Pokémon Stadium N64 Battle Set - $500
To coincide with the release of Pokémon Stadium, Nintendo rolled out a special version of the N64. This set included the Nintendo console itself, the "atomic purple" controller, an N64 transfer Pak, a Pokémon Trainer Journal, and of course the game itself.
Released back in 2000, these sets are hard to come by today but now and then one will emerge on the likes of eBay, priced anywhere between $300 and $500. For the same money, you could also buy a regular PS4.
This Is Cool Sega Saturn - $700
Kids went bonko over this special model of the Sega Skeleton Saturn line. The first to be produced, they had a see-through body and the words "This Is Cool" inscribed on the CD drive. They were right. This retro console was indeed cool.
Only 30,000 were made, however, leaving this one a bit of a collector's item. You may get lucky online and find one for anywhere between $400 and $700. Is it worth it? Yes, this Skeleton Saturn is cool, after all.
Pikachu N64 Set - $1,000
The Nintendo 64 really prioritised some franchises over others, perhaps most notably Pokémon. To promote the video game Hey You, Pikachu, Toys R Us rolled out an exclusive N64 console. It was coloured blue and yellow and came with a big Pikachu button.
Don't worry, it also included the game. There was no "each sold separately" hokum at play here. It also came with the Voice Recognition Unit, the microphone, and a talking Pokémon watch. Today, if you have $1,000 to spare, you can buy the console online.
Code Veronica Dreamcast - $1,700
The Dreamcast was destined for greatness. The media called it the console of the future. And then the PlayStation 2 arrived and kicked it into obscurity. But certain models of it have since found new life as collector's items, including the Code Veronica Dreamcast.
This special edition console was released in tandem with Resident Evil: Code Veronica, which was both see-through and red. If you want to pick up one of these novelty consoles you're gonna be looking at anywhere between $1,500 and $1,7000.
Red Pokemon Game Boy Micro - $2,600
Do you remember the Game Boy Micro? Stop lying. You don't. Nobody does. But that's okay. The more obscure in this line of work, the more valuable. Released back in 2005 (apparently) this console turned out to be the final product of the Game Boy franchise.
For that reason alone, the Game Boy Micro is worth a lot. But it's the special limited edition version that you really want. It comes in red and has a little Pikachu decal above the B button. These sell for round $2,000-$2,600 on a good day.
PlayStation 4 20th Anniversary - $2,400
The PlayStation 4 20th anniversary was released back in 2015 to celebrate two decades of PlayStation greatness. Unlike the sequel consoles that had followed the original console, this limited edition one was colored the same gray as the PlayStation 1.
Bear in mind only 12,300 of these special edition consoles were made available to the public, and as a result, their resale price is often eye-watering. To get a pristine, brand new in box Playstation 4 20th anniversary, you'll have to fork out $2,400.
Cuphead Xbox One S - $3,000
When it comes to rare video game consoles, it's hard to find anything that wasn't produced in the 20th century. The Cuphead Xbox One S is an exception. Released in the 2010s, this novelty release is already worth a whopping $3,000 in some corners of the internet.
It was created especially for Cuphead's launch event in Los Angeles. Get this: only four were made, and they were given away as prizes to random attendees. Now that is rare indeed, and explains why collectors will be willing to pay a lot to get one.
Nintendo 64 DD - $3,000
Nintendo 64 ran on cartridges and enjoyed plenty of success doing so. But when the Sony PlayStation began making waves with their CD alternatives, Nintendo had to knock something together that could rival it or get a piece of the pie.
The Nintendo 64DD was released in Japan in 1996 and sold millions! Only joking. Nobody bought it. The whole thing was a massive dud. Today, every gamer under the sun wants one. Count yourself very lucky if you bump into one down a dark alley on a second-hand site.
Sega Genesis CDX - $5,000
What do you get when you combine the Sega Genesis with the Sega CD, you get the hybrid console Sega Genesis CDX. At the time of release, it retailed at $400. As a result, nobody went out and actually bought it. Nobody, except the lucky few...
Naturally, the value for the Sega Genesis CDX has increased tenfold and now fetches for absurd prices online. A used console will sell for $1,000 while the pristine ones usually go for $4,000 or $5,000. Turn your basement upside for this one.
Maziora Dreamcast - $6,000
Despite how unsuccessful it ultimately proved to be, the Dreamcast was released in several variations. The rarest and most valuable is arguably the Maziora Dreamcast. Manufactured in Japan, only 500 were made. But that's not even the half of it.
What makes this thing so unique is the special coating, which causes the console's color to change depending on the lighting and viewing angle. Sometimes it's purple, sometimes it's blue. Fascinating, truly fascinating. These things can go for as much as $6,000!
