Rare 25-Year-Old 'Space World' GameCube Prototype Up for $100K on eBay

The Nintendo GameCube, now nearly 25 years old, continues to captivate a dedicated community of collectors and enthusiasts who seek out its rarest variants. Among these, the Panasonic Q stands out for its unique ability to play DVDs, a feature absent in the standard GameCube. Another notable variant is the Mobile Suit Gundam Char Red console, prized for its distinctive design.

However, the crown jewel of rarity is the 'Space World' GameCube, a prototype showcased at the Nintendo Space World 2000 convention. Believed to be lost to history, this LED-equipped prototype made a surprising reappearance in 2023, discovered by Donny Fillerup at ConsoleVariations.

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

Currently, ConsoleVariations' Donny Fillerup has listed the Space World 2000 GameCube on eBay with an astonishing asking price of $100,000. Fillerup's goal is to fund a "gaming place" where visitors can relive their youth. Notably, the console is being sold without its unique controller, which differs from the standard GameCube model.

Fillerup is no stranger to the world of rare console sales. In 2022, he auctioned a Golden Wii, once gifted to the British Royal Family by THQ, for $36,000.

Given its historical significance, is it unrealistic to think the Space World GameCube could fetch $100,000? While it's a lofty price, those with deep pockets might have a chance to own this piece of gaming history. However, Fillerup is open to offers, suggesting the final sale price could be lower than the listed $100,000.