The Rarest N64 Controller Ever Made Could Cost You Thousands

The Nintendo 64 wasn't without limited edition controllers, but one of these controllers is so rare that it could net any owner thousands of dollars on the open market.

A seasoned Nintendo 64 player or someone well versed in gaming history might know that the gold "Star Fox" E3 competition controller is one of the rarest gamepads in all gaming. They were produced exclusively for a 1997 E3 event, a gold controller based around the beloved "StarFox" series, and given out to winners of the "StarFox" 4-player competition. While fans are still wondering whether they'll see another Star Fox game, this controller is even rarer than the franchise's spotty appearance history on consoles, with only 26 of the controllers ever manufactured and only 12 recorded already with collectors.

With the controller not only being one of the most sought-after pieces of hardware for N64 collectors but one of the most limited too, the "StarFox" E3 competition controller will cost any fan a pretty penny if they're looking to snag one. But unlike the rarest version of the Nintendo 64 console itself — which can sell for a few hundred pre-owned — this gold controller can run upwards of several thousand dollars — if gamers can find one.

In October 2021, it was reported by local UK newspaper Derbyshire Times that a rare "Star Fox" E3 controller had been found inside an abandoned storage locker in Derbyshire, England. According to the report, it was believed that the storage locker once belonged to an employee at Rare, the developer behind the Gamecube's "Star Fox Adventures" and Nintendo 64's "Goldeneye 007." The controller was verified authentic thanks to its iconic coloration and embossed logo — part of the allure of this collector's item. The "Star Fox" E3 competition controller features a golden front and jet black back, with an N64 logo emblazoned dead center above the red "Start" button.

After it was discovered, auctioneers valued the controller between £1,500-£2,000. That's approximately $1,822.58 at the low and $2,429.69 at the high end. While it may not be video game merch that costs more than a car, it's still a sizable price for a gaming controller, and considering the controller has been listed for much more (via Picclick), this could be the best price super fans see for the item.

That said, if any fans own one of these controllers, they are sitting on a valuable and rare piece of gaming history.