9 "Must-Have" Video Game Peripherals (That Instantly Flopped)

6. Nintendo Power Glove - NES

Tony Hawk Ride
Mattel

What it was: One of the earliest forms of virtual reality that, instead of being worn on the head à la modern iterations like Oculus or Vive, encased the user's arm in a gauntlet with such a strong 80s vibe it wouldn't at all be surprising if the device had been smuggled off the set of Back To The Future.

Despite its name adorning the box, Nintendo had no hand in the Power Glove's creation. Rather, it was manufactured by Mattel for the NES as an affordable peripheral that could detect finger movements and rolling motions.

Why it flopped: Besides having only ever received two dedicated titles - Super Glove Ball and Bad Street Brawler - it swiftly became apparent, following launch, that in an effort to prevent the peripheral from requiring a second mortage, Mattel had created one of the most unreliable pieces of technology ever conceived.

You need not take our word for it - see a live demonstration of the device in action below.

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Contributor

Joe is a freelance games journalist who, while not spending every waking minute selling himself to websites around the world, spends his free time writing. Most of it makes no sense, but when it does, he treats each article as if it were his Magnum Opus - with varying results.