Dreamcast STARS Edition - $7,000
The STARS Dreamcast is one of the hardest consoles to find on the collector's market. Released by Sega in Japan, it has a greyish blue color and comes with a special STARS sticker on the disc drive. Who knew stickers could be so valuable?
The STARS Dreamcast also came with an exclusive controller, the Code Veronica game, and some other assorted Resident Evil merch. Only 200 of these consoles were made, making them an incredibly rare find. One recently appeared on eBay for $7,000.
Pokémon World Championships Nintendo DSi XL - $7,000
The Pokémon World Championships Nintendo DSi XL is not only one of the longest-names in console history but one of the most valuable. According to sellers, this was only given out to top players who competed in the 2010 Pokémon World Championships.
The console is quite ugly with its bright yellow color and Pokémon insignia but who cares about that when there's money to be made? One Pokémon World Championships Nintendo DSi XL sold for a whopping $7,000 recently. That's a lot, if you didn't know.
The PS1 10 Million Edition - $7,500
After its first console sold over ten million units, Sony released the PS1 10 Million Edition in celebration. Colored in dark blue rather than gray, the production was short and limited, leaving this console a rare find on the collector's market.
They routinely sell for more than $5,000 on eBay. The highest amount it's ever gone for, however, is a staggering $7,500. Rumor has it that some collectors have found the PS1 10 Million Edition at bargain prices at yard sales.
Gold Minish Cap Game Boy Advance SP - $8,000
This gold Minish Cap Game Boy Advance SP is one of the rarest consoles ever made and is considered a UK exclusive. It contains a Minish Cap video game and a hold Game Boy Advance SP. These have soared in value in the last few years.
The console itself is valuable enough but a release that comes with a factory-sealed box in mint condition could earn you some serious money. In the past, it has been sold for as much as $8,000 - though an offer of $334 in 24 monthly installments was also made.
Shadow of the Tomb Raider Xbox One X - $8,400
What happens when Square Enix and Microsoft team up? They design the Shadow of the Tomb Raider Xbox One X! This console was auctioned off via eBay to raise money for the charity Best Friend Animal Society, unlike others on this list.
The lucky winning bidder paid a whopping $8,000 for the special console, which was released two and a half years before the Xbox Series S and X. Will this ever go on sale again? Maybe. Keep your eyes peeled, collectors...
The Atari Cosmos - $18,853
Atari may have been defunct for decades, but in the early days of video games they ruled the roost with their flagship console the 2600. However, after trying and failing to break into the handheld sector, Atari struggled to compete with rival Nintendo as the 80s rolled.
The Atari Cosmos pictured above was in development for three long years only to be cancelled in 1981. Five prototypes exist, however, three of which are empty shells. One of them appeared on eBay in 2005 and sold for a massive $18,853.
The Nintendo PlayStation - $360,000
Do you think gaming companies never fraternize with the enemy? Wrong. Prior to the invention of the Xbox, Microsoft worked with Sega during the development of the Dreamcast. As it happens, Sony was doing the same thing with Nintendo in the early 90s.
Arise, the Nintendo PlayStation. The prototype was first revealed in 2009 by an ex-Advanta employee called Terry Diebold. In 2019, he put the unique console up for auction where it sold for a gobsmacking $360,000, making it the most expensive piece of gaming memorabilia in the world.
The Nintendo Wii Supreme - $375,000
The Nintendo Wii Supreme is made up of 22-carat gold and 78 diamonds. You do the math. Three of these silly consoles were even made by gold enthusiast Stuart Hughes. They've been priced in the past at an absurd $375,000.
It's not the only gold Nintendo product. THQ once commissioned a gold Nintendo Wii for Queen Elizabeth II, though it ended up going to a collector known as Dan2K0. It was finally sold in May 2022, auctioned off for $36,000.
Seaman Christmas Dreamcast - $2,800
No, you didn't just dream this. The Seaman Christmas Dreamcast was an actual thing. The console came in a transluscent red color and was released in Japan back in the late 90s. Only 850 were made due to poor sales.
Despite being sold in larger volumes than other special consoles, the Seaman Christmas Dreamcast doesn't appear too often on eBay. When it does, it can go for as much as $2,800. Ultimately, the price tag depends on how badly two people want the same thing.
Beatles Rock Band Xbox 360 - $3,600
Are you a huge Beatles fan? You've probably heard of this hand-painted console that was sold at auction to raise money for Doctors Without Borders. Only a select few were made and given away as prizes at an Xbox Live competition.
To enter the prize draw, all players had to do was buy All You Need Is Love on Xbox Live. If you were lucky enough to win one of these special consoles you may want to see it valued on eBay. Previous listings have sold for $3,6000.
