10 Rare Video Game Console Variants You Might Actually Own
A PS4 that looks like a PS1? What more do you want?
There’s no point in trying to deny it: geeks and gamers everywhere LOVE rare things.
Whether it’s a rare achievement, a shiny Pokémon card, or a factory-error Star Wars action figure still in its original box (obviously), owning something that few others do is a de facto rite of passage for all nerd kind.
Games consoles are no different, and hard-core collectors can spend thousands trying to get the rarest systems around.
However, with so many limited and special edition system variants out there for both home consoles and handhelds, modern and retro alike, everyday gamers may not even realise that their go-to system is actually a rare collectors' piece.
Looking only at systems available to the general public, and not including truly unobtainable pieces like the fabled 24k gold-dipped Game Boy Advance SP or one-off tournament prize consoles for example, there is still an absolute goldmine of potential gems to be found out there in the wild.
So whether you’re into the current generation of Xbox and PlayStation systems, or are more of an old-school Sega or Nintendo fan, here are ten rare video game console variants you might actually own.
10. 20th Anniversary Edition Game Boy Micro - Famicom
The Game Boy Micro is already quite a difficult system to track down, and is arguably the best iteration of the GBA console.
With its two inch backlit screen, slightly concave form factor, and overall size only marginally bigger than the GBA cartridges themselves, the GB Micro is truly a pocket sized portable system.
Released in December 2005, the 20th Anniversary Edition comes in a beautiful, Iron Man-esque red and gold colour scheme modelled after the original Japanese Famicom controller, which is just stunning up close.
It is estimated that up to fifty thousand of these systems were produced worldwide, so whilst it is indeed rare, it is not uncommon to find one listed online or in a specialist high street games store.
Whilst the system sold for approximately the same price at launch as the regular GB Micro, prices are obviously a lot higher if you are looking to pick one up today.
Potential buyers should expect to find loose, unboxed versions of the 20th Anniversary Edition GB Micro for between £80 and £175 online or in store.
If, however, your inner-collector will only be satisfied with a complete, mint in box version, then you'll need to make sure you've got a spare £500 or £600 stashed away in your Super Mario piggy bank.