"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 collectors and enthusiasts eager to acquire its rarest editions. Among these sought-after variants are the Panasonic Q, known for its unique DVD-playing capability, and special editions like the Mobile Suit Gundam Char Red console.

However, the crown jewel of rarity might just be the 'Space World' GameCube. This prototype was unveiled at Nintendo's Space World 2000 event, showcasing the console to the world for the first time. Believed to be lost for years, this LED-equipped prototype made an astonishing reappearance in 2023, discovered by Donny Fillerup at ConsoleVariations.

The Space World GameCube stands out from the retail version in several ways. Unlike the retail model, this prototype lacks functional hardware, featuring only LEDs to mimic the appearance of being powered on. Physically, it sports a semi-transparent black logo at the top, allowing visibility of any disc inside, along with distinct vent designs. According to ConsoleVariations, there are over 20 differences between this prototype and the standard Japanese GameCube.

Currently, ConsoleVariations’ Donny Fillerup has placed the Space World 2000 GameCube on eBay with an asking price of $100,000. Fillerup's aim is to use the proceeds to establish a gaming venue where people can relive their youthful gaming experiences. Notably, the console is being sold without its unique controller, which differs significantly from the standard GameCube controller.

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

With such a historically significant item, is a $100,000 price tag too ambitious? While it's a substantial sum, the unique nature of the Space World GameCube could indeed justify it for the right buyer. Yet, Fillerup remains open to offers, suggesting the possibility of a lower final sale price.