Step into the world of gaming nostalgia as we embark on a journey to uncover some of the rarest treasures in the Nintendo 64 universe. The Nintendo 64 holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers, but among its vast library of consoles, some stand out as particularly elusive and coveted by collectors. In this article, we shine a spotlight on eleven of the rarest Nintendo 64 consoles ever produced. From limited edition tie-ins with beloved franchises to exclusive promotional releases, each of these consoles offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Nintendo’s gaming history.
Nintendo 64DD
The Nintendo 64 Disk Drive (64DD) stands as one of Nintendo’s rarest and most coveted consoles. Exclusive to Japan, this accessory, released in 1999, extended the capabilities of the Nintendo 64 by enabling it to play games stored on specialized magnetic disks. Despite its initial promise to revolutionize gaming through online features and user-generated content, the 64DD experienced limited commercial success, resulting in a brief lifespan and a scarcity of produced units. Consequently, it has become highly sought-after among collectors, with prices varying from several hundred to several thousand dollars.
Nintendo 64 Pikachu Edition
The Pikachu Edition Nintendo 64 stands out as a rare variant distinguished by its distinctive blue and yellow design, adorned with a Pikachu logo on the console. This unique edition was introduced as part of a limited edition Pokémon-themed bundle, making it a coveted item for enthusiasts collecting both Nintendo and Pokémon memorabilia. A complete, boxed set of this special edition typically commands a price ranging from $500 to $1,000, reflecting its rarity and desirability. Launched in the year 2000, this console features a Pikachu-themed design and includes a matching controller. Its scarcity is attributed to a limited production run, further adding to its appeal. A noteworthy fact is that the Pikachu Edition Nintendo 64 coincided with the release of Pokémon Stadium in North America.
Nintendo 64 Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Edition
The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater Edition Nintendo 64 emerges as a scarce variant, introduced through a promotional collaboration with the popular skateboarding video game. Sporting a sleek black design embellished with vibrant orange accents and the game’s distinctive logo, this console holds considerable appeal for collectors of both Nintendo and skateboarding paraphernalia. Depending on its condition, a complete set of this edition typically commands a price ranging from $300 to $800, reflecting its rarity and demand. Released in the year 2000, the console features a unique black and orange design, complemented by game-themed branding. Its limited availability is a result of a restricted production run, enhancing its desirability among enthusiasts. A noteworthy detail is that the Anthony Hawk’s Pro Skater Edition Nintendo 64 coincided with the highly anticipated launch of the game’s sequel.
Nintendo 64 Gold Edition
The Gold Edition Nintendo 64 stands out as a rare variant, deliberately released in limited quantities through diverse promotional campaigns and contests. Boasting a dazzling gold finish accompanied by controllers in a matching hue, this console holds significant appeal among collectors due to its distinct appearance and scarcity. The price for this unique edition varies, with estimates ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars, reflecting its rarity and desirability. Its availability is restricted, attributed to a limited production run associated with specific promotional events conducted in various years. A fascinating detail is that the Gold Edition Nintendo 64 was frequently bestowed as a grand prize in Nintendo-sponsored competitions and sweepstakes.
Nintendo 64 Jungle Green Edition
The Jungle Green Edition Nintendo 64 emerges as a rare variant distinguished by its vibrant green design, complemented by controllers in a matching hue. Introduced as part of a limited edition bundle, this console holds considerable appeal among collectors due to its distinctive color scheme and nostalgic charm. Depending on its condition, a complete set of this edition typically commands a price ranging from $200 to $500, reflecting its rarity and demand. Released in 1998, the console features a unique jungle green design and comes with matching controllers. Its scarcity is attributed to a limited production run, making it a sought-after item among enthusiasts. An interesting detail is that the Jungle Green Edition Nintendo 64 was one of several colored variants released alongside the standard charcoal gray console.
Nintendo 64 Ice Blue Edition
The Ice Blue Edition Nintendo 64 stands out as a rare variant characterized by its translucent blue design and matching controllers. Introduced as part of a limited edition bundle in 1999, this console is in high demand among collectors for its distinctive color scheme and transparent casing. Depending on its condition, the price for a complete set of this edition ranges from $200 to $500, reflecting its rarity and appeal. Notably, the Ice Blue Edition was among several translucent colored variants released throughout the console’s lifespan, adding to its allure for enthusiasts seeking unique and collectible gaming items.
Nintendo 64 Funtastic Series
The Nintendo 64 Funtastic Series, introduced in 1999, comprises a captivating array of limited edition consoles characterized by vibrant colors and translucent casings. This unique lineup includes hues like orange, green, blue, red, and smoke black, each accompanied by matching controllers. Highly coveted among collectors, these consoles are prized for their distinctive aesthetic and evoke a sense of nostalgia. The Funtastic Series was aimed at younger audiences, providing a lively and colorful alternative to the conventional charcoal gray Nintendo 64. With a rare and limited production run, these consoles are generally priced between $100 and $300, varying based on color and condition, making them a cherished piece for enthusiasts.
Nintendo 64 Millennium 2000 Edition
The Millennium 2000 Edition Nintendo 64, launched in 1999, stands as a rare and coveted variant designed to commemorate the onset of the new millennium. With a sophisticated black exterior adorned with silver accents and a distinctive Millennium logo, this console holds a special place among collectors. Reflecting the Y2K craze and the anticipation of a new era, the Millennium 2000 Edition is sought after for its unique design. Available in limited quantities, its scarcity adds to its allure. Priced between $200 and $500, depending on condition, this console serves as a cherished relic from the turn of the century, celebrating the transition into the year 2000 and the dawn of a new millennium.
Nintendo 64 Donkey Kong 64 Edition
The Donkey Kong 64 Edition Nintendo 64, released in 1999, stands out as a rare and sought-after variant that was part of a promotional bundle with the Donkey Kong 64 video game. Characterized by a distinctive transparent green design adorned with Donkey Kong-themed branding, this console holds a special place in the hearts of collectors for its association with the iconic Nintendo character. With a limited production run, the rarity of this edition contributes to its appeal. Priced between $300 and $800, depending on condition, this console not only represents a unique piece of Nintendo history but also marks the release of the Donkey Kong 64 video game, which required the Expansion Pak accessory for enhanced graphics and gameplay.
Nintendo 64 Smoke Black Edition
The Smoke Black Edition Nintendo 64, introduced in 1998, is a rare variant characterized by its distinctive translucent black design, accompanied by matching controllers. Released as part of a limited edition bundle, this console has become a prized item for collectors due to its unique color scheme and transparent casing, adding a touch of rarity to the Nintendo 64 lineup. With a limited production run, its scarcity contributes to the high demand among enthusiasts. Priced between $200 and $500, depending on condition, this edition is a testament to the console’s experimentation with translucent colored variants during its lifespan, offering collectors a visually striking and sought-after piece of gaming history.
Nintendo 64 Charcoal Gray Edition
The Charcoal Gray Edition Nintendo 64 holds a unique significance in the realm of console collecting. While its appearance may not boast the flamboyance of other variants, its rarity stems from its association with the original release of the console. As the standard color variant introduced alongside the Nintendo 64’s debut in 1996, the Charcoal Gray Edition carries nostalgic weight, appealing to collectors eager to secure an authentic piece of gaming history. With a price range spanning around $100 to $300, contingent on its condition, this edition’s limited production run contributes to its scarcity. The Charcoal Gray Edition stands as a subtle yet sought-after gem among enthusiasts completing their Nintendo 64 console collection, adding a touch of nostalgia and authenticity to their gaming showcase.
This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.
