2. NeoGeo - $650
The NeoGeo console was a beast financially and internally, when it comes to producing the best 2D sprites available. Released in 1990 for the audacious sum of $650, it failed to reach the heights that SNK had hoped as the high asking price alienated many customers. The system managed an impressive 14 year run thanks to their focus on perfectly replicating arcade cabinet gaming, but the home console slowly died a death and is now seen as a collector's item. The NeoGeo supported the exact load out of the arcade cabinets so was able to perfectly port the more popular coin draining titles from the arcades. The high launch price wasn't the only factor to deter avid gamers as the price of the cartridges could easily surpass $200 for one title, which was and is absolutely shocking. Despite the high prices of the console and titles, the NeoGeo could actually boast brilliant games unlike other console flops on this list, and gave birth to many fantastic titles. Metal Slug is arguably the best side scrolling shooters in existence while the host of fighting games from King of Fighters, Fatal Fury and Samurai Shodown could easily give any Street Fighter title a run for its money. A competitive collector's scene thrives around the NeoGeo console and it has recently been revived with the release of the NeoGeo X Gold, but for more affordable $200. The NeoGeo managed to alienate many gamers with the price tag but it did offer a multitude of excellent gaming goodness that have seen many re-releases on consoles from the PSX to Xbox 360.
Inflation Price: $1,112