Limited edition consoles. The pride of a collector's stash and the bane of their wallets. Nintendo was well known for making many different versions of all their systems, with both their handhelds and home consoles coming in a variety of colors. Now every console manufacturer is in on it. There are branded designs, anniversary recolors and even one-of-a-kind systems.
There are some truly unique, fascinating and downright special consoles out there. Here are ten of the coolest limited edition consoles of all time. For added fun, only one version per system could make the list -- no easy doubling up because there's like 50 different 3DS models.
Updated March 16th, 2020 by Stephen LaGioia: The super-powered new next-gen consoles from Sony and Microsoft may be building a buzz, yet, the current generation is still going strong. As a result, there's been a slew of sleeky and flashy limited edition consoles for the Switch, Xbox One, and PS4. Yet, with so many consoles and designs out there, we feel we've barely scratched the surface when it comes to awesome limited edition machines. Thus, we feel it necessary to round out our list with 5 additional cool custom systems, covering both old and new consoles.
15 Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Switch
Just over 3 years after the Switch's launch, the console has already seen an array of neat limited edition bundles and paint jobs in both Japan and the West. Perhaps the most standout custom machine comes in the form of this knockout punch of a console.
This particular bundle doesn't come equipped with the adapter that would allow you to play with the favorable GameCube controller. Yet, the awesome design on both the dock and Joy-cons tends to make up for its absence.
The dock is crammed full of cool, detailed graphics of the prominent Smash fighters, while the controller balances things out with the minimalistic, yet sleek, Smash emblem.
14 The Witcher 3 Xbox One
Unfortunately, some of the neatest limited editions tend to be some of the hardest to obtain. Such is the case with this majestic Witcher III limited edition machine. To have a shot at winning this coveted console, you had to be enrolled in Microsoft's Bing Rewards Program, which would allow a lucky few contest winners to score one.
This custom console just screams sleekness, with its shiny silver paint job, clean logo, and a detailed graphic of the Witcher himself, Geralt, emphatically placed on top of the system. It's fairly minimalistic, yet elegant and slick.
13 Star Wars: Battlefront Darth Vader PS4
There's been no shortage of eye-catching PS4 bundles and custom designs - and it makes sense, given its flat build that allows for bold, detailed graphics to really pop. Amongst the strong lineup of limited editions, this Vader-themed console definitely stands out.
The force is really with this machine, with its prominent picture of the Sith lord, enhanced by a sleek black design and a red and black controller meant to resemble his chest panel.
Though the game itself which this was promoting, Battlefront, received its share of criticisms, it's tough not to love this epic Star Wars showcase.
12 Classic NES Game Boy Advance SP
There are few machines that have seen more redesigns, paint jobs, and limited edition releases than Nintendo's famed Game Boy and GBA.
Near the end of the rich, lengthy life of the Game Boy line, the Big N essentially came full-circle to give a nod to their home console roots, with this visual NES throwback. The design is delightfully retro and is sure to invoke warm fuzzy feelings of nostalgia to 80s-era gamers. The design fits so perfectly for the build of the clamshell SP, you'd swear it was made for this machine.
What's even cooler is that the backside of the machine holds a graphic meant to resemble the rectangular grates of the NES' top. It's simple, yet effective in further invoking NES imagery.
11 Nintendo 3DS XL Zelda: Majora's Mask Edition
The 3DS had its share of memorable exclusives, though it was also home to a port for one of the darkest Zelda cult classics, Majora's Mask. The console itself is solid - featuring a small second analog stick for more optimal 3D gaming action, in addition to 2 extra shoulder buttons.
The gorgeous design certainly lives up to the hardware and this majestic game itself, with its sleek gold and black finish and a detailed graphic of the mask, which fans of the game will instantly recognize.
10 The Gold Nintendo 64
While the Nintendo 64 came in a variety of deliciously 1990s colors with see-through designs, the gold N64 is the most attractive version. It's definitely the sleekest, with a smooth coat of gold paint across the entirety of the console and the controller.
This version was only released in Japan and the United States (sorry Europe) and could only be purchased at Toys R Us stateside. The US version also came with two controllers. It's not the scarcest limited edition console, as plenty were printed, but it earns points from simply how good it looks.
