Top Special Edition Consoles
After what felt like a decade of development and numerous release date delays, Kingdom Hearts 3 finally released on Tuesday, January 29th. As with many major video game launches, this came alongside a special edition Kingdom Hearts themed Playstation 4 console. We could post a picture of it for you, but we personally find this particular model slightly less interesting than a manila envelope taped to a beige wall. Furthermore, as a result of GameStop’s stock availability screw up, you probably can’t even have one. So you can Google it.
There is little that is practical about a special edition video game console. Most people reading this would likely describe themselves as “early adopters,” and thus would have had the console since launch or nearly thereafter. I suppose they make nice collector’s items given that they are produced in limited runs. And they may be more alluring if you’re looking to upgrade or replace a console. In any case, they are unique. Most of these designs go over and above simply pasting a logo from the game it’s linked to on the front of the console – they generally feature intricate designs, or striking color patterns to make them stand out. We here at Handsome Phantom decided to compile a list of our most memorable special edition console designs from our gaming memories.
Pokemon Nintendo 64 – Sabrina’s Pick
This is a console that literally stands our above the rest. A raised Pikachu and Pokeball is fitted on the front of the console, and the power/reset switches are built into Pikachu’s foot. “It literally encourages you to tickle Pikachu’s feet” says fellow Handsome Phantom editor Sabrina Stewart. While this console is quite rare in North America (currently selling on the secondary market for over $200,) it’s much more common in Europe. A light blue and orange variant were also sold in Japan. This special edition Nintendo 64 also came packaged with a charming blue and yellow controller with the Pokemon logo pasted across the top.
Destiny Glacier White Playstation 4 – Kevin’s Pick
As far as clean and sharp consoles go, this one is right up there. Launching alongside Destiny in early September of 2014, this iteration of the Playstation 4 cleared shelves relatively quickly. It was so popular that it now comes as a standard option for the Playstation 4 Pro. It’s not terribly “special” but does hold a cherished place in Kevin’s heart:
“The Glacier White PS4 that launched with Destiny was the first console I bought with my own money, and I sank hours and hours into the first game with my friends. I had an Xbox 360 the previous generation, so it was also cool to have the aesthetic symmetry of two white consoles on my shelf. None of my friends had it, and they all expressed a subtle jealousy at how good it looked. Recently I had to retire it and upgraded to a Pro model. When I traded my Glacier White system in, I swear I could hear taps in the background. A lonely tear fell from my eye, and I whispered, “good night dear friend, and good bye.”
Link Between Worlds Zelda Nintendo 3DS – Ben’s Pick
There’s something about the color gold that just makes things feel more substantial than they actually are. There’s an added sense of power that you get when you hold this beautiful limited edition Nintendo 3DS XL. Kind of like you are actually holding THE Tri-Force. Okay, let’s not get carried away, but it has to be admitted that this is one of the most aesthetically pleasing handhelds ever made available. It’s not crowded with images or logos or obnoxious designs. Despite being gold, it is somewhat understated and dignified. This is really just a gold console with a subtly embossed Tri-Force logo. And somehow this is just enough to make it brilliant. The Link Between Worlds edition of the 3DS was also quite the find. Even at launch, it was difficult to track down. Ben had to search “far and wide” to finally get his hands on this literal treasure, but the quest was more than worth it.
Star Wars Xbox 360 – Phil’s Pick
I’m going to go ahead and assume that this is the first R2D2 themed console. If I’m right, then what the hell took so long? Of all of the friendly robots that Hollywood has blessed us with, this is the one that we all want sitting beside our TV. Paired with the metallic gold 360 controller to emulate C-3PO, the console sitting side by side with the controller takes it to the next level. Even though it was bundled with the disappointing Star Wars Kinect, this is a great addition to anyone’s console collection. The Xbox 360 wasn’t an easy console to have a standout special edition version of. With interchangeable face plates, you could make your 360 take on whatever look you like. But this being Star Wars, it’s automatically a fantastic thematic take on the console.
20th Anniversary Playstation 4 – Brandon’s Pick
The console released to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of all things Playstation is one that hit most gamers in their emotional mushy parts. It brings back the incredibly nostalgic aesthetic of the Playstation 1 in its own special way. The gray looks great – but the best part has to be the colored PlayStation logo on both the sides of the PS4 and the controller. Every time you see the colored logo you can’t help but be reminded of the original Playstation’s fantastic boot screen. We can almost hear the noise it makes when it boots just by looking at it. This edition is incredibly rare as well. Only 12,300 were produced for the entire world and one even sold for $129,000 early in 2015 on a Yahoo! auction. Luckily they can now be found on the secondary market for a much more “reasonable” price of $2000-$4000.
