The Rarest and Most Expensive Retro Consoles in the World!

Nowadays video games are fundamental in many people's lives, they have impacted generations and created unforgettable memories. In addition to the known consoles, there are some rarities that few have had the chance to obtain and many are unaware of their existence.

These unique consoles are authentic treasures for collectors and enthusiasts, featuring unique stories and astronomical prices. Let's get to know eight of the rarest and most expensive retro consoles in the world, each with an intriguing history and particularities which set them apart.

PS1 10 million

This limited edition was created by Sony to celebrate the sale of 10 million units of the PS1, making it a scarce item due to its limited distribution. Instead of being sold in stores, Sony made it available as a gift in several promotions.

It’s speculated that only 100 units of this console were manufactured, making it an extremely coveted item. At the moment, the only way to get one is through the luck of finding it in an internet auction.

The PS1 10 Million, in addition to its uniqueness, is distinguished by its design, contrasting with conventional models, which have a silver color and a commemorative emblem.

This unique look not only commemorates an important moment for Sony, but also attracts ardent collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate both the console's aesthetics and history. Finding one of these units in perfect condition is a real treasure for any video game aficionado.

Xbox One X Shadow of the Tomb Raider

The Shadow of the Tomb Raider-themed Xbox One X is a special partnership between Square Enix and Microsoft. It’s impossible not to mention that the console is one of the rarest consoles in the world, only one unit of the Xbox One X Shadow of The Tomb Raider was manufactured, making it a relic.

The console has several features in its design and was created to be truly unique, to be auctioned to raise funds for the Best Friends Non-Profit, dedicated to animal protection.

The winner of the auction paid more than eight thousand dollars to acquire this unique and exclusive piece. One detail is that the console was made available just two and a half years before the launch of the Xbox Series S and X. Due to its rarity, it’s worth more now than when it was purchased and the coolest thing is that the money went to a good cause!

Dreamcast Maziora

Made available only in Japan, the Dreamcast Maziora was developed in partnership with a car paint company. One of the notable aspects of this model is that it changes color depending on the angle of light, generating a unique effect on any shelf.

The Dreamcast Maziora package, in addition to the console, contained a keychain, an item known as a "dream passport" and a sticker. Only 500 units were manufactured, 300 of which were signed by Tadahiko Taira, a race car driver sponsored by the paint company.

With its unique design and color change, the Maziora Dreamcast has become a highly sought-after collector's item. The chameleon console, as many call it, added to the exclusivity of the limited edition and extras such as the keychain and the "dream passport" makes it even more valuable on the collectors' market.

A Dreamcast Maziora is estimated at over 5.000USD, making it one of the rarest and most expensive consoles available to vintage video game enthusiasts.

Nintendo PlayStation

Everyone knows the story of Nintendo and Sony breaking up in the production of an add-on for the Super Nintendo in the 90s.

The prototype was known as the "Nintendo PlayStation" by many. In 2009 a former Advanta employee named Terry Diebold found the console in his home. More than a decade later, he made the device available at an auction and sold it for an incredible 360,000 USD, making it one of the most valuable gaming pieces on the planet at that time.

Xbox 360 Lara Croft Gem-Studded

The Lara Croft Gem-Studded Xbox 360 is one of the scarcest consoles on the planet. This exclusive Xbox 360 model is distinguished by the image of Lara Croft made up of 11 thousand colorful pebbles, carefully shaped.

The illustration represents the character as presented in Tomb Raider: Legend and was created entirely by hand, giving the console unparalleled artistic and collectible value.

The Lara Croft Gem-Studded Xbox 360, in addition to its impressive aesthetics and exclusivity, also has symbolic meaning for series admirers and collectors.

The console's meticulous design mirrors Lara Croft's enigmatic and adventure-filled universe, resulting in a piece that not only pays homage to the game, but also the trajectory of one of the most iconic characters in the video game industry.

Another console which was sold supporting a charitable cause, showing that the gaming universe can generate incentives for social responsibility and, at the same time, exalt gaming culture.

Atari Cosmos

The Atari Cosmos is another one of the rarest consoles in the world. Unlike the others, it was never officially released by Atari. It’s believed that only 250 units were produced, and the reasons that led to its cancellation are still unknown.

The Atari Cosmos is notable not only for its rarity, but also for the innovative idea it introduced during that period. Made to provide a 3D holographic gaming experience, the console promised to transform the way gamers viewed video games.

The holographic technology, despite being notable, was one of the elements that led to its cancellation, as Atari managers doubted its commercial viability and doubted the console's ability to provide a convincing 3D experience, but there is no official justification.

Today, the Atari Cosmos awakens curiosity and fascination, symbolizing a "what if" in the history of video games - a vision of an innovation which could have transformed the landscape of electronic entertainment. Finding one of these units is like discovering a part of video game history, preserving a period of technology that was never fully achieved.

Game Boy Advance SP Gold Minish Cap

The impressive Game Boy Advance SP Gold Minish Cap is another rare console produced. This UK exclusive, limited edition bundle includes the gold-plated Game Boy Advance SP console. The console itself is quite difficult to find in perfect condition.

It’s not just a console, but a tribute to the iconic Zelda series, which makes it a coveted item among collectors.

Made in an extremely limited quantity to celebrate the release of The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap in Europe, it features the Triforce emblem, the series' emblem, precisely engraved, which intensifies its commercial appeal.

The sentimental value and refined aesthetics of this model make it an extremely sought-after piece, not only for its rarity, but also for its connection to one of the most beloved game series in history.

Just like other consoles, the only way to obtain it is through auctions.

Nintendo Wii Supreme

The Nintendo Wii Supreme currently tops the list as the most exclusive and valuable console on the planet. Made by artist Stuart Hughes, it’s covered with 2.5 kilos of 22-carat gold and 78 diamonds on the front buttons. Only three pieces were manufactured, making it a truly singular and unique piece.

Worth enough value to purchase several properties, cars or even travel around the world, the Wii Supreme is an unparalleled gem in the world of video games.

Every detail has been meticulously crafted to convey luxury and exclusivity. From the gold coating to the unparalleled shine of the diamonds set on the front buttons, they make it a sophisticated and high-luxury piece.

This console goes beyond just being an entertainment device; it’s an authentic work of art and an emblem of status and prestige. The Nintendo Wii Supreme has become a coveted item among renowned collectors and technology enthusiasts.

Its uniqueness and the value of the precious materials used in its manufacture make it the rarest and most expensive console in the world of electronic games.

In addition to being rare, these consoles go beyond mere devices. Some are authentic pieces of art and luxury, and others are rare for their history. Each console symbolizes a fusion of innovation, creativity and unparalleled value for collectors or video game lovers.

Whether you are a collector or simply a video game aficionado, finding out about the existence of these rare consoles, in addition to nostalgia, is fascinating to know that such pieces exist in the world of electronic games.