Discover the most expensive video game consoles in history with impressive values
Modern consoles, such as the PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Xbox Series Sony, for example, has already readjusted the prices of the PS5 in Brazil in 2026, and Microsoft has also raised the prices of its Xbox Series X|S consoles due to increased production costs.
Although these values are well above the current average Brazilian salary, they still do not compare to the video games that marked history with prices considered exorbitant. An analysis brought together seven consoles that stood out for their high cost, with their values adjusted for inflation for today, revealing impressive figures that surpass current reality.
The list of the seven most expensive consoles in the history of video games
- Philips CD-i
- Neo Geo
- 3DO Interactive Multiplayer
- Intellivision
- Atari 2600
- Steam Machine
- PlayStation 5 Pro
Discover the Philips CD-i, one of the expensive forerunners of interactive systems
Launched in 1991, the Philips CD-i initially cost US$799, which is equivalent to approximately R$4,078.65. Adjusted for inflation, this value reaches approximately US$1,965.84, or R$10,035.02 currently. The device emerged after the failure of a partnership between Nintendo and Sony, with Nintendo looking to Philips for a new partner for its CD project. The CD-i worked as a precursor to DVD players, offering interactive video features, as well as the ability to run games and educational software.
Four Nintendo-related games were released for the system, although none were developed directly by the company, including “Hotel Mario” and three titles from “The Legend of Zelda” franchise. These games have been criticized for their limited controls, simple gameplay and animations. At the time, the Philips CD-i cost more than R$4,000, and its value adjusted for inflation would exceed R$10,000, without considering taxes.
Remember the Neo Geo, the console that brought the arcade experience home
With a starting price of US$649.99 in 1990 (around R$3,318), the Neo Geo has an inflation-adjusted value of US$1,666.97, or approximately R$8,509.38. Known for great fighting and action games, such as “The King of Fighters” and “Metal Slug”, SNK promised to bring the arcade experience directly to players’ homes. The console was essentially an arcade machine adapted for home use, and its price reflected this proposition.
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Neo Geo games were also expensive, costing US$199.99 (R$1,020.94) at the time, a value that today would be around US$512.91 (R$2,618.25) with inflation. On the other hand, the console delivered a high-level experience, being one of the few on the list where the extra power justified the investment in quality in games. SNK, in partnership with PLAION Replai, will launch a classic version of the console, the Neo Geo+ AES, on November 12, 2026, for a much more affordable price of US$249.99 (about R$1,276.12).
Understand 3DO Interactive Multiplayer and its search for a more mature audience
Released in 1993, before the PlayStation and Sega Saturn, 3DO Interactive Multiplayer was manufactured by several companies, with Panasonic being the most notable. Its initial price was US$699.99 (around R$3,573.24), and the value adjusted for inflation is US$1,623.71, equivalent to R$8,288.55. The console used CDs and was capable of displaying 3D graphics, although its performance was inferior to that of competitors launched in 1994.
Part of 3DO’s marketing strategy was to position it toward an older audience, which helped justify its high cost. Despite having some relevant titles, such as “Alone in the Dark” and “Road Rash”, the 3DO library was limited, with many games failing to impress. Interestingly, the console was the birthplace of franchises such as “Need for Speed” and “Gex”. With an inflation-adjusted price that would be over R$8,000 today, its low popularity is not surprising.
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The technical advantages of Intellivision in the golden age of video games
One of the second generation consoles, alongside the Atari 2600, the Intellivision was launched in 1979 by Mattel. It competed directly with the market leader, Atari, with a price of US$299 (approximately R$1,526.30). Adjusted for inflation, the value of Intellivision today would be US$1,380.50 (about R$7,047.03). The console had more powerful hardware, displaying superior graphics to its competitors, and a more advanced control, capable of detecting 16 directions, in contrast to the Atari 2600’s eight.
Thanks to its superior processing power, the Intellivision received improved versions of arcade hits such as “Pac-Man” and “Donkey Kong”, with fewer technical limitations than on the Atari 2600. In addition, it featured good original games, such as “Advanced Dungeons & Dragons”. These advantages, however, contributed to its high price. The value of Intellivision, adjusted for inflation, would be equivalent to $1,380.50 today.
Assessing the Original Impact and Cost of the Legendary Atari 2600
The Atari 2600, released in 1977, is widely considered the first console to shape the video game format we know today. With a starting price of US$189.95 (approximately R$969.63), adjusted for inflation, its value would reach US$1,050.45 (approximately R$5,362.23). Although its technology seems simple today, it was an industry phenomenon and reached the market at a high cost for the time, a period in which games were still characterized by the simplicity of “Pong”.
Using simple elements, programmers created games that seemed unbelievable at the time, exploiting the limitations of the hardware to the fullest. Among the highlighted titles are “Pitfall!”, “River Raid” and “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”. Considering inflation, the launch price of an Atari 2600 would be US$1,050.45 today.
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The Steam Machine: Valve’s mini-PC affected by component costs
In 2026, the Steam Machine was launched with a price of US$1,049 (about R$5,354.83). Although technically not a console, it is a compact PC developed by Valve, the company behind the Steam platform. Valve intended to offer the Steam Machine for a similar price to a traditional console, but unexpected increases in component costs ended up considerably increasing the price of the device.
As it is a portable PC, the Steam Machine can run most computer games, although it is not compatible with all. It uses SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system from Valve, which supports many games made for Windows 11 through Proton. However, some games, especially those that use anti-cheat systems, may not work correctly. The Steam Machine was launched in June 2026 and had no official launch in Brazil.
The price escalation of the PlayStation 5 Pro in the current technology market
The enhanced version of the PlayStation 5 (PS5), the PlayStation 5 Pro, was launched by Sony in September 2024, almost four years after the original PS5, costing US$899.99 in 2026 (approximately R$4,594.17). The PS5 Pro brought greater power for 4K graphics, better performance stability and improved Ray Tracing. With more robust hardware, the console began to deliver more detailed visuals and greater fluidity in games such as “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” and “God of War: Ragnarok”.
At launch, the PS5 Pro cost around US$699 (approximately R$3,573.23). However, this generation is atypical, marked by rising component costs due to growing demand from the artificial intelligence market. Unlike previous generations, where video game prices tended to fall over time, this generation’s prices have risen. The PS5 Pro is currently priced at $899.99.
