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In the world of video games, consoles can be more than just functional devices; they can be true works of art! From wild designs to outrageous collaborations, special edition consoles have captured the hearts (and wallets) of collectors everywhere. Join me as we dive into the 10 most bizarre special edition consoles ever made.
Intro
Let’s face it, standard consoles are a dime a dozen. But when companies get creative, things can get downright bizarre! From flashy collaborations to outrageous designs, special edition consoles are like a treasure trove for collectors. They aren’t just about gaming; they’re about making a statement. If you’re a fan of both video games and unique collectibles, you’ll love diving into these oddities that have graced our gaming landscape. Buckle up as we explore some of the wildest special edition consoles ever made!
Audi R8 Xbox One
If you’re a petrolhead at heart, the Audi R8 Xbox One is sure to rev your engines! This flashy console was a competition prize to celebrate the launch of 2016’s Forza Horizon 3. With its bold red finish and sleek design, it definitely stands out from the usual lineup of consoles. Imagine this beauty sitting on your TV stand, stealing the spotlight from your regular old hardware.
Only three of these eye-catching consoles were made, and they were exclusively available to German fans who entered through Facebook. Talk about a rarity! This console is the gaming equivalent of a racing car bed—it’s loud, proud, and impossible to ignore. The design looks like it was sketched out by a kid doodling in math class, but hey, at least Audi tried to create something different rather than just slapping a logo on a standard box. It’s gaudy, it’s bold, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart!
The Game of Thrones Xbox One
Ah, Game of Thrones, the show that had everyone talking (and sometimes yelling at their screens). The Game of Thrones Xbox One is a fitting tribute to this cultural phenomenon. But let’s be honest—this console is a bit of an eyesore. With three iconic sigils plastered on it, it’s like the Iron Throne of consoles. Sure, it looks cool, but it’s not winning any design awards anytime soon.
Only six of these consoles were ever produced, making them as rare as a good ending in the series. Given away to lucky fans in France after Season 6, this console is a collector’s dream. But let’s not kid ourselves; the aesthetics are a bit rough around the edges. The inlays on the controller look like they were designed with the same care as the Iron Throne itself—sharp and likely to leave a mark. If you’re brave enough to own one, just remember: “When you play the game of consoles, you win or you die.”
Marlboro Atari Lynx
Now, let’s take a trip back to the early ’90s. The Marlboro Atari Lynx handheld is a relic of a time when gaming was still viewed as a children’s pastime. So, naturally, what better way to market cigarettes than by slapping your logo on a gaming device? Talk about questionable marketing strategies!
This big red beauty was part of a promotion that involved collecting points from buying packs of smokes. It even came with a game titled “Marlboro Go,” which was basically a motorcycle racer designed to keep the brand in front of young gamers. This handheld was a marketing misfire, and it’s a stark reminder of just how far companies will go to capture the youth market. Sadly, it only lasted until 1996, proving that sometimes, smoking really does kill—both in real life and in the gaming world.
MTV GameCube
Remember when MTV was the king of pop culture? Well, they teamed up with Nintendo to create the MTV GameCube, and wow, what a bizarre match that was! This console attempted to capitalize on MTV’s edgy vibe but ended up feeling more like a bad fashion statement than a gaming device.
The designs were so over-the-top that they might cause permanent damage to your retinas if stared at for too long. The GameCube was already struggling against its more popular competitors, and these wild designs didn’t help its case. It looked more like an oversized paperweight than a gaming console, and let’s just say, the rebellious teen phase of Nintendo wasn’t their best look. If you were around during that era, you probably couldn’t escape the cringe factor of this collaboration.
Suzuki SX4 360
Sometimes a simple decal just won’t cut it. Enter the Suzuki SX4 360, a console that’s actually a car! Yes, you heard that right. This bizarre hybrid features a dashboard-integrated Xbox 360 and an internal projector to display your games right on the retractable hood. It’s like something out of a gamer’s wildest dreams!
With force-feedback front seats and full surround sound, this is one mobile gaming device that’s not road-legal. Who needs a trunk for groceries when you can have an HD gaming setup instead? Imagine cruising down the street while playing your favorite video game—it’s a gamer’s paradise, albeit a dangerous one. Just remember, this isn’t your average console; it’s a full-on experience!
Tommy Hilfiger Game Boy Color
Ah, the Game Boy Color! A handheld that defined a generation. But wait, what if I told you it got a stylish twist thanks to a collaboration with none other than Tommy Hilfiger? That’s right! Back in 1999, Nintendo teamed up with the fashion giant to create a special edition that had kids trading in their usual gaming gear for a chance to flaunt something a bit more… upscale.
