Before the world of video games was compressed into three major console manufacturers, many companies took a stab at entering the market with their own video game console.
While you may have heard of some of the rare but well-known ones such as the Phillips CD-I or the recently uncovered Nintendo Playstation, there are some consoles that are so obscure, you probably haven’t played them, let alone even heard their names.
Here are 10 obscure consoles you (probably) never knew existed (until now).
Nintendo Pokemon Mini
The Nintendo Pokemon Mini was released in America in 2001 right around the same time as the Gameboy Advance.
The reason this console is so obscure and hard to find is that it was mainly targeted as a toy for kids, showing up in places like Toys R’ Us.
But don’t let its petite size fool you, the Pokemon Mini is a full-fledged console with infrared multiplayer support, a motion sensor, and even a rumble feature.
Although it might look like a Pokewalker or Pikachu Tamagotchi, it is actually a mini handheld console that has its own playable cartridges. Out of the ten total games released for the console, all of them are Pokemon themed, including Pokemon Tetris, Pokemon Puzzle Collection, and Togepi’s Great Adventure.
The console came in three different color variations, all based on the most random selection of Pokemon Nintendo could have possibly picked. The colors included Chickorita Green, Wooper Blue, and Smoochum Purple.
The console originally released at an MSRP of $39.99 while the games cost around $19.99. However, if you are looking to try out the console in 2019, you will be looking at a hefty price of $200 dollars for one complete in the box.