Not all gaming devices make it to development, sadly. Whether they would've done something unique, had an interesting development or look unlike any console that did end up in people's homes, here are 20 consoles that unfortunately went unreleased.
#20: Sega Neptune
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| What's next, Pluto? |
This console was gonna be a combination of the Sega Genesis and the ill fated 32x, similar to the Wondermega. This console was scrapped so that Sega could focus their attention on the then upcoming Sega Saturn.
#19: SNES CD
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| At least we got Playstation and YouTube Poop out of this failed deal. |
Back in the 90s, Nintendo worked with both Sony and Phillips to produce a CD add-on to the Super Nintendo. Both deals fell through and instead we got the Playstation and Phillips CDI.
#18: Indrema L600
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| A damn shame this never happened! |
A would've been product of the now defunct Indrema company, this was to be a Linux based computer/console hybrid that was also a CD/DVD player, web browser, screen recorder ala Tivo and MP3 storer and possibly player. As if that wasn't enough, it also would've appeared in independent game developers.
#17: MoMa Eve
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| Talk about ahead of the times! |
Unveiled at E3 2004, this little handheld would've ran Windows XP and would play both PC games and games made specifically for it. Basically it was meant to be a handheld gaming computer before the days of Steam Deck and GPD Win.
#16: Panasonic Jungle
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| GPD Win, is that you? |
This little device was Panasonic's attempted answer to the Nintendo 3DS and Playstation Vita. It had a similar design, but instead of a second screen it held a little keyboard and touchpad. It was designed for playing MMO RPGs like Runescape and Stellar Dawn on the go.
#15: NanoGear
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| An indie developer's soul mate! |
Being advertised as far back as 2003, this device would've not only been able to play games, but it would've included tools for players to make their own games and an online network for people to share their creations.
#14: Action Enterprises Game Master
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| These bozos could barely make a game, what made them think they could make a whole console? |
Made by the same guys who made the infamous (and thankfully short-lived) Action 52 series, this huge system would've supported not only its own game, but also NES, SNES and Sega Genesis games. From the one image we have of it, it looks way more like a submarine control then a game console.
#13: Widescreen Gizmondo
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| Of all the consoles I wish were made, this ain't one of em! |
Despite he Gizmonda being a commercial failure, Tiger Telematics was gonna make a followup console that sadly (or in this case, thankfully) went unreleased when the company went bankrupt. It appears that it would've been like its predecessor, but it looks like a modern smartphone with game controls glued to the sides.
#12: Atari Cosmos
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| Too bad, this could've gone where no console has gone before! |
This was an early handheld that would've used holographic technology to make the games played on it look better. It was almost released in the early 1980s, but was scrapped because of negative reception from critics. Despite this, there are still a few units out in the world.
#11: Camerica Express
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| No cheaters allowed! |
This was an early portable NES made by Biederman Design Labs and would've been marked by Camerica, the makers of the Game Genie. This project fell through because Nintendo sued the people making it.
#10: Atari Game Brain
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| Sorry Game Brain, but it's either you or the 2600! |
Originally set for release during the first console generation, this was a Pong console that included directional and fire buttons alongside the at the time standard paddles. By the time this was finished, consoles with cartridges instead of built in games were becoming popular and as such this console was scrapped in favor of the world famous Atari 2600.
#9: Ultravision
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| Ultra is an apt title! |
Announced during the 1983 Consumer Electronics Show, this unit was meant to be a game console, television and personal computer all rolled into one. In addition to it's own games, it would've had accessories to play Atari 2600 and Colecovision games.
#8: Bandai HET
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| Thankfully devices like this are popular thanks to console modifications! |
Developed by Bandai and making an appearance in E3 1993, this was a portable SNES made to look like a laptop.
#7: Intellivision Amico
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| Shame how even these days some ideas just don't work out. |
This console wasn't officially announced as cancelled, but it has been delayed several times and as of this post there is no official release date. It was meant to be a family oriented system that could be controlled with either the included controllers or a mobile phone app. The controllers resemble the old Intellivision controllers, but the number pads has been replaced with touchscreens.
#6: Sega VR
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| Sadly this was when VR was in it's infancy. |
Much like Nintendo, Sega experimented with VR technology back in the 90s to 2000s. While Sega's device had a head strap unlike the Virtual Boy, said device was scrapped following reports of testers experiencing motion sickness and headaches.
#5: Red Jade
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| Notice how this model isn't red. |
Dating back to 2002, this console, this console was supposed to have a 64-bit processor and 3d graphics rivaling home consoles at the time. It also would've had some PDA and multimedia features, as well as the ability to download games back before that practice was commonplace.
#4: Phantom
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| What a fitting name! |
Dating all the way back to the 2000s, this console was an early attempt at cloud gaming back when every other console used cartridges or CDs. Unfortunately for the Phantom, cloud gaming technology was more limited back then compared to nowadays and after several delays the project was cancelled.
#3: Konix Multisystem
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| Drive baby drive! |
The main unit had a built-in steering wheel which could be replaced with a jet fighter controller and would've sat on a desk while you played with it.
#2: Control-Vision
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| Action Max, is that you? |
Designed by Tom Zito and supported by Nolan Bushnell, this was a console that was gonna use VHS tapes instead of cartridges. Interestingly, the prototype was made from a modified ColecoVision and the games list included Night Trap and Sewer Shark, both of which found their way to the Sega CD.
#1: Nintendo Advanced Video System
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| The NES was almost even better! |
Originally in 1983, Nintendo was gonna make a 8-bit home computer that would've had many capabilities including playing games, not unlike the Commodore 64. However, plans fell through when the 1983 video game crash happened in the USA and the company quickly reworked the system into the NES we all know and love.
I don't know about you, but I wonder how cool these devices would be in alternate universes where they actually came out. There's plenty of other consoles that I haven't talked about, so feel free to leave some suggestions behind. Thanks for watching and game on!
