15 Video Game Consoles That Flopped but Are Now Collectibles
These 15 video game consoles may have failed in the market, but today, they’re prized treasures for collectors and retro gaming fans.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Some video game systems reach the shelves with great expectations. However, because of weak sales and inadequate support, they rapidly disappeared. Despite their initial failures, several of these systems became uncommon collectibles, attracting interest from gaming fans. From unique looks to experimental technologies, these systems have earned a particular position in gaming history.
1. Virtual Boy (1995)
Sesu Prime on Wikimedia Commons
Nintendo’s attempt at 3D gaming was a bold experiment that flopped spectacularly. The console’s red monochrome display and uncomfortable headset led to eye strain and poor sales.
2. Sega Saturn (1995)
Saturnconsole.jpg on Wikimedia Commons
Despite being technically advanced, the Sega Saturn suffered from a messy launch and weak third-party support. Overshadowed by Sony’s PlayStation, it failed to capture a large audience.
3. Atari Jaguar (1993)
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Marketed as the first 64-bit console, the Jaguar had confusing hardware and few quality games. Atari’s last home console was a commercial disappointment.
4. Neo Geo CD (1994)
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SNK’s budget-friendly alternative to the Neo Geo AES promised arcade-quality games at home. However, excruciating load times drove away most players.
5. TurboExpress (1990)
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This handheld version of the TurboGrafx-16 allowed players to enjoy full console games on the go. Unfortunately, its high price and abysmal battery life led to poor sales.
6. 3DO Interactive Multiplayer (1993)
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The 3DO promised cutting-edge multimedia gaming but was hampered by its high launch price of $699. Without strong exclusives, it failed to compete with cheaper consoles.
7. Sega 32X (1994)
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As an add-on for the Genesis, the 32X was meant to extend the system’s life. Instead, it confused consumers and offered a small library of forgettable titles.
8. Philips CD-i (1991)
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Originally marketed as an all-in-one media player, the CD-i is best remembered for its awkward Zelda and Mario spin-offs. Gamers ignored it, and it quickly faded into obscurity.
9. Gizmondo (2005)
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The Gizmondo handheld became infamous for its scandal-ridden company and poor game library. Fewer than 25,000 units were sold before the company collapsed.
10. Wonderswan (1999)
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Created by the father of the Game Boy, this Bandai handheld performed well in Japan but never saw a Western release. Its small screen and lack of color at launch limited its appeal.
11. Bally Astrocade (1977)
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This early console featured impressive graphics for its time but failed against Atari’s dominance. Its limited distribution and software library doomed it commercially.
12. Apple Pippin (1996)
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Apple’s brief foray into gaming combined a Mac-like interface with a minimal game library. Priced too high and released too late, it flopped hard.
13. Fairchild Channel F (1976)
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As the first console to use interchangeable cartridges, the Channel F made history but was quickly overshadowed by the Atari 2600. Slow gameplay and clunky controls didn’t help its case.
14. Nokia N-Gage (2003)
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
A combination phone and gaming console, the N-Gage was mocked for its “side-talking” design and weak library. Despite the ridicule, it’s now a quirky collectible.
15. Mattel HyperScan (2006)
AR on Unsplash
This console attempted to blend card scanning with video games but failed due to long load times and shallow gameplay. It barely lasted a year on shelves. Today, boxed sets are rare finds that appeal to collectors of gaming oddities.