24k Gold-Dipped PS3 - $5,000
Is the idea of a PlayStation 3 dipped in 24 karat gold a bit ridiculous, and does the gold plating add anything to the gaming experience despite bad taste? Yes, but people still go nuts whenever these appear on second-hand sites or in shops.
Of course, they seldom do. Only five 24k gold-dipped PS3s were made, probably because it was so inconvenient and expensive to make en masse. Ones that have somehow made it to the market have sold for as much as $5,000. Look out!
Lara Croft Gem-Studded Xbox 360 - $11000
We're scratching our heads too. The gem-studded Lara Croft Xbox 360 is a weird one, even when taking into consideration the popularity of the character among gamers. Modelled on Lara Croft's portrait from Tomb Raider: Legend, this console comes in at $11,000.
That's probably because it has over 11,000 gemstones adorning it. Also, only a handful of these special consoles were ever made. If you have five-figures to burn on an extremely horny novelty games console, be sure to check eBay on the regular.
Rose Gold PS4 - $14,000
Okay, fair enough. Rose gold is a nice color. It works well on controllers (which are cheap) so why wouldn't it work on a console (which are expensive)? The Rose Gold PS4 is worth your time if aesthetic expenditures are your thing.
Created by Gatti Luxury Lab, an Italian Jewelers that wanted to make the best-looking game console in the world, the Rose Gold PS4 contains over 220g of nine karat gold. They went on sale at Jumbo Electronics and were marketed for $13,699.
Gold Legend of Zelda Game Boy Advance SP - $20,000
Who doesn't love the Legend of Zelda? Misanthropes, that's who. Who doesn't love the Gold Legend of Zelda Game Boy Advance SP? People who care about their money and don't waste it on special gaming consoles. But if you've got that much disposable income, go nuts!
Created to mark the release of The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap by Nintendo of Europe, you had to find a golden ticket inside a limited edition Game Boy Advance SP bundle to be rewarded with one of the gold bad boys. These can now fetch as much as $20,000.
RDI Halcyon - £7,600
Back in the 80s, people went nuts over Laserdiscs. As a result of this growing popularity, RDI Video Systems launched the Halcyon in 1985 which became the first video game console to support Laserdiscs. It even had voice recognition decades before that became normal!
For some reason, the Halcyon went to pot and faded into obscurity. It sold just a handful of units before it was discontinued by RDI. You know what that means, baby! Rare and expensive! The Halcyon was worth $2,500 upon release, and will now fetch more than triple that.
Apple Pippin - $3,000
Apple launched the Pippin in 1996, in the hopes of creating a hybrid of games console and home computer. It failed to impress audiences and sold miserably. Within a year, Apple took it off the market. Those who bought it are now reaping the rewards.
One of the unique things about the Apple Pippin is that game developer Bungie got its start on the console. Marathon, one of their first games, launched on the Pippin seven years before the Halo series. As such, Pippins can go for as much as £3,000 today.
Nintendo Game Boy Color Ozzie! Ozzie! Ozzie! - $2,000
Nintendo released 55 color variations of the Game Boy Color handheld console at the height of their powers in the late 90s and early 2000s. One of them was the Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie variant. At the time of release, it cost around $70.
Today, the green and yellow Australian exclusive costs a lot more. Dig out your dusty belongings in the attic because you may be sitting on a fortune to the sum of $2,000. Alternatively, you can just play the handheld and have a lot of fun.
GCE Vectrex 101 - $2,000
Released during the video game crash of 1983, the Vectrex 101 is a console shaped like a real arcade machine, only in a much smaller size. Over in the States, it cost around $199. That's about $520 in today's money.
Understandably, this thing didn't sell too well, though it was highly rated by gamers. Working models of the Vectrex 101 now sell for four-figures on the likes of eBay. One particular model fetched a handsome $2,000. Nothing to sneer at!
Nintendo Game Boy Micro Mother 3 Deluxe - $2,000
There are a lot of Game Boy handhelds on this list and for good reason. They were both highly entertaining and fun to look at. The Micro Mother 3 Deluxe edition was released in 2006 and retailed for $160, though it was only available in Japan.
The Nintendo Game Boy Micro Mother 3 Deluxe is now worth an awful lot, depending on which seller you find. Some may go easy on the collector, others will have them coughing up the likes of $2,000 for the novelty handheld.
Nintendo Game Boy Pocket Emerald Green - $1,500
For some gamers, or so Nintendo thought, the Game Boy Color wasn't small enough to carry around and play on the road. They decided to release the even more compact Game Boy Pocket in 1996, and it came in just as many colors as the original.
The rarest version is the emerald green Game Boy Pocket, which was a Japan-exclusive Toys R Us limited edition that glows in the dark. Mint condition models can go for around $1,500. Check out eBay for any and all updates on this one.
