The Nintendo GameCube, approaching its 25th anniversary, continues to captivate a dedicated fanbase eager to acquire its rarest editions. Among the most sought-after are the Panasonic Q, notable for its DVD playback capabilities—a feature absent in the standard GameCube—and specialized editions like the Mobile Suit Gundam Char Red console.
Yet, the crown jewel of rarity might just be the 'Space World' GameCube. This prototype was unveiled at Nintendo's Space World 2000 event and was believed to be lost until it resurfaced in 2023, thanks to Donny Fillerup at ConsoleVariations.
The Space World GameCube stands out from its retail counterpart in several ways. Internally, it lacks actual hardware, featuring only a few LEDs to simulate functionality. Externally, the black logo at the top has a semi-transparent bottom, allowing visibility of any disc inside, and there are variations in the vents. According to ConsoleVariations, there are over 20 differences between this prototype and the original Japanese GameCube.
Now, Donny Fillerup has listed this rare Space World 2000 GameCube on eBay for an astonishing $100,000. Fillerup's goal with the sale is to fund a gaming venue where visitors can relive their youth. Interestingly, the console is being sold without its unique controller, which also deviates from the standard GameCube controller design.
Fillerup is no stranger to dealing in rare gaming hardware. In 2022, he auctioned off a Golden Wii, originally a gift to the British Royal Family from THQ, for $36,000.
Given the historical significance of the Space World GameCube, could it really fetch $100,000? With sufficient funds, you might be able to own this piece of gaming history. However, Fillerup is open to offers, suggesting that the final sale price could be lower than the listed amount.