Ultra Rare GameCube Prototype With LED Lighting And Unique Controller Discovered by Collector

Recently, a collector managed to get their hands on a prototype GameCube that originally appeared at the 2000 Nintendo Space World trade show.

As spotted by Kotaku, Donny Fillerup of Consolevariations created a blog post, confirming they had purchased the prototype, explaining and illustrating the differences between the prototype model and the final design of Nintendo’s iconic purple lunchbox.

Fillerup details all the differences they spotted inside and outside of the console. Some of the more notable changes include the prototype GameCube’s transparent window lid that had LED lights inside, which you can see in better display in this video of the GameCube being revealed at the event, which was uploaded by YouTuber (and employee of Ziff Davis, IGN’s parent company) Adam Doree.

Window lid aside, the other noticeable differences on the prototype console include more air vents and the lack of an air filter on the rear of the system.

Even more interesting is the design of the prototype GameCube controller seen above, which is radically different from the controller included with the console. Outside of the M-shaped design, the prototype controller features a ‘Menu’ button in the location where the D-Pad would appear in the final design. And the B-button on the top right side is bean-shaped like the Y and X buttons.

Nintendo Space World was an annual trade show the company held from 1989 until 2001. Though, the 2000 Space World show was arguably the most memorable one. Outside of the reveal of this prototype GameCube, the 2000 Space World showcase had a ton of quirky tech demos shown off, such as an unreleased Zelda game, Meowth’s Party, and Super Mario 128.

The GameCube was ultimately released in 2001, enjoying modest sales over the next five years before eventually giving way to the Wii. Today, it enjoys a cult following from Nintendo fans, with Metroid Prime just recently getting a highly-rated remaster. For more, check out our list of the Top 25 GameCube Games of All Time.

Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.