15 Incredibly Rare Special Edition Nintendo Handhelds
Check out these rare releases any Nintendo fan boy/girl would lose it over.
Image via Complex Original
Intro
Nintendo knows what fans want and isn't afraid to give it to them. Ever since the olden days of the handheld, Ninty's been serving up heaping helpings of awesome in the form of candy-colored Game Boys, Bathing Ape DS Lites and Super Famicom Game Boy SPs. Here are 15 of the coolest special edition Game Boy/DS models out there.
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A Bathing Ape Milo DS Lite
A Bathing Ape Milo DS Lite
This svelte Bape DS Lite is adorned with tiny Mario heads and cartoon apes, akin to the recognizable Louis Vuitton design. So fresh, it hurts. This special edition could only be obtained in Japan, and in short supply. The white one struck our fancy more than the gold one, but both undoubtedly swagged out.
Famitsu Game Boy
Famitsu Game Boy
Famitsu later scored this very special variant a perfect 40/40. Its Metacritic scores have yet to be averaged, but we're thinking it might be the Game Boy of the Year.
Bleach DS
Bleach DS
Just as striking as Tite Kubo's creation itself, this very special Bleach DS was given out as part of a Sega contest promoting one of the latest Bleach video game adaptations – we want one.
Mew DS
Mew DS
While not widely released, this misty lilac DS with the faintest image of Mew is absolutely darling. The tiny, tasteful Mew is just as illusive as the real thing, and a nice surprise open opening the unit.
Pikachu Game Boy Advance SP
Pikachu Game Boy Advance SP
Proof once again that Pikachu looks best when adorning some type of video game system. Cheery Pikachu yellow and that adorable, mousy face staring back at you once you finish up gaming for the day? Awesome.
Dialga/Palkia DS Lite
Dialga/Palkia DS Lite
It's all about keeping things slick when it comes to the DS Lite, and the special Pokémon-themed Dialga and Palkia edition is especially sexy – just look at that glossy glitter!
Final Fantasy IV Game Boy Micro
Final Fantasy IV Game Boy Micro
The Game Boy Micro didn't get as much love as it should have, but Final Fantasy IV fans got a special treat when the game was finally released via Game Boy Advance. Gorgeous artwork care of Yoshitaka Amano graced both sides of the front of the system, with a striking mix of blues, grays, and indigo.
Mario Red DS Lite
Mario Red DS Lite
A much more easily identifiable Mario edition than the previous Hot Rod Red release of the original, thicker DS, this fire engine red handheld sported Mario's iconic white "M", as seen on his hat.
Warhammer 40k: Squad Command DS Lite
Warhammer 40k: Squad Command DS Lite
Quite possibly one of the most elaborate special edition handhelds we've ever seen, this extremely limited Warhammer 40k DS Lite was only made available (like the identical PSPs) for a contest during the same time as the game's release, and only six were made. Good luck snapping one up now!
Play It Loud Clear Game Boy
Play It Loud Clear Game Boy
There's something awesome about looking into an electronic device and seeing its innards laid out for all to see. Almost as if it's naked. The simple bliss of the Play It Loud series Ccear Game Boy is quite attractive.
Yellow Pikachu/Pokémon Game Boy Color
Yellow Pikachu/Pokémon Game Boy Color
This Pikachu yellow handheld is not only bold and striking with its numerous colors and Pikachu/Pichu combo, but it's great for loading up Pokémon Yellow and watching Pikachu slowly start to hate you. You know it happens. Don't deny it.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DS
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DS
A glossy black finish complete with an elegant Triforce and gold trim completes this package, available in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DS bundle. Be honest – even though you probably own the game in one of its several iterations, this one started to look good to you too.
Super Famicom Game Boy Advance
Super Famicom Game Boy Advance
A classic look for a system that made the books, the Super Famicom edition of the Game Boy Advance SP turned heads and wallets inside out – while the West got the NES version, this edition is infinitely cooler.
Final Fantasy III DS Lite
Final Fantasy III DS Lite
This classy DS Lite, available in Japan as part of the special Final Fantasy III DS release bundle, featured gray graphics from the classic adventure printed on the lid – representing some of the prominent characters in-game. Simple and elegant.
Sakura Taisen Clear Pink Game Boy Color
Sakura Taisen Clear Pink Game Boy Color
Sakura Taisen unfortunately doesn't have as rabid of a following in the West as it does in Japan, and unfortunately English fans weren't able to get their hands on this gorgeous crystal pink Game Boy Color. That's a real pink, too – none of that “pearl pink” business.