Overlooked and Undersold: The Gaming Consoles That Missed Their Moment
The gaming industry is full of success stories— The original PlayStation, Sega’s Mega Drive, and the Nintendo Game Boy often top the lists of beloved classics. But, for every Super Nintendo or XBox 360, there are systems that failed to capture the market and fell into obscurity.
In this article, we’ll journey through some of the most intriguing, forgotten consoles, focusing on their impact in the UK market, why they failed, and the games that still shine.
Amstrad GX4000
Released in 1990, the Amstrad GX4000 was British computer manufacturer Amstrad's ill-fated attempt to break into the console market. Priced at £99.99, it was based on the Amstrad CPC home computers, but the GX4000 was a cartridge-only system that touted enhanced graphics and sound.
Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t have been worse. The Mega Drive, with its cutting-edge 16-bit graphics, was just months away from launch in the UK. The GX4000 was outdated upon release, relying on 8-bit technology at a time when consumers were already looking for more power.
With fewer than 30 games released for the system, it failed to attract developers, and less than 15,000 units were sold before Amstrad pulled the plug. The most notable game for the GX4000 was Burnin’ Rubber, a fast-paced racer that came bundled with the console. It remains a cult favorite for retro enthusiasts, showcasing the system’s potential despite its overall commercial failure.
Sega 32X
In the mid-90s, Sega made a misstep with the Sega 32X, a hardware add-on for the Mega Drive. Released in 1994 as a stopgap until the Sega Saturn, the 32X allowed players to experience 32-bit games on their Mega Drive, but it required a separate power supply and used special cartridges, which immediately put off many consumers.
Despite support from some of Sega’s iconic franchises, the 32X was a commercial disaster, selling just 665,000 units worldwide, with a disappointing UK response.
While the 32X had the potential for impressive polygonal graphics, most gamers opted to wait for the more powerful Sega Saturn, released shortly afterward. Knuckles’ Chaotix, a unique Sonic spin-off, remains one of the few gems worth exploring for die-hard Sonic fans, though the system’s legacy is mostly tied to its poor timing.
3. Atari Jaguar
In 1993, Atari took a bold step with the Jaguar, which it marketed as the first 64-bit console—though its actual architecture was controversial, using two 32-bit processors. It launched in the UK to a lukewarm reception, partially due to its awkward controller with an excessive 17 buttons and a lack of compelling software at launch.
Despite games like Alien vs Predator and Tempest 2000 showcasing its power, the Jaguar sold a mere 250,000 units globally, with poor sales in the UK.
The Jaguar was plagued by a limited game library and the release of the Sega Saturn and Sony PlayStation, both of which eclipsed it in performance and popularity. Tempest 2000, a visually stunning and addictive shooter, is often heralded as one of the Jaguar's highlights and is still worth checking out for retro enthusiasts.
Philips CD-i
The Philips CD-i, launched in 1991, was an ambitious multimedia system that failed to make its mark in the gaming world. Initially designed as an interactive education and entertainment console, it suffered from a confused marketing strategy. While Philips struck a deal with Nintendo to use its characters in several games, the resulting titles—like Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon and Hotel Mario—were so poorly received that they’ve become infamous for their terrible quality.
Despite a small library of around 200 games, the CD-i sold poorly, with 400,000 units moved in the US, and very few in the UK. The system’s failure was compounded by its high price and the rise of more gaming-focused consoles like the PlayStation
Today, the CD-i is remembered mostly for its bizarre and Nintendo titles.
Neo Geo AES
SNK’s Neo Geo AES was a technical powerhouse when it launched in 1990, offering true arcade-quality gaming at home. But this came at a steep price—£400 for the console and £100-200 per game cartridge, making it prohibitively expensive for most consumers.
Despite this, the Neo Geo developed a strong niche following due to its high-quality arcade ports like Metal Slug, Samurai Shodown, and The King of Fighters series.
Though it sold fewer than 1 million units worldwide, the Neo Geo AES is revered by collectors. Its extensive and high-quality library of arcade titles remains a standout feature for retro gamers willing to invest in this pricey piece of history.
6. TurboGrafx-16
Launched in 1989 by NEC, the TurboGrafx-16 (or PC Engine, as it was known in Japan) was one of the first 16-bit consoles. However, it struggled in the UK due to poor marketing and lack of third-party support
While it was a massive success in Japan, it barely made a dent in the UK, where it was overshadowed by the Sega Mega Drive and Super Nintendo.
Notable games like Bonk’s Adventure, R-Type, and Castlevania: Rondo of Blood (which is now considered one of the best in the Castlevania series) still hold up well today. The TurboGrafx's failure wasn’t due to its hardware or games but rather its inability to compete with more popular and better-supported systems.
7. Apple Bandai Pippin
In 1996, Apple partnered with Bandai to release the Apple Bandai Pippin, a multimedia console designed to merge computing with gaming. Priced at £399, it was far more expensive than its competitors and lacked significant developer support. Only 42,000 units were sold globally, and it barely registered in the UK.
While the Pippin did have a few decent titles, such as Marathon, it’s now remembered more as a curiosity than a contender in the gaming market.
Why Did These Consoles Fail?
Most of these consoles failed for similar reasons: poor timing, high prices, and a lack of support from developers. In the UK, where pricing and timing were even more crucial, these systems struggled to gain a foothold. Consoles like the Neo Geo AES and Philips CD-i were priced out of the market, while the Amstrad GX4000 and Atari Jaguar couldn’t compete with more powerful and established rivals. Some, like the TurboGrafx-16, suffered from poor marketing and distribution.
While these consoles may have failed commercially, they’re fascinating footnotes in gaming history. They offer a glimpse into the risks and missteps of companies that tried to push the boundaries of what gaming could be. For collectors and retro enthusiasts, many of these systems have become highly sought-after relics. If you’re looking to dive into the more obscure corners of gaming, titles like Tempest 2000 on the Jaguar or Bonk’s Adventure on the TurboGrafx-16 are excellent starting points.