This limited-edition Game Boy Color was marketed as a must-have accessory for the trendy youth—because nothing says “I’m cool” like a handheld gaming console dressed in designer threads. Imagine walking into the playground, not just with a Game Boy, but one that practically screamed fashion statement! But let’s be real: how many kids were actually rocking Hilfiger polos while trying to catch a rare Pokémon?
It was all a bit absurd, right? You could snag this special edition for a cool $57.50, but only after dropping $50 on Tommy Hilfiger kids’ clothing. Talk about a fashion-forward scheme! This console was more about the style than the substance, and it certainly didn’t resonate with every gamer. It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole—some things just don’t mix.
Panasonic GameCube
Now, let’s switch gears to a console that had a bit of an identity crisis: the Panasonic GameCube. This wasn’t just your average GameCube; it was a new-age DVD-compatible machine that had gamers scratching their heads. Sure, it was cool that it could play DVDs, but at what cost?
Released only in Japan, this bad boy was a collaboration with Panasonic to create something that could compete with the big boys. It had all the bells and whistles—dialogue boosters, cinematic mode buttons, and even full surround sound support. But here’s the kicker: it sold less than 100,000 units! That’s a drop in the bucket compared to the 21 million regular GameCubes that flew off the shelves.
It’s like going to a fancy restaurant, ordering the most expensive dish, and realizing you just spent a fortune on something that tastes like cardboard. The Panasonic GameCube was a bold move, but it just didn’t resonate with the masses. Sometimes, bigger isn’t always better, folks!
Coca Cola Game Gear
Next up, we have the Coca Cola Game Gear, a handheld that was as colorful as it was… questionable. Released in Japan in 1994, this console was a bizarre attempt to merge the worlds of gaming and soft drinks. And let me tell you, it was both an eyesore and an eye strain!
With its ridiculously tiny screen and a design that looked like a marketing department had a meltdown, this console was home to some of the Sega Game Gear’s finest titles, including the not-so-classic “Coca-Cola Kid.” Talk about a branding misfire! Instead of quenching gamers’ thirst for adventure, it left them with mediocre side-scrolling action and a headache.
Surprisingly, this relic has become a collector’s item, fetching prices up to $799 today. Who knew that a failed marketing campaign would turn into a goldmine? It’s a classic case of “what goes around, comes around,” reminding us that even the oddest consoles can find their niche in the retro gaming world.
Sneaker Pimps NES
Now, let’s talk about a console that’s so out there, it’s almost a myth: the Sneaker Pimps NES. This quirky piece of hardware was inspired by the late ’90s trip-hop band, Sneaker Pimps, who decided to dip their toes into the gaming world. But here’s the kicker: details about this console are as thin as a pair of old shoelaces!
Rumor has it that this oddity was revealed at the end of their 2007 US tour, but finding concrete information is like trying to locate a hidden Easter egg in a game. While we have a few pictures, the actual specs and gameplay remain shrouded in mystery. It’s the stuff of legends, really—could it have been the ultimate gaming accessory for sneakerheads everywhere?
Imagine a console that doubles as a fashion statement, allowing you to play while showing off your kicks. It’s like a fusion of two worlds, but unfortunately, it seems more like a fever dream than reality. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll uncover the truth behind this elusive console, but for now, it remains a tantalizing enigma in gaming history.
Nintendo Wii Supreme
And finally, we arrive at the pièce de résistance: the Nintendo Wii Supreme. If you thought gaming consoles were just plastic boxes, think again! This bad boy is a solid gold marvel, dripping with extravagance and luxury.
Slathered in 2500 grams of 22-karat gold and featuring diamond-encrusted buttons, the Wii Supreme is not just a console; it’s a statement piece. Only three of these consoles were ever produced, making them a rare find for the elite gamers among us who also have a penchant for bling. But let’s be real—who needs a gold-plated Wii when you can play Wii Sports just fine on a regular one?
The price tag? A jaw-dropping £299,000! That’s right—this console comes with a price that could buy you a small island. It’s a wild world where gaming meets opulence, and the Wii Supreme stands as a testament to the lengths some will go to make a statement in the gaming realm.
FAQ
What makes special edition consoles so unique?
Special edition consoles often feature unique designs, collaborations, and functionalities that set them apart from standard models. They appeal to collectors and fans alike, turning gaming hardware into collectible art pieces.
Are special edition consoles worth collecting?
Absolutely! Many special editions appreciate in value over time, especially those with limited production runs. If you’re a fan of a particular franchise or brand, these consoles can also serve as a nostalgic reminder of your gaming journey.
Where can I find these rare consoles?
Check online marketplaces, vintage gaming shops, and auction sites. Just be cautious of counterfeits and ensure you’re buying from reputable sellers. Happy hunting!
