The unveiling of the ultra-cool blue PS3 Slim to tie in with the impending launch of Gran Turismo 5 got us thinking about the best special edition consoles we’d ever clapped peepers on. There have been lots of pimped out consoles over the years, usually released to celebrate new titles with a re-skinned machine to play them on. Some have great looks, others look simply ludicrous, but they’re all undoubtedly lust-worthy. We’ve rounded up some of the most memorable here.
We’ve dug deep to unearth some of the best collectors edition consoles around. Have you got one? It might be worth holding onto, with some of the below sure to end up on the Antiques Roadshow in the (very) distant future. With so many around we haven’t been able to list every special edition console ever created, but hopefully we’ve nailed the best, and a few surprises too. Let us know if we’ve missed a favourite of yours.
Blue PS3 Slim
We’ve already mentioned it, but surely it deserves another. Unfortunately this PS3 Slim is only going on sale in Japan in November 2010. We’d love to see more colours on this side of the pond, but for now the blue PlayStation is beyond our reach.
Halo: Reach special edition Xbox 360
Coated in fresh Halo Reach livery, this special edition, new design Xbox 360 comes made up and etched in silver, complete with a matching Xbox 360 controller. It was one of the first new Xbox 360 special editions to arise, meaning there’s Wi-fi and 250GB tucked inside, as well as support for Microsoft Kinect when it’s released nearer Christmas.
Limited Edition Pokemon N64
This barmy limited edition N64 from yesteryear, when waggle control was all but a Nintendo wet dream, features a yellow and blue splashed N64 with a raised Pikachu that looks like it’s about to jump out of the console. Power it up and Pikachu’s rosy cheeks light up, press the critter’s feet to reset. If you’re a Pokemon fan you need this in your life.
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Final Fantasy XIII PS3 bundle
This Japan-exclusive PS3 Final Fantasy XIII bundle had us in fits of jealousy when it was announced at last year’s Tokyo Game Show, it’s a 250GB white PS3 emblazoned with a faded-red painting of FFXIII protagonist, Lightening and a matching white pad. Further proof that the lucky Japanese get all the best console special editions.
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Coca Cola bundle for Game Gear
Back in 1994 this Coca-Cola themed Game Gear arrived in Japan. It came bundled with the game – Coca-Cola Kid. Is it a shameless promotion exercise or a genuine collectors edition? Whatever you think, it still looks pretty cool if you ask us.
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Game Boy Advance: Zelda Limited Edition Pack
Nintendo gave Zelda fans something to add to their wishlist in 2004 with this gold Zelda Limited Edition Pack adorned with the fabled Triforce – perhaps the most recognisable symbol in Nintendo gaming history to celebrate the forthcoming Zelda title, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.
Mario Limited Edition Pack
As if the Zelda Limited Edition Pack wasn’t enough of a treat for Nintendo fans, they were soon spoilt for Special Edition choice when Nintendo announced the Mario Limited Edition Pack – a red skinned Game Boy Advance with the familiar Mario ‘M’ sign splashed across it, sort of like Super Mario’s version of the bat signal.
Sakura Wars Special Edition Dreamcast Bundle
The Dreamcast might be long dead but its memory lives on, not least with special editions such as the Sakura Wars Special Edition Bundle knocking about in treasured game collections and attics across Japan. Extra points go to Sega for creating a special pink Visual Memory Unit to go with the console.
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Winning Eleven 2010 PSP-3000
To celebrate the launch of Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 in Japan, or Winning Eleven 2010 as it’s called over there, Sony launched This PSP-3000 plastered with UEFA Champions League livery. Shame it’s on the back, but at least you could show it off to everyone while playing a quick match on the train into work…right?
Translucent Xbox complete with Bill Gates autograph
It might look as dull as Bill Gates’ underwear drawer, but this first edition Xbox comes with a keychain featuring the signature of the Microsoft’s God himself, Billy Gates isn’t known as being a gaming hero, but his signature’s bound to up the bounty on this collectible of the future. Did we mention it’s very limited?
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Game Boy Advance NES Edition
The coolest of the GBA special editions. Flip open the NES themed GBA and it looks just like an NES controller. Flip it shut and it looks like the NES console itself. Amazing. We want one now! Anyone want to trade with us? We’ve got a slightly soiled Pikachu gamepad and a Metal Gear Solid bluetooth earpiece going spare. No? Shame.
Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops Limited Edition Camouflage PSP package
This awesome MGS-themed PSP comes with a snakeskin case and strap, camouflaged PSP and three special pin badges in one of the smartest special edition bundles around. With Metal Gear Solid: Rising on the way expect to see more MGS themed bundles soon.
