In the world of video game collecting, finding rare prototypes and pre-production versions of gaming consoles can be a dream come true for enthusiasts. Recently, a listing on the Japanese Yahoo Auctions site has caught the attention of many collectors. The item in question is an apparent pre-production version of the Super Famicom, the Japanese counterpart of the Super Nintendo (SNES). This unique console features some distinct differences from the version that was eventually released to the public in 1990.
One of the standout features of this prototype Super Famicom is the inclusion of a headphone jack and volume wheel on the side of the console. These additions set it apart from the final production model that Nintendo ultimately released. Additionally, the placement of the controller ports on the left side of the console, rather than in the center as in the final design, is another noticeable variation. The presence of what appears to be the console’s expansion port on the front, instead of the bottom as in the retail version, further distinguishes this prototype.
Comparing the prototype to the final release of the Super Famicom reveals a significant departure in design. The prototype closely resembles the console pictured in magazine scans from a 1989 Nintendo press demonstration. However, the design touches seen in this early version did not make it to the SNES released in the US. Instead, the US version featured a chunkier, boxier design with purple sliding switches on top, deviating from the sleek and compact form of the prototype.
The discovery of this prototype Super Famicom is not the only instance of lost Nintendo consoles coming to light in recent years. The Nintendo / Sony PlayStation, purchased by Pets.com founder Greg McLemore at an auction, also featured a headphone jack, showcasing another unique design choice. Additionally, a wired version of the Wiimote that connects to the GameCube was sold at a Japanese auction for a substantial sum, highlighting the value of rare gaming prototypes in the collector’s market.
As of the time of this writing, the prototype Super Famicom being auctioned on Yahoo Japan has garnered significant attention, with bids exceeding one million yen (approximately $7,000 USD). With more than five days remaining in the auction, it is expected that the final selling price could increase further as collectors vie for this rare piece of gaming history.
The discovery of rare prototypes like the pre-production Super Famicom offers a glimpse into the evolution of iconic gaming consoles and the design choices that shape their final iterations. These lost prototypes serve as a reminder of the innovative spirit of gaming companies like Nintendo and the value of preserving gaming history for future generations of enthusiasts.
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