APF Imagination Machine - $1,100
The Imagination Machine may sound like some bait and switch device created by the government but it was actually a harmless little console from the 70s. Released in 1979, the Imagination Machine was thought up by New York company APF.
Originally retailed at $700, which was a whole lot of money back in 1979, the APF Imagination Machine still retails for insane amounts on the second-hand market. A working model can fetch as much as $1,100. Not bad at all.
Sega Mega Drive 2 FIFA 96 Australia/New Zealand - $1,200
The Sega Genesis (or Mega Drive 2) was one of the most popular video game consoles of all time. It was a smaller and lighter version of the original and was released in 1993 at the retail price of $149.99.
Any, boring Sega Genesis isn't worth too much these days, unless you meet someone who really wants any, boring Sega Genesis. What is expensive are the special editions. Boxed version of the FIFA 96 Australia/New Zealand version sell up to $1,200.
Original Nintendo Game Boy - $1,800
When kids first got their Game Boy back at the dawn of the 1990s, they couldn't wait to tear open the packaging and hold it proudly in the air like baby Simba. Little did they know what a huge mistake they were making.
You should have left it untouched and unopened (and suffered a miserable childhood as a result) because box-fresh original Game Boys are going for good amounts today. One seller managed to get $1,800 for his factory-sealed Game Boy. Good things really do come to those who wait.
Atari 2600 - $2000
What do you get if you times 520 by five and then put the answer after the word 'Atari'? You get the iconic Atari 2600. The world's first mass-market games console, the Atari 2600 (alternatively known as the Atari VCS) was launched in 1977.
Originally priced at $199, it was no bargain back in the day. Even less so in the 2020s. Although millions were sold, very few factory-sealed models remain. Collectors will shell out obscene amounts for one, sometimes as high as $2,000.
NEC Home Electronic/Hudson Soft TurboDuo - $2,100
This console was exlusive to North America. Released in 1992, it boasted a CD-ROM drive, which at the time was very newfangled and showy. It retailed at $299 - a great deal of money back then, the equivalent of $540 today.
The NEC Home Electronic/Hudson Soft TurboDuo was eclipsed by the Sega Genesis, leaving it a bit of a flop. That also meant that it was destined to reemerge as a collector's item in the future. The value stands at around $2,000 today.
Sony PlayStation Net Yaroze Black Console (DTL-H3001) - $2,100
The PlayStation Net Yaroze was one of the first consumer console development kits and was marketed to computer programming enthusiasts. Sony called it a "PlayStation on steroids." Back in 1997, it retailed at a mighty $750 - a mighty sum of money at any time, even more so back then.
The Yaroze - whose name translates as "Let's do it together!" - wasn't too popular with mass audiences, meaning only a select few bought one. The select few who kept it in the original boxing are even rarer. Factory-sealed copies fetch up to $2,100.
Sega Genesis Model 1 - $2,100
The Sega Genesis needs no explanation or context. This console sold over 30 million units during the 1990s alone. In 1989, they were retailed at $189 but nobody cared. This was the Sega Genesis (or, if you lived in Europe, you knew it as the Sega Mega Drive).
The original Sega Genesis 1 is rarer. A factory-sealed model can be sold for a pretty amount. Not long ago, a box sold for $2,000 on eBay. Used working models, meanwhile, go for around $300, which is still a decent amount of cash!
Epoch TV-Vader - $3,000
With a name like Epoch TV-Vader you know this console is both old as hell, and rare as hell. A precursor to the Epoch Cassette Vision, a bestseller, the TV-Vader was launched in 1980, though it was only available in Japan.
The Epoch TV-Vader only offered four games, and they were all based on Space Invaders (video games weren't an abundant medium in 1980). Since then, it has become a folkloric cult item. Working models with the original box can go for $3,000.
Sony PlayStation 2 European Automobile Color Collection - $4,800
Released in 2007, the Sony PlayStation 2 European Automobile Color Collection was a special limited edition PS2 that was restricted to just 2,000 models per color. Today, those pristine boxed versions sell for lucrative amounts, sometimes as much as $4,800.
The five available colors are Snow White, Super Red, Light Yellow, Astral Blue, and Metallic Silver. The Light Yellow one is more valuable than the other models. There's no clear reason why this one fetches more money today, but who cares? What's life without whimsy?
Sega Dreamcast Divers 2000 CX-1 - $5,510
The Sega Dreamcast Divers 2000 CX-1 is highly sought after in the rare console world. Released in 2000 and only available in Japan, they can sell for big amounts if collectors are interested enough. Mint condition versions have gone for over $5,000.
Designed as a joint project between Sega, CSK, and Fuji Television, the Divers 2000 Series CX-1 was a device that featured a Dreamcast inside a 14-inch CRT TV. Visually, it is one of the most unique and fun-looking rare consoles.