Video game consoles have their own controllers for you to use, and more often than not, they end up looking pretty generic. Sure, there are color variations and some game-themed controllers, but for the most part, they aren’t too exceptional. Every once in a while though, a rare and valuable controller hits the scene.
Here, we are going to take a look at some of the rarest and most valuable video game controllers out there. Some of these lean more towards the collectible side and aren’t meant for everyday use; they are more of a novelty controller. Regardless of this, all of these are quite pricey.
9Solid Gold Xbox Controller
First up, we have an Xbox controller made from solid gold. This wasn’t sold by Xbox; instead, it was made by Linus Tech Tips (Linus Sebastian). In total, this controller cost around $87,000 to make, which is a lot. This isn’t really obtainable for anyone reading, but it’s worth mentioning due to its price.
This controller was never sold by Linus Tech Tips to anyone, but if you are interested in how the controller was made, you canwatch the making of video, as well as acompleted look at the expensive controller.
8Game Of Life PlayStation 1 Controller
Next, we have the Game of Life controller for the PlayStation 1. This isn’t nearly as valuable as a solid gold Xbox controller, but it’s quite elusive. This was originally created for the Japanese version of The Game of Life for the PS1. It seems that the spinner only works with the Japanese version, as this is different between the regional versions.
Interestingly, you can still use this like a normal controller for any other PlayStation 1 game; the roulette wheel will just remain unused. If you are craving this fun controller, you may be able to find one going for a few hundred dollars online.
7Wu-Tang Clan PlayStation 1 Controller
In 1999, Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style launched for the PS1, which was based on the Wu-Tang Clan. Just in case you don’t know, this is an American hip-hop group that began in 1992. In addition to buying the game, you could also get a sleek black and yellow controller that was shaped like the group’s logo.
While all the buttons are there, the controller is a bit awkward to hold; the bottom ‘wings’ don’t really fit into your hand, making it hard to find a position that works for gaming. Still, it looks very cool, making it a unique collection piece if you have a few hundred dollars to spend.
6Char’s Customized Color WaveBird GameCube Controller
The WaveBird is a wireless GameCube controller that was pretty common, but you could alsoget your hands on a rare Gundam version, called “Char’s Customized Color” WaveBird. This version was released along with Mobile Suit Gundam: Gundam vs. Zeta Gundam.
You could only get this Char controller through Club Nintendo, which was a loyalty program. This was only available in Japan, and to make it even rarer, only 1,000 controllers were made. As such, it’s quite expensive (the price may even go up if you find a version that still has the box).
5Final Fantasy Crystal White GameGube Controller
In 2003,Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicleslaunched for the GameCube. To promote the game, a contest was held, with 150 GameCube bundles serving as the reward. As such, only 150 of these controllers were ever made.
This, of course, means that the controller was incredibly limited. We found an eBay listing for the full bundle going for a whopping $10,000 USD. Overall, it seems that if you want this controller, you’ll also need to fork over the money to buy the console.
4Donkey Kong Nintendo 64 Banana Controller With Cover
Looking to round out your banana-themed gaming collection? Thankfully, the Donkey Kong banana controller exists for the Nintendo 64. This isn’t just a yellow GameCube controller; its tips look like banana ends, and ‘DK64’ is printed on the front.
Interestingly, the cover for this controller is quite valuable too. We found a $200 USD listing for the banana cover, which has banana printing on it. As a promo item, its place on this list is expected. Many also believe that the price tag is partially due to the fact that it can be hard to preserve small pieces of fabric like this.
3Golden E3 Nintendo 64 Controller
Back in 1997,there was an E3 eventthat tested your Star Fox abilities. The details are a bit hazy, but it seems that if you won an on-stage tournament, you’d be awarded with this golden controller. The only way to get it was to be at this event and win, with some claims that only 25 were ever created.
Due to the extreme rarity, not many pop up for sale, but it seems that they can cost a few thousand dollars. Of course, you may go years without ever seeing a new one appear for sale.
2NES Power Glove
We have to talk about the NES Power Glove; it’s too weird to leave out. It’s not a traditional controller like other entries on our list, but you could use it to control just two games for the NES. Interestingly, both of these games could be played with a normal controller.
The glove awkwardly fits on your hand, and it is reported to be difficult to use. Since it was sold separately from the games, it was a bit of a flop and was discontinued after just one year. You can now find it scattered across eBay, with just the glove going for around $100 USD. If a box is included, you can expect the price to go up a bit.
1Steel Battalion Controller
Last but not least, we have the Steel Battalion Controller. Steel Battalion is a mecha game that launched on Xbox in 2002. Rather than using a simple controller, you’d need the absolutely massive control with a total of 44 buttons, knobs, and levers for you to use. This controller even came with three foot pedals that you would use to play!
Steel Battalion itself can’t really be played without the controller, and since limited controllers were made, they are quite rare. It seems that the original price of the controller was $200 USD, and now, you may find it going for nearly $500 USD.