9 The Wind Waker Wii U
The poor Wii U deserved better. At least its library did. Due to its struggle to find footing, the Wii U didn't see as many limited edition variations as previous Nintendo consoles did. It did receive a special edition for the release of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD.
The console here is a disappointment as it's the same black variation as the basic Wii U model. The GamePad received a slight touchup with Hylian runes and iconography decorating its edges. It's subtle and unobtrusive. Frankly, it looks so natural that it could have been on the Wii U by default.
8 The Minecraft Xbox One
Okay, this one's a little gaudy. That controller definitely isn't the most eye-pleasing skin out there. It stares at you, unblinking. For once, a Creeper truly feels creepy.
Where this version does earn points is the Xbox itself. When the console stands vertically, it looks like one of the countless in-game dirt and grass blocks that players have spent hours digging up. The reverse side is rather plain but does sport some stone block pixels and a little redstone circuit. Cute.
7 The Famicom Game Boy Advance SP
Nintendo is the king of console recolors and the GBA SP line had some of their greatest. They made a limited run of these SP models not long after the Famicom's 20th anniversary.
This one gets points for its quiet homage to the Famicom. Unlike the NES GBA SP and another rarer Famicom SP that directly mimic the old system with a skin over the bottom half of the handheld, this version's stark white and red quietly suggest the idea of the Famicom. You recognize it without it being shouted at you.
6 Gore Magala Black 3DS
For a long time, the Monster Hunter series was a big draw to handheld gaming. After the series came to the 3DS, it was only a matter of time until its popularity brought about a Monster Hunter version of the system.
Eventually, fans were rewarded with this cool Gore Magala Black 3DS to celebrate Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate. While the inside shell is a standard black, its outside is bordered with scrolls from the series' loading screens that fade and appear based on how light hits the glossy top. Its center is marked with an eye-catching gold symbol.
Unfortunately, these were only released in Japan.
5 Halo 3 Xbox 360
Halo was an absolute phenomenon during its heyday in the mid-2000s. Halo: Combat Evolved basically ensured the success of the original Xbox, so limited edition consoles based on the system's golden child was a guarantee.
Enter the Halo 3 Xbox 360. This version reworked the system's plain white into a Master Chief green while the metallic hard drive and disc tray were brushed to resemble his visor. It even has some weathering at the edges, just like the Chief's armor does by the end of his long journey. Nice touch.
4 Tony Hawk's Underground 2 Xbox
This one might not be everyone's cup of tea but its sheer character puts it on this list. Look at this thing. It's messy and spraypainted, matching the street aesthetic of the Tony Hawk's Underground games.
The consoles were a reward for winners at skating and gameplay competitions around the release of Tony Hawk's Underground 2 and came with a matching controller and a copy of the game. Only ten of these were made and each one was individually airbrushed, so each one is unique. Good luck getting your hands on one.
3 Char Aznable GameCube
Char Aznable. A Gundam character so beloved that he inspired two limited edition consoles: a GBA SP and a GameCube. The GameCube variant wins out with its clean Aznable-red paint, dark gray controller port and custom jewel on top.
It brought one of the nicest looking GameCube controllers too, with its special red and Zeon logo right in the middle. The controller is one of the most sought-after. Almost any Super Smash Bros. Melee player today would love to get their hands on its shell.
2 The Warhammer 40k PSP
THQ was excited about Warhammer 40,000: Squad Command coming out on the PSP and DS that they commissioned a total of 12 of these custom systems as a contest reward, 6 for both platforms. This PSP is one of the rarest consoles on this list.
While the system's Space Marine blue is nice enough, what sells the system is that emblem. The skull and wings aren't painted on, they actually rise from the back of the system. It might make it a pain to fit in your pocket or fit in a case but who cares when it looks that cool?
1 The Hitman PS4
The most iconic and deadly weapon in Agent 47's arsenal is his briefcase. Of course there was going to be a Hitman briefcase console eventually. Literally. This isn't merely a skin or a paint job. The entire PS4 was remade to be a briefcase, handle and all. This PS4 was an extremely rare reward for Square Enix Members and was gifted to winners of a raffle in the United States and Canada only.
It's one of the most creative and inspired limited edition consoles out there. Just don't go throwing it at people.