity stems from its short-lived existence and its connection to the failed HD-DVD format. While the Xbox 360 itself became a massive success, the HD-DVD format struggled to gain traction, leading to the rapid discontinuation of the drive. Collectors and retro gaming fans now seek the HD-DVD Drive as a unique piece of video game hardware history.
2012 Nintendo Wii Mini
In 2012, Nintendo released the Wii Mini, a compact version of the popular Wii console, but it was only available in a few select regions. The limited availability and stripped-down features, such as the lack of Wi-Fi and GameCube compatibility, made the Wii Mini a rare item. It is now valued at $100 to $200 on the secondary market, with some listings reaching even higher prices for models in excellent condition.
The Wii Mini’s rarity comes from its limited release and the decision to discontinue it quickly after launch. It was designed to be a more affordable alternative to the original Wii but lacked some key features that made the original console so beloved. This made it less popular at the time but has since made it a unique collectible. Retro gaming enthusiasts appreciate the Wii Mini as a rare version of one of Nintendo’s most iconic consoles.
2013 PlayStation Vita TV
Released by Sony in 2013, the PlayStation Vita TV was a unique device that allowed players to enjoy PlayStation Vita games on their TV. Despite its innovative concept, it never gained significant popularity and was primarily sold in Japan. The PlayStation Vita TV was discontinued after just a few years, making it rare today, with prices ranging from $100 to $250.
This device’s short lifespan and limited release have contributed to its rarity. The Vita TV allowed PlayStation fans to experience Vita-exclusive games without purchasing the handheld system, but it struggled to capture the market. Its limited availability and quick discontinuation make it a valuable item for those interested in collecting unique PlayStation devices. As fewer units remain, its market value continues to climb among retro gaming collectors.
1989 Atari Lynx
Released in 1989, the Atari Lynx was one of the first handheld consoles to feature color graphics, offering a groundbreaking experience for its time. Unfortunately, the Lynx’s high price and bulky design made it less appealing compared to the more affordable Game Boy, leading to poor sales. With only around 3 million units sold, the Atari Lynx is now a rare find, valued at $50 to $200 depending on condition and accessories.
Despite its commercial struggles, the Lynx was ahead of its time in terms of technology, offering games with superior graphics and gameplay for a handheld device. The rarity of the Atari Lynx today is due to its quick discontinuation and its inability to compete with the Game Boy. For collectors, the Lynx is a fascinating piece of gaming history. Its limited run and innovative features make it a sought-after item in the world of retro gaming.
2000 SEGA Dreamcast Limited Edition Hello Kitty
In 2000, SEGA released a limited-edition Hello Kitty Dreamcast console in Japan, combining the appeal of the iconic mascot with the Dreamcast’s cult following. Only a small number of units were produced, making this particular version extremely rare. It now commands a price of $500 to $1,000, depending on condition and whether it includes all original packaging and accessories.
This unique version of the Dreamcast console was part of SEGA’s attempt to tap into the growing Hello Kitty fanbase, but only a limited number of units were available. Its rarity comes from its production as a niche, special-edition item rather than a mass-market release. For collectors, this console represents a piece of gaming history that combines both pop culture and video game nostalgia. Its limited availability and unique design have made it highly collectible.
1995 Neo Geo CDZ
The Neo Geo CDZ, released in 1995, was a more advanced version of the Neo Geo CD, offering faster load times and a sleeker design. However, the Neo Geo CDZ had a very short production run due to its high cost and the failure of the Neo Geo CD system. Only a small number of units were ever sold, and today it’s valued at $300 to $800, depending on its condition and whether the original packaging is included.
Despite its shortcomings in the market, the Neo Geo CDZ is a rare and valuable piece of gaming hardware. It was a last-ditch effort by SNK to salvage the Neo Geo CD system, but it was quickly overshadowed by the success of other gaming consoles. Its limited availability and connection to the Neo Geo brand make it a desirable item for collectors of vintage gaming hardware. The Neo Geo CDZ represents a piece of the golden age of 2D arcade gaming and remains an intriguing relic for enthusiasts.
1993 Panasonic 3DO
Released in 1993, the Panasonic 3DO was an ambitious multimedia console that aimed to offer better graphics and sound than its competitors. Despite its innovative design and advanced technology, it struggled to compete with more affordable systems like the PlayStation and Sega Saturn. Only around 2 million units were sold, making it a rare console today, with values ranging from $150 to $400, depending on condition and the inclusion of accessories.
The 3DO was ahead of its time in terms of multimedia capabilities, including its use of full-motion video and high-quality sound. However, its high price and the lack of strong third-party support led to its commercial failure. Today, the 3DO is remembered as an ambitious but ultimately flawed console that is highly valued by retro gaming collectors. Its rarity and technological significance make it a fascinating addition to any collection.
1995 Apple Bandai Pippin
The Apple Bandai Pippin was a joint project between Apple and Bandai, released in 1995 as an attempt to create a multimedia console. Unfortunately, it was overpriced and lacked compelling game titles, leading to its commercial failure. With fewer than 50,000 units produced, the Pippin is considered a rare collector’s item, valued at around $150 to $500.
The Pippin was designed to offer multimedia capabilities, with games and CDs playable on the system, but it never gained the popularity Apple had hoped for. The high price point and lack of strong software support led to its quick discontinuation. Despite its failure, the Pippin remains a rare piece of Apple’s history, with collectors valuing its limited production and innovative ideas. Its low market penetration makes it a fascinating find for those interested in early multimedia consoles.
1982 Vectrex
Released in 1982, the Vectrex was a unique console that used vector graphics, a technology that was ahead of its time. Despite its impressive visuals and innovative design, it struggled to compete with other consoles and only around 1 million units were sold. Today, the Vectrex is a rare collector’s item, with prices ranging from $300 to $600 depending on the condition and included accessories.
The Vectrex stands out for its built-in screen and unique vector graphics, offering a different gaming experience compared to other consoles of the era. However, its high price and competition from systems like the Atari 2600 led to its downfall. Despite its commercial failure, the Vectrex remains a rare and valued piece of gaming history. Collectors prize it for its technological innovation and its place in the early days of home gaming.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.