When it comes to limited edition game consoles, Nintendo definitely isn't messing around and loves to release special edition versions of their various consoles. These can be released to celebrate the release of a certain game, themed after a specific character, or just made with a special design that sets it apart from the regular versions of the console.
Over the years, the various handheld consoles in the Nintendo DS line have had the most limited-edition versions released. Game releases, characters, and even specific stores have all been fair game for Nintendo to decide to release a special edition version of one of their consoles. Many collectors love to get their hands on the ones that interest them and some of them have gotten surprisingly expensive.
To see 10 of the rarest limited edition Nintendo DS consoles, keep reading!
Updated October 18th, 2021 by Russ Boswell: The Nintendo DS line continues to be some of the most beloved consoles ever released, although the Nintendo Switch has taken its place. There are still many players out there that are stricken with nostalgia and yearning for the simpler times when their foldable pocket pal was dominating Nintendo's sale charts. Those looking to snag a DS to play older titles on may want to consider snagging one of the many Limited Edition consoles available. To better showcase which are worth the most, and keep the prices updated, the following list has been reworked.
12 Happy Home Designer 3DS LL ($254)
Happy Home Designer is a spin-off game from the Animal Crossing franchise. It has players working for Nooks Homes as an interior designer that goes to the homes of various villagers from the franchise. The villagers give the player some items to use in their home and inspiration for what they're looking for and the player then decorates their home.
This Nintendo 3DS LL, also known as the Nintendo 3DS XL in North America, was released exclusively in Japan. This console is white and features brightly colored illustrations of different homes and items from the game all over the front. Picking one up can cost you around $254.
11 25th Anniversary Legend of Zelda 3DS ($277)
The Legend of Zelda is a video game series that has been around since the very first game was released in 1986. Typically, the games in this series follow a Hylian who is called out on an adventure to save Princess Zelda and the kingdom of Hyrule from the latest devious plan put in place by Ganondorf.
This console was released to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first Legend of Zelda game. It came bundled with a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and has a slick, black color scheme with gold Zelda-themed art on the front of the top screen. Getting one now will set a Zelda fan back up to $277.
10 Orange Naruto Nintendo DS Lite Limited Edition ($391)
There have been a lot of great Nintendo DS designs that follow dedicated video game franchises but this one is unique as most fans will recognize it as a popular anime franchise first. There have been some good Naruto games released over the years but it's safe to say that most Naruto fanatics fell in love with the series thanks to its expansive TV show and manga.
Those that enjoy "simple" DS redesigns will enjoy this Limited Edition offering as it's simply a bright orange shell with the Naruto logo on it. Snagging one new-in-box will cost gamers around $391.
9 Nintendo DS Lite Gundam Console ($476)
Another popular anime (and toy) series is Gundam, featuring large mechanized fighters and some of the best high-octane action to come from the genre. Those looking to pay homage to this wonderful series can get a custom Gundam DS Lite, but it's important to note that it was only available in Japan.
The console itself is incredibly basic compared to some of the others on this list. Its white shell features Gundam logos but some players may be put off by its monochromatic color. Grabbing one of these will set players back $476.
8 Pikachu 3DS XL ($497)
Pikachu is one of the 151 creatures that was introduced with the first generation of the Pokémon franchise. This yellow Pokémon has become an iconic character in the world of gaming, so it's no surprise that it has been featured on a number of different limited edition Nintendo consoles.
Among various other Pokémon-inspired limited edition DS consoles is this Pikachu-themed console. It's a bright yellow and white handheld console that features Pikachu's face prominently on the front of the top screen. This console is among the more expensive Pikachu-themed consoles and costs around $497.
7 McDonald's Edition Nintendo DSi ($499)
This is by far the most unusual limited edition Nintendo DS console and one that not many people remember. It's a really rare one that it's not easy to find and although it's far from the most expensive console out there, it's definitely the most unique one.
The McDonald's edition Nintendo DSi was released exclusively in Japan and given to employees of McDonald's in Japan. It came bundled with exclusive software that would help to train the employees on how to properly cook and put together McDonald's menu items. It's estimated that around 8,000 were produced, making it pretty rare and hard to find. Picking one up now will cost a lucky collector at least $499.
6 Galaxy Nintendo 3DS XL ($517)
Many of the limited edition Nintendo DS consoles that have been released over the years feature different Nintendo games and characters on them. Unlike those, this Nintendo 3DS XL is called the "Galaxy Style" console and doesn't feature any games or characters, but instead has a purple, white, and blue galaxy on the front of the top screen.
This console is a really unique one because it's a limited edition console that has gotten pretty rare and expensive, but doesn't actually feature any iconic characters or games like others do. To pick up one of these consoles, you'll have to pay around $517.
5 The Legend Of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass DS Lite ($773)
When Nintendo releases a Zelda-themed console, they typically make it gold and put some kind of Zelda-themed imagery on it. This is definitely not something that fans of the franchise are complaining about, and these consoles often become really rare and collectible for fans of The Legend of Zelda.
This limited edition console is a Nintendo DS Lite that was created to celebrate the release of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourlgass, the cobsole itself is gold, and there is a Triforce on the corner of the top screen. It came bundled with the game and to get one now, you'll have to pay around $773.
4 SNES Edition 3DS XL ($799)
While a lot of the limited edition Nintendo DS consoles that have been released are typically themed after a game, character, or franchise, this limited edition console is completely different. Instead, the outside of the console was designed to look like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, also known as the SNES.
The SNES hit shelves back in 1990 in Japan where it was called the Super Famicom and in 1991 in North America. It was on shelves until 2003 when it was discontinued and is still a popular retro console. To get your hands on this limited edition Nintendo 3DS XL, you'll have to pay up to $799.
3 Kirby: Squeak Squad Nintendo DS Lite ($1,020)
Kirby: Squeak Squad is a platforming game that was released on the Nintendo DS in 2006. This game is similar to other Kirby games in that they control Kirby, who floats around and can inhale items to take on their properties or abilities.
In 2007, the magazine K-Zone had a contest in which one of the prizes was a super limited edition Nintendo DS Lite console themed after Kirby: Squeak Squad. Apparently, only 40 were made and they're incredibly difficult to find now. Only one has sold and it went for $1,020.
2 Pokémon Center Exclusive Mew Nintendo DS ($1,299)
This limited edition console is a special version of the very first Nintendo DS that was ever released. This limited edition console was only released in Japan and was sold at the Pokémon center. This console was inspired by Mew, one of the Legendary Pokémon from the first generation of the Pokémon franchise.
This console looks like a regular Nintendo DS but has a slightly metallic finish and is the same pink-toned lavender shade as Mew. Since this console was sold in such a specific location and was released so long ago, it's pretty rare now. Getting one can cost you up to $1,299.
1 Nintendo DS Lite Giratina Pokémon Center Console ($1444)
Giratina is one of the Legendary Pokémon that was introduced in Generation IV of the Pokémon franchise. Each time a new Pokémon game is released, it seems like Nintendo creates at least one special edition console to celebrate the release of the game. This was especially true with the different models of the Nintendo DS.
With the release of the Nintendo DS Lite, there was a special limited edition console sold exclusively at the Pokémon Center in Japan. It's white with Giratina in a subtly darker tone on the front of the top screen. Getting a new one today will set a serious fan back $1444..