"Rare 25-Year-Old 'Space World' GameCube Prototype Hits eBay at $100K"

The Nintendo GameCube, now approaching its 25th anniversary, continues to captivate a dedicated community of enthusiasts eager to acquire its rarest editions. Among these, the Panasonic Q stands out for its unique ability to play DVDs, a feature absent in the standard GameCube. Another sought-after variant is the Mobile Suit Gundam Char Red console. However, the crown jewel of rarity is the 'Space World' GameCube, a prototype showcased at the Nintendo Space World 2000 event during the console's initial unveiling. Believed to be lost, this LED-equipped prototype made a surprising reappearance in 2023, discovered by Donny Fillerup at ConsoleVariations.

The Space World GameCube prototype differs significantly from the retail version. Notably, it lacks functional hardware, featuring only LEDs to simulate operation. Physically, it sports a semi-transparent black logo at the top, allowing visibility of any disc inside, and modified vents. According to ConsoleVariations, there are over 20 differences between this prototype and the original Japanese GameCube.

Currently, Donny Fillerup has listed this Space World 2000 GameCube on eBay with an asking price of $100,000. Fillerup's goal is to use the proceeds to fund a gaming venue where visitors can relive their youth. Notably, the console is being sold without its unique controller, which deviates from the standard GameCube design.

Fillerup is no stranger to the market for rare consoles; in 2022, he successfully auctioned off a Golden Wii, once a gift to the British Royal Family from THQ, for $36,000. Given this history, the prospect of the Space World GameCube fetching $100,000 doesn't seem far-fetched. However, Fillerup is open to offers, suggesting the final sale price could be lower than the listed amount. If you have the funds, you might just be able to own a piece of gaming history.