Halo 3 Special Edition Xbox 360
Featuring an authentic Spartan green and orangey gold finish, this Halo 3 Xbox 360 comes with a matching Wireless Controller and headset, exclusive Halo 3 Gamer Pics and a theme. Just look at it, Halo fans! Will you be picking up the Halo: Reach bundle when it arrives? Not long to wait!
Gunmetal Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle
This trendy brushed metal PS3 comes packaged with a DVD of the making of Metal Gear Solid 4, official MGS4 soundtrack, DualShock 3 controller, a copy of the game and a DVD called Hideo Kojima’s Gene in what is a very generous Metal Gear Solid flavoured package filled with goodies. If only all special edition consoles came with such luxury extras.
Limited Edition Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII PSP
This collectors console comes dressed in silver and adorned with the Final Fantasy VII logo on the back. It’s subtle, but immediately much more swish than your average PSP. But with so many Final Fantasy games around we’re surprised we haven’t seen tonnes more Final Fantasy themed special edition consoles. Which is your favourite?
Yakuza 3 Limited Edition White PS3
we dare you to find a better looking PS3 special edition than this Yakuza themed PS3 emblazoned with tattoo-inspired motifs. As usual, it’s only available in Japan, we’re afraid. Shame really, our PS3 could do with some gangster attitude.
Special edition GTA IV Xbox 360
This special edition GTA-themed Xbox 360 features the artwork of the box on the side of the console, should you forget what game you got it with, a quick glance at GTA’s timeless artwork will tell you. Didn’t get hold of one? Don’t worry, we’re sure there will be lots more GTA games to come from Rockstar.
Gundam Gamecube Enjoy Plus Pack
Not only does this package have a Gundam themed console and controller, it has an action figure too! Are there any other special editions that some with their own collectible actions figures? Let us know.
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PS3 Slim White
Black not your thing? How about a white PS3 Slim? Shame it’s not coming out over here. Still there is that blue PS3 Slim, which, erm, is also a Japan exclusive. Drat! Those lucky Japanese get all the best special editions!
Resident Evil Code Veronica Dreamcast bundle
There’s just 1,800 of these blood red translucent Resident Evil: Code Veronica Dreamcast bundles around. Have you got one tucked away in your loft? It’s pieces of nostalgia like this that make us wish the Dreamcast was still around.
The Simpsons Game PSP
The Simpsons Game was actually one of the better Simpsons titles to grace our consoles. Fitting then that it got treated to a pretty yellow PSP edition. If you’ve got the special edition The Simpsons Xbox 360 too you’re having a laugh.
Exclusive red Resident Evil Xbox 360
This Resident Evil themed, blood red Xbox was immune to the infamous Red Ring Of Death… because its lights were orange! But try explaining that one to technical support, or the scores of rival console fanboys.
Simpsons Special Edition
If you’re one of the few to have this nestling in your bedroom, count yourself lucky! Microsoft dished this out to just 100 Simpsons addicts! If you’ve got one you can expect a visit from David Dickinson. Cheap as chips? Probably not, we’d say.
Hello Kitty: Mission Rescue Xbox
There can be no greater juxtaposition than playing deathmatch while gazing at this Hello Kitty themed Xbox. Try playing multiplayer and trash talking on this console without feeling quite the fool. Ever seen a cuter console than this first edition Xbox?
Limited edition Tales of Symphonia GameCube
there weren’t too many special edition GameCube consoles around, but if you’ve got this one stashed away chances are you’re holding onto something pretty rare. Have you got any special edition Gamecube consoles we should know about? As always drop us a message.
Special Pikachu Edition Game Boy Colour
Back in the 90s handheld Pokémon games annihilated the sales charts. The gamers weapon of choice? This Special Pikachu Edition Game Boy Colour.
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Super Mario Bros. DS Lite bundle
It takes special editions like this to make us ponder waiting to get our hands on the newest consoles. This DS Lite comes dressed in Mario red and features the recognisable Mario logo. We have a feeling poor Luigi is feeling pretty left out though.
Special Edition Blue Pepsi Nintendo DS
Coming up trumps again for the Japanese is this blue Pepsi Nintendo DS launched to coincide with Pepsi twist. We can’t think of too many more fizzy drink inspired gaming bundles. Not in the UK at least. Those Pepsi earphones might just be worth a trip to the Far East though.
Panasonic Gamecube Q
And not forgetting the Panasonic GameCube Q (we’re reliably informed by @schillingc this monstrosity never received official Gamecube branding). This frankenstein-style piece of gadgetry was a hybrid version of the Nintendo Gamecube and a Panasonic Hi-Fi – able to play DVDs, music CDs and Nintendo Gamecube games. It even had a remote, but at more than £400 it was out of the price bracket most gamers live within.
