13 Video Game Consoles That Were Flops but Are Now Collectibles
Some video game consoles failed when they launched but are now valuable collectibles due to rarity and nostalgia.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Not all video game consoles succeeded when they came out. Many were discontinued early due to low sales, technical issues, or lack of support. Today, these same consoles are collected by gamers and hobbyists, with some gaining significant value over time.
1. Sega Dreamcast
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Released in 1999, the Sega Dreamcast had strong early interest but failed due to poor third-party support and competition from the PlayStation 2. Sega stopped producing it just two years later. Despite that, the Dreamcast is now remembered for its innovative features like online play and a unique controller. Collectors value it for its cult following and small but creative game library.
2. Nintendo Virtual Boy
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The Virtual Boy launched in 1995 and was discontinued within a year due to poor graphics, limited game titles, and user discomfort. It was Nintendo’s attempt at 3D gaming, but the red-and-black display made it hard to play for long periods. Only 22 games were released for the system, adding to its rarity. Today, complete Virtual Boy units and games are sought after by collectors of Nintendo history.
3. Atari Jaguar
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The Atari Jaguar, released in 1993, claimed to be the first 64-bit console, but it struggled with hardware problems and a weak game library. Developers found it hard to create games for it, and it sold poorly. Atari left the console market soon after. Original systems and boxed games are now collected for their unique place in gaming history.
4. Panasonic 3DO
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The 3DO, released in 1993, was expensive at launch, costing around $700, which hurt its sales. It also lacked strong exclusive titles, and competition from other consoles was too strong. Production ended after just a few years. Today, its high launch price, short lifespan, and limited game catalog make it a collector’s item.
5. Neo Geo AES
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The Neo Geo AES was released in 1990 with arcade-quality graphics but came with a high price tag and expensive games. It was not widely adopted due to its high cost, despite having strong technical performance. The AES became a niche system with a loyal fan base. Due to its limited sales and excellent build quality, it’s now highly collectible.
6. Apple Pippin
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Launched in 1996, the Apple Pippin was marketed as a multimedia console and not just a gaming system. It was overpriced and had very few games, which led to poor sales. Apple and its partner Bandai stopped production quickly. Due to the Apple brand and low production numbers, it’s now a rare and expensive find.
7. Sega Saturn
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The Sega Saturn was released in 1995 but struggled in Western markets due to its complex hardware and lack of developer support. Its early launch and weak lineup compared to the PlayStation affected sales. Sega shifted focus to the Dreamcast shortly after. Over time, the Saturn gained value, especially for collectors interested in its exclusive Japanese games.
8. TurboGrafx-16 (PC Engine)
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The TurboGrafx-16 had success in Japan as the PC Engine but failed to gain a strong following in North America. It launched with limited marketing and a small library of games in the West. Despite its quality graphics and fast gameplay, it was overshadowed by competitors. Today, collectors appreciate it for its unique design and hard-to-find game cartridges.
9. Gizmondo
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The Gizmondo was released in 2005 with high hopes, but it failed due to poor performance, a lack of games, and legal issues involving the company’s leaders. Very few units were ever sold. It became one of the biggest commercial failures in gaming history. Because of its rarity and unusual backstory, it’s now a curiosity among collectors.
10. Fairchild Channel F
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Released in 1976, the Channel F was the first console to use cartridges, but it was soon overtaken by the more successful Atari 2600. It had limited graphics and sound, and only a small number of games were made. It quietly faded from the market by the early 1980s. Its historical importance now makes it a target for vintage tech collectors.
11. Mattel HyperScan
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The HyperScan, released in 2006, aimed to mix card scanning with video games. It was marketed to younger kids, but the games were slow, glitchy, and poorly reviewed. The system was pulled after just one year. Few were sold, making complete sets rare and collectible now.
12. Philips CD-i
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The CD-i, released in the early 1990s, was more of a multimedia player than a dedicated game console. It is known today for a few poorly received games based on Nintendo licenses. It lacked focus, and sales were low. Its unusual design and rare game discs make it a point of interest for serious collectors.
13. Amstrad GX4000
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This console was released only in Europe in 1990 and failed within a year. It had very few games and reused outdated technology from Amstrad computers. Sales were low, and many people didn’t even know it existed at the time. Today, its limited release and short lifespan make it a rare item among European collectors.