Game System Variants

[wafflerevolution]

Whether it be colors, models or altered tech. console variants tend to always happen.
Throughout a consoles’ run its popularity and usefulness usually dwindle a small amount which usually results in a new color or feature.
Some examples are the N64, GBA, NGPC, Wonder Swan color variants or updated and cheaper technology with a new look like the NES top-loader, SNES ver. 2, Genesis 2/3, PSone and even the older systems like Intellivision III and the 2600 jr.

Sometimes color isn’t just the only difference. Take for example limited editions like the “Halo” Xbox which had a built on “Halo logo” on the front or the “Pokemon XD” Game Cube which had a Lugia built into the load flap.

Occasionally a system gets re-released with more or less features like the newer “big” PS2s without the “iPORT” or even the Game Cube Q.

For some of us hardcore collectors, system variants are a pain. Take me for example; I have 2 N64s a black one and a “smoke” one where the only difference is color. I have 2 big gray PS1s; the only differences are what the connectors are. I have the Intellivision and the Intellivision III where the main
difference is size. I have a few 2600s because they are a dime a dozen but there are so many variants it will blow your mind! I also have a standard Game Cube and the Panasonic Game Cube Q which have many differences.

The underlying factor here is that there are too many to realistically collect. With well over 30 variant colors/styles on the GBA SP alone and don’t even get me started on the staggering amount of N64 variants that exist…

In the end it really depends on your dedication to collecting and how far you want to go. Storage space alone will make collecting console variants a daunting task.

Good luck out there gamers!

If you have any opinions on this matter or wish to share your variants; feel free to sound off!
~John

[tread22]

I must admit that I do have some system variants (6 Atari 2600, 2 PS2, 2 GB Color, 2 APF systems (1 is an MP1000 and the other is an M1000), and 2 Nokia N-Gage variants just to name a few)and yes.....they do make the task of storing them a bit of a headache.  The 2600 variants were intentionally obtained but most of the others were incidental (ie  I bought a few games and a system variant just happened to be included.)  I have seen your Game Cube Q and that would be a variant I would definitely seek out.  The chance of finding that by accident is quite slim.  The one thing that I like about variants is that it gives me an excuse to have more than one copy of a particular system.  Even though they do take up extra space, nothing beats having a second system should your first one fail. 

[cosmostein]

I tend to avoid the different colour or limited addition consoles (Halo Xbox etc);

However, if the unit is radically different I do tend to gravitate toward collecting those.
The Panasonic 3DO with the front-loader Vs. the Goldstar 3DO with the Pop-Top
Or the two variants of the Sega CD that did the same.

[wafflerevolution]

I don't mind keeping different consoles of the same type around but I don't go out of my way to acquire them.