Nintendo GameCube Prototype From Space World 2000 Goes on Sale

An incredibly rare prototype of the Nintendo GameCube, which was used as a display piece during the Space World 2000 trade show, is now available for sale. The Nintendo GameCube listing is has been set at $100,000 USD, putting it out of reach of most gamers who want to own a piece of iconic gaming memorabilia.

Nintendo wowed gamers with the GameCube’s potential back during Space World 2000. 23 years after the console was shown to the public there, one of the Space World GameCube prototypes was officially discovered and acquired, and that owner is now looking to sell it.

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Console Variations’ Donny Fillerup is selling the remarkably rare Space World 2000 GameCube prototype on eBay, with the listing asking for $100,000 USD. While the price is quite high, the listing includes the option to offer a “best offer” price, so the seller may be willing to let the Space World GameCube go for less than that. The console prototype bears some differences from the final version of the GameCube, with a transparent window on the top lid that lets the user see the disc inside, printed text for each button, and some missing plastic ridges. Overall, though, the two look nearly identical, but this particular model can’t be used as an actual console, as it doesn’t have the internal components.

Nintendo GameCube Prototype is Just a Model

As it was the first reveal of the GameCube, Nintendo used non-functioning prototypes to show off the overall design and aesthetic of the devices. This prototype model is essentially a copy of the shell design Nintendo was working with at the time, with some internal electronics to allow the buttons to light up. Fans who are curious about it should be made aware that this cannot play GameCube games or do anything else, really, beyond simple illumination. This may make the price tag seem extremely steep, but it’s more about owning a piece of Nintendo history than a functioning GameCube, which one could acquire for considerably less.

Whether this prototype actually sells at this price remains to be seen. At the time of publication, the listing shows that nearly 200 people are actively watching it. Given that well-to-do gamers have spent millions on gaming collectibles in the past, it’s not out of the question for someone to come along and scoop up this item. Anyone with the money to buy it who’s interested may not want to wait, as this isn’t an auction, so whoever decides to commit and spends the cash first will be the one awarded the GameCube.

GameCube

Brand

Nintendo

Original Release Date

November 18, 2001

Original MSRP (USD)

$199, £129, €199

Weight

3 lbs.