5 rare Nintendo consoles that are hard to find

Rare Nintendo consoles stand as collector's items in 2024. These consoles not only represent memories but also an important chapter in gaming history. A time when technological limitations were overcome by sheer creativity and imagination. While Nintendo consoles never packed the greatest of hardware for their time, Nintendo managed to change gaming history forever by making games that not just appealed to enthusiasts but the masses as well.

With time, these game-changing retro consoles have become collector's items with huge demand for sealed packs or working consoles. In this article, we'll have a look at five such rare Nintendo consoles that you must add to your collection in 2024.

NOTE: This article is subjective and solely reflects the author’s opinions.

These rare Nintendo consoles are a must-have for any collector

1) GameCube (2001)

GameCube was praised for its C-stick controller and excellent first-party titles. (Image via Wikipedia)

The GameCube was Nintendo's answer to the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, two of the powerful consoles of that era. While commercially overshadowed by its competitors, the GameCube carved a niche for itself. It featured a unique C-Stick controller for precise input and sensitivity control.

Games like Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and Metroid Prime became an instant hit among enthusiasts while titles like Luigi's Mansion and Super Smash Bros. Melee made for a family fun time with their unique four-player co-op mode.

With a total of around 21 million units sold, the GameCube saw an incredible library of first-party titles. However, finding a working GameCube with its original accessories can be a challenge, making it a worthy addition to the rare Nintendo console list.

2) Game Boy Color (1998)

The GBC is a significant piece of gaming history and a must-have for anyone into rare Nintendo consoles. (Image via Wikipedia)

The Game Boy Color was released as an upgrade to the Game Boy in 1998. It wasn't just a cosmetic upgrade to its predecessor. It featured a backlit color display with enhanced processing power. This additional power gave way to some of the most popular games of all time like Pokémon Gold & Silver, Mario, and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.

Throughout its lifetime, the console sold over 50 million units worldwide and solidified Nintendo's position as the king of handheld gaming. While finding a standard Game Boy Color in 2024 isn't overly difficult, the search for rare exclusive or limited edition variants can be.

Special edition versions like the translucent teal Pokemon Edition released in promotion of Pokemon Crystal have become highly sought after by collectors with some variants selling for over $5,000.

3) Nintendo 64 (1996)

N64 was the first Nintendo console to support 4-player co-op. (Image via Wikipedia)

The Nintendo 64 arrived in 1996 after the massive success of SNES. However, unlike the SNES which was a 16-bit console, N64 introduced a brand-new era of 3D console gaming for Nintendo. Its innovative controller featured a unique central analog stick that offered a new way to experience games.

The N64 saw the birth of iconic franchises like GoldenEye 007, Super Mario 64, and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, all of which pushed the boundaries of what was possible in a home console in 1996.

While it sold over 32 million units, finding special editions of this rare Nintendo console is difficult in 2024. Limited editions like the Japan-exclusive NTSC-J Orange Pikachu version have become especially sought-after by collectors with some selling for over $7,000 in today’s market.

4) Original Game Boy (1989)

Game Boy popularized handheld gaming and became one of the highest-selling consoles of all time. (Image via Wikipedia)

The original Game Boy revolutionized portable gaming. Its rugged yet functional design, long battery life, and a library of addictive titles like Tetris, Pokemon Red and Blue, and Super Mario Land made it a smash hit.

Over 118 million units were sold worldwide, solidifying Nintendo's dominance in the handheld market for decades to come. The sheer historical significance has made it a must-have for every video game memorabilia collector.

While finding a used Game Boy in 2024 isn't impossible, mint condition-graded Game Boys go for up to $5,500, making it a very rare Nintendo console to own.

5) The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) (1985)

NES is a must-have for any collector of rare Nintendo consoles. (Image via Wikipedia)

The console that started it all, the NES is credited with reviving the North American video game market after the crash of the early 80s. Its iconic controller featured a directional pad and two action buttons which became the standard for generations of consoles to come.

Games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid not only defined the platformer genre but also established video games as a recreational hobby. The NES sold 61 million units during its lifetime. However, collectors are always searching for pristine limited edition consoles with their original boxes, manuals, and accessories.

A complete set in excellent condition can easily reach staggering prices, with some rare special editions like Famicon Hong Kong selling for a whopping $360,000.

The craze for rare Nintendo consoles goes beyond mere nostalgia. These retro devices represent a now-gone era of gaming. The high prices for some of the special edition consoles showcase the sheer dedication of collectors who are trying to own a piece of gaming history.

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