The Nintendo GameCube, despite being nearly 25 years old, boasts a dedicated fanbase eager to acquire its rarest iterations. Among the most sought-after are the DVD-playing Panasonic Q and numerous themed variants, such as the Mobile Suit Gundam Char Red edition. However, the pinnacle of rarity is arguably the Space World GameCube prototype.
Initially believed lost to time, this LED-equipped prototype, unearthed in 2023 by Donny Fillerup of ConsoleVariations, has recently resurfaced. Key distinctions from the retail version include the absence of internal hardware (apart from LEDs simulating operation), a semi-transparent top logo revealing the internal disc, and modified vents. ConsoleVariations documents over 20 total differences from the original Japanese GameCube.
This isn't Fillerup's first foray into high-value console sales; he previously auctioned a Golden Wii (a former gift to the British Royal Family) for $36,000. While the $100,000 price for the Space World GameCube might seem ambitious, it's not entirely unreasonable given its historical significance. Fillerup is open to offers, suggesting a potential for a lower sale price. For those with deep pockets, this unique piece of gaming history could soon be theirs.