What are the rarest original Xbox games and how much money are they worth? Released in 2001, Microsoft’s original Xbox marked the computing giant’s first attempt at breaking into the gaming console market. Although it was criticized for its clunky size, the first-ever iteration of the Xbox boasted several then-groundbreaking features like a built-in hard drive and – with the launch of Xbox Live in 2002 – the first real online multiplayer network.
The original Xbox sold 24 million units worldwide, outselling the likes of Nintendo’s GameCube and the Sega Dreamcast. However, it couldn’t outdo Sony’s PlayStation 2 which sold over 155 million units in its lifespan and ranked as the best-selling sixth-generation console. The original Xbox also found it hard to break non-Western console markets, particularly in Japan where it experienced pretty low sales. Microsoft released the console’s successor the Xbox 360 in 2005 and four years later the original Xbox was officially discontinued.
While some rarer games for certain older discontinued consoles can sell for big bucks, the original Xbox is still a relatively recent release meaning its rarest games generally aren’t worth as much. There are, however, a few rare original Xbox games that are worth a pretty penny – here are some of the rarest and most valuable.
Steel Battalion
Capcom’s Steel Battalion was an Xbox exclusive that saw players operate a giant mecha in a warzone. The game came with its own controller featuring two joysticks, over 40 buttons and a few foot pedals thrown in for good measure. A mint condition sealed copy with all accessories included can fetch up to $750.
Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis
Released in 2003, Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis lets gamers build their very own dinosaur theme park, Dr. John Hammond-style. The game has become something of a cult classic in the years since its release with copies still in original packaging selling for up to $260.
OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast
As its title suggests, Sega’s racing game OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast was released in 2006 towards the end of the original Xbox’s lifespan. As such not many copies of the game were printed, but collectors lucky enough to nab one could have an extra $250 in their pocket if they chose to sell it.
Futurama
Based on the Matt Groening animation of the same name, Futurama lets gamers play as characters including Fry and Leela as they race to save the universe from evil Momcorp CEO Carol Miller (AKA Mom). Disc only copies can set collectors back around $50 while a mint condition copy recently sold for $150.
Metal Wolf Chaos
Metal Wolf Chaos is revered by some gamers as the holy grail of rare original Xbox games thanks to its Japan-only release. It’s also a ridiculously fun game that sees players take on the role of the President of the United States as he battles his wayward vice president in an armored mecha. A brand-new copy in original packaging can cost